The solar system, billions of years old, holds many secrets about its formation. Among its fascinating residents is Chiron, a centaur orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. 



New findings by scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shed light on this hybrid of comet and asteroid, revealing unprecedented insights into its surface chemistry and activity.



The study was led by Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso of the University of Oviedo and Dr. Charles Schambeau from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Their findings could reshape our understanding of centaurs and the solar system’s early history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-capsules-of-the-solar-system">Time capsules of the solar system </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-objects-called-centaurs-29p-continue-to-perplex-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centaurs</a> are objects with dual characteristics, straddling the line between asteroids and comets. 



Chiron, discovered in 1977, is unique even among centaurs. It exhibits comet-like behavior, including a coma - a cloud of gas and dust - alongside distinct surface and interior features.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso emphasizes that centaurs act as “time capsules,” preserving information about the solar system’s formation. "All small bodies in the solar system talk to us about how it was back in time,” she explained. 



Chiron’s activity, driven by solar heating, offers a rare opportunity to explore these preserved secrets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-chemical-diversity-in-a-centaur">Unprecedented chemical diversity in a centaur</h2>



Using <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>, the team discovered that Chiron's surface hosts carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice. Its coma contains methane and other gases, marking the first detection of such diversity in a centaur. 



“These results are like nothing we’ve seen before,” noted Dr. Schambeau from <a href="https://www.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCF</a>.



JWST’s advanced capabilities allowed the researchers to study Chiron even at its farthest point from the Sun. This distance usually limits the activity of similar objects, such as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs).



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/comet-will-be-visible-for-the-first-time-in-50000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a> closer to the Sun, Chiron’s thinner coma offers clearer insights into its surface chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chiron-s-ice-and-gas-dynamics">Chiron's ice and gas dynamics</h2>



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso noted that Chiron’s dual nature makes it invaluable for studying processes in both comets and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>. 



"What is unique about Chiron is that we can observe both the surface and the coma,” she said.



This dual observation provides critical information about the ice layer's thickness, porosity, and chemical properties.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-Chiron_coma_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-Chiron_coma_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1s.webp" alt="Artist's impression of 2060 Chiron, an active centaur, surrounded by a faint disc of debris. Bright icy deposits and active areas are visible on its surface. Credtis: William D. González Sierra of the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida." class="wp-image-1954508"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artist's impression of 2060 Chiron, an active centaur, surrounded by a faint disc of debris. Bright icy deposits and active areas are visible on its surface. Credtis: William D. González Sierra of the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida.</figcaption></figure>



JWST’s observations revealed the coexistence of primordial ices, such as methane and water, and newer compounds formed through surface processes. 



“Every active centaur we observe shows some peculiarity,” said Dr. Pinilla-Alonso. Understanding these peculiarities may uncover patterns across these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-lifetime-comet-will-be-easily-visible-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmatic objects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-oddball-among-centaurs">An oddball among centaurs</h2>



Chiron stands out due to its unusual behavior, including comet-like activity and potential rings of debris. 



Dr. Schambeau describes it as “an oddball” with a unique thermophysical process. He analyzed methane in Chiron’s coma, linking its outflow to sun-heated regions on its surface.



These findings deepen our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-chiron_debris-disk_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centaurs’ evolution and behavior</a>. 



Chiron’s dynamic environment provides clues about how solar heating influences its surface and subsurface, offering a glimpse into processes shaping similar bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-future-of-chiron">Origins and future of Chiron</h2>



Chiron likely originated in the TNO region before moving into its current orbit. Gravitational interactions with giant planets alter the paths of centaurs, exposing them to varied environments.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso explained that centaurs typically remain in the giant planets’ region for about a million years before being ejected. “They may end their lives as Jupiter Family comets or return to the TNOs region."



Chiron’s journey across the solar system exposes it to solar radiation, driving surface changes and creating its unique chemical composition. 



Understanding this evolution provides valuable insights into the early solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-chiron-s-discovery">Broader implications of Chiron’s discovery</h2>



The study’s implications extend beyond Chiron. Identifying gases and ices on distant objects enhances our understanding of the solar system’s building blocks. 



These findings could also inform future research on centaurs and other icy bodies.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso noted that JWST’s spectra revealed intricate details about Chiron’s ices and their interactions. "Based on our new JWST data, I’m not so sure we have a standard centaur."



Further studies may uncover shared traits among centaurs, offering a clearer picture of their origins and diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-centaurs">Learning more about centaurs</h2>



The researchers from <a href="https://www.uniovi.es" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oviedo</a> and UCF plan to continue observing Chiron as it approaches the Sun.



Closer proximity will enable more detailed studies of its surface and coma, potentially uncovering new chemical and physical properties.



Future research may also explore seasonal variations and illumination effects on Chiron’s ice reservoir. Such studies could refine our understanding of how centaurs interact with their environments and evolve over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mysteries-of-the-solar-system">Unveiling the mysteries of the solar system</h2>



The JWST, an international collaboration led by NASA, has revolutionized space science. 



Its ability to observe distant objects like Chiron is solving long-standing mysteries about the solar system and beyond. These discoveries highlight the telescope’s transformative impact on planetary science.



“JWST has made these detections accessible. These results enhance our understanding of Chiron’s interior composition and its unique behaviors,” concluded Dr. Schambeau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-solar-system-exploration">New chapter in solar system exploration</h2>



Chiron’s unique chemistry and activity mark a significant milestone in understanding the solar system’s origins. 



The ongoing research, powered by JWST’s capabilities, promises to unravel more secrets about this enigmatic centaur and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counterparts</a>.



Through Chiron, scientists are not just uncovering the past - they are laying the groundwork for future exploration of icy bodies across the solar system.



“The analysis of Chiron’s gases and ices opens new frontiers and opportunities for exciting research,” said Dr. Pinilla-Alonso.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa50124-24/aa50124-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



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Rare asteroid-comet hybrid is unlike anything ever seen before

The solar system, billions of years old, holds many secrets about its formation. Among its fascinating residents is Chiron, a centaur orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. New findings by scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shed light on this hybrid of comet and asteroid, revealing unprecedented insights into its surface chemistry and activity. The study was led by Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso of the University of Oviedo and Dr. Charles Schambeau from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Their findings could reshape our understanding of centaurs...

Genetic,Engineering,,Gmo,And,Gene,Manipulation,Concept.,Hand,Is,Inserting

In the realm of scientific innovation, the past decade has seen the CRISPR/Cas systems emerge as a groundbreaking tool in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/gene-editing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome editing</a>, boasting applications that span from enhancing crop yields to pioneering gene therapy. 



The recent advent of CRISPR-COPIES by the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (<a href="https://cabbi.bio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CABBI</a>) marks a significant leap forward, refining CRISPR's flexibility and user-friendliness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-editing-game-changing-crispr-copies-tool">Beyond editing: Game-changing CRISPR-COPIES tool</h2>



CRISPR-COPIES represents a cutting-edge solution designed to swiftly pinpoint ideal chromosomal sites for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic modification</a> across any species. 



"It will accelerate our work in the metabolic engineering of non-model yeasts for cost-effective production of chemicals and biofuels," explains Huimin Zhao, a prominent figure at CABBI and the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>.



The essence of gene editing lies in its ability to precisely alter genetic codes, enabling the introduction of novel traits such as pest resistance or enhanced biochemical production. 



While CRISPR/Cas systems have facilitated targeted genetic modifications, the challenge of identifying optimal genomic integration sites persisted as a significant bottleneck, often involving cumbersome manual screening and testing processes.



Enter CRISPR-COPIES, the Computational Pipeline for the Identification of CRISPR/Cas-facilitated Integration Sites. 



This innovation transforms genome-wide neutral integration site identification into a rapid, efficient process, taking mere minutes to accomplish what once was a daunting task. 



“Finding the integration site in the genome manually is like searching for a needle in a haystack,” said Aashutosh Boob, a ChBE Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois and primary author of the study. 



“However, with CRISPR-COPIES, we transform the haystack into a searchable space, empowering researchers to efficiently locate all the needles that align with their specific criteria.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-theory-to-practice-crispr-copies-in-action">From theory to practice: CRISPR-COPIES in action</h2>



The versatility and efficiency of CRISPR-COPIES were showcased in a study published in Nucleic Acids Research, demonstrating its application across various species to enhance the production of valuable biochemicals. 



Moreover, the creation of a user-friendly web interface makes this tool accessible to researchers with limited bioinformatics background, democratizing the advanced capabilities of CRISPR/Cas systems.



A primary goal of CABBI is to harness non-model yeasts for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from plant biomass. 



Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gene-editing-technology-used-to-produce-disease-resistant-calf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome-editing</a> techniques, hindered by their labor-intensive nature and the scarcity of genetic tools, posed significant challenges to this endeavor. 



CRISPR-COPIES addresses these issues by offering a streamlined approach for the rapid identification of stable integration sites, thereby facilitating the engineering of strains for enhanced biochemical yields and crop traits.



This innovative software is poised to significantly accelerate the strain construction process, offering a boon to researchers worldwide in both academic and industrial settings. 



By simplifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-created-a-transparent-squid-allowing-them-to-see-inside-while-its-still-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic engineering</a> tasks, CRISPR-COPIES not only saves time and resources but also opens new avenues for the development of transgenic crops and the efficient conversion of biomass to valuable chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-frontier-in-genome-editing">The next frontier in genome editing</h2>



In summary, CRISPR-COPIES stands as a monumental advancement in the field of genetic engineering, offering researchers a powerful and accessible tool for precision genome editing. 



By streamlining the identification of optimal genetic integration sites, it accelerates the pace of scientific discovery and innovation while advancing new possibilities to address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture, biofuel production, and gene therapy. 



As this technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into various fields of research, CRISPR-COPIES promises to drive forward the boundaries of what's possible.



This new technology gives the world with a significant leap towards a future where genetic engineering can be conducted more efficiently, accurately, and with greater impact than ever before.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://apps.crossref.org/pendingpub/pendingpub.html?doi=10.1093%2Fnar%2Fgkae062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nucleic Acids Research</a>.



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CRISPR gene editing tool gets a revolutionary high-tech upgrade

In the realm of scientific innovation, the past decade has...

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of our planet, is edging closer to a critical tipping point that could trigger a widespread ecological collapse with far-reaching implications for the global climate system.



This dire warning comes from an international team of researchers, including experts from the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK). 



The study reveals a harrowing scenario in which up to 47 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-drying-out-with-far-reaching-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazonian</a> forest could be lost, underscoring the urgent need for global and local action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-stressors-on-the-amazon-rainforest">Multiple stressors on the Amazon rainforest</h2>



“The Southeastern Amazon has already shifted from a carbon sink to a source - meaning that the current amount of human pressure is too high for the region to maintain its status as a rainforest over the long term," said study co-author Boris Sakschewski.



"But the problem doesn't stop there. Since rainforests enrich the air with a lot of moisture which forms the basis of precipitation in the west and south of the continent, losing forest in one place can lead to losing forest in another in a self-propelling feedback loop or simply ‘tipping.’”



The researchers pinpointed the multifaceted stressors weakening the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-warming-amazon-deforestation-has-far-reaching-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon's resilience</a>, including increased temperatures, droughts, deforestation, and fires. 



By 2050, these disturbances are expected to threaten up to 47 percent of Amazonian forests, edging them closer to a tipping point beyond which recovery might be impossible.&nbsp;



The researchers identified five critical drivers of this tipping point: global warming, annual rainfall amounts, rainfall seasonality intensity, dry season length, and accumulated deforestation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impact-of-the-amazon-rainforest">Far-reaching impact of the Amazon rainforest</h2>



The experts propose safe boundaries for these drivers to prevent crossing the tipping point, such as maintaining mean annual rainfall above 1000 mm to ensure the rainforest's existence.



“We found for example that for mean annual rainfall below 1,000 mm per year, the Amazon rainforest cannot exist. However, below 1,800 mm per year, abrupt transitions from rainforest to a Savanna-like vegetation become possible. This can be triggered by individual droughts or forest fires, which both have become more frequent and more severe in recent years," explained study co-author Da Nian.



The study also highlights the broader impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon forest loss</a> on global warming and regional precipitation patterns. The flows of atmospheric moisture from the Amazon, known as "flying rivers," are essential for the South American Monsoon system and, by extension, rainfall across the continent. 



Furthermore, the carbon stored in the Amazon, equivalent to 15-20 years of current human CO2 emissions, underscores the global stakes of preserving this rainforest.



Study lead author Bernardo Flores raised concerns about the compounding disturbances within the Amazon's core.&nbsp;



“Compounding disturbances are increasingly common within the core of the Amazon," said Flores. "If these disturbances act in synergy, we may observe unexpected ecosystem transitions in areas previously considered as resilient, such as the moist forests of the western and central Amazon.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-reinforced-forest-loss">Self-reinforced forest loss</h2>



The researchers investigated the consequences of disturbed forests across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazons-rainforests-are-at-risk-of-transforming-into-dry-grassy-savannas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, noting that some areas might recover but remain in a degraded state, while others may transition to an open-canopy, flammable state, exacerbating the spread of fires. 



“We have evidence showing that rising temperatures, extreme droughts and fires can affect how the forest functions and change which tree species can integrate the forest system," said study co-author Dr. Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert.



"With the acceleration of global change there’s an increasing likelihood that we will see positive feedback loops in which, rather than being able to repair itself, the forest loss becomes self-reinforced.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06970-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The Amazon rainforest is approaching widespread collapse 

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of...

Scientists from <a href="https://tulane.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulane University</a> have unveiled findings that could significantly alter our understanding of the future impact of climate change on coastal wetlands. 



This research, described as a "time travel" study, provides a glimpse into the potential future of coastal marshes under the threat of rising sea levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-opportunity-nbsp">Unexpected opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, the scientific community has relied on computer models to forecast the long-term effects of climate change, particularly sea-level rise. However, an unexpected opportunity arose along the Gulf Coast, following the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.&nbsp;



In response to these natural disasters, an extensive network of nearly 400 monitoring sites was established along the Louisiana coast. This network was primarily intended to monitor the recovery and changes in the coastal landscape post-hurricanes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-sea-level-rise-nbsp">Extreme sea-level rise&nbsp;</h2>



After the monitoring network was established, the Gulf Coast region experienced a dramatic increase in the rate of sea-level rise, exceeding more than 10 millimeters (half an inch) per year. This is at least three times the global average.&nbsp;



This accelerated rate of sea-level rise subjected the area to conditions not expected until around 2070, providing a unique, real-world laboratory for scientists to study the potential impacts of future climate change on coastal wetlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-into-the-future">Looking into the future</h2>



“It is the dream of every field researcher who does experiments – we can basically travel 50 years into the future to get a peek at what’s in store,” said Torbjörn Törnqvist, a professor in the Tulane Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.



The researchers utilized innovative techniques developed by European scientists, which allowed for the measurement of sea-level rise directly off the coast using satellite data. This approach was previously unavailable, marking a significant advancement in the study of climate impacts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-climate-impact-experiment-nbsp">Unprecedented climate impact experiment&nbsp;</h2>



By comparing the rate of water-level rise at each monitoring site with the rate of wetland elevation change, the researchers discovered that almost 90% of the sites were experiencing a deficit, indicating that the wetlands were not keeping pace with the rising sea levels.



“To our knowledge, this is the first time that a climate impact experiment has been carried out over a region this large, based on hundreds of monitoring stations that have collected data for about 15 years,” said&nbsp; PhD candidate Guandong Li, who led the study. “This has also allowed us to study the climate impact on a heavily human-influenced landscape, rather than a more resilient pristine ecosystem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-results">Alarming results</h2>



The results show that if the current climate scenario persists, by 2070, approximately 75% of wetland sites will be in deficit, potentially leading to a rate of wetland loss much higher than what has been observed over the past century.&nbsp;



This prediction underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate its impacts on coastal ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimmer-of-hope-nbsp">Glimmer of hope&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that immediate action to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement and reduce carbon emissions could lead to a more sustainable climate trajectory.&nbsp;



This proactive approach could significantly reduce the rate of wetland loss, preserving these critical ecosystems for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.17882/74354" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Time travel' study reveals the fate of coastal marshes 

Scientists from Tulane University have unveiled findings that could significantly...

Climate change is a major threat, but what do people around the world actually think about taking action? Do most people want to fight climate change or leave it to future generations?



To understand the global perspectives on the fight against climate change, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university">University of Bonn</a>, <a href="https://safe-frankfurt.de/">Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE</a>, and <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/">University of Copenhagen</a> carried out an intriguing survey.



The experts interviewed nearly 130,000 people from 125 countries to understand their perception. The results shed surprising light on global attitudes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-willingness-to-fight-climate-change">Global willingness to fight climate change</h2>



The survey revealed a strong global agreement on the need for urgent action to fight climate change.



A vast majority would dedicate 1% of their income to tackling climate change, with most overwhelmingly backing green policies (86%) and demanding bolder leadership (89%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perception-gap-nbsp">Perception gap&nbsp;</h2>



A surprising yet encouraging finding of the survey is the "perception gap": people around the world underestimate how much others care about fighting climate change. This misperception, known as pluralistic ignorance, can create a sense of isolation and discouragement among individuals who do care.&nbsp;



The perception gap, quantified at 26 percentage points, reveals a discrepancy: while 69% of people surveyed said they'd give 1% of their income to help fight climate change, they thought on average that only 43% of others would do the same.



Researchers warn that this misjudging the extent to which others are willing to act on an issue can significantly stifle individual motivation to participate. This creates a vicious cycle where inaction breeds more inaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-discrepancies">Clear discrepancies</h2>



Furthermore, citizens in countries more vulnerable to climate change are more likely to fight it. Specifically, the study found that people in richer countries (measured by their average income) are less likely to want to donate money to fight climate change.&nbsp;



Citizens of wealthy nations are less willing to give even 1% of their income compared to people in poorer countries. This might be because they worry about the cost of fixing the problem or changing their present lifestyle.



On the other hand, people in countries with hotter weather, which might already be suffering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-endured-rapid-global-warming-300-million-years-ago/">global warming</a>, are more likely to want to help. This suggests that when people experience the negative effects of climate change firsthand, they're more willing to fix and adapt to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowing-doing-gap-nbsp">Knowing-doing gap&nbsp;</h2>



Overall, most people from the survey agreed we need to tackle climate change, but many worry others won't act. Researchers propose a straightforward solution to bridge this "knowing-doing gap": open and honest communication.



Openly sharing the high level of global willingness to contribute to climate action could be a powerful motivator, driving individual and community action forward. This could also help get rid of common myths and misunderstanding related to climate change.



Understanding the shared concern for the planet can unlock a surge of collective action, where cooperative behaviors ripple outwards across communities and society.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-can-do-to-fight-climate-change">What YOU can do to fight climate change</h2>



As discussed above, climate change poses a significant threat to our planet, impacting weather patterns, ecosystems, and human livelihoods. 



However, every individual has the power to make a difference. Here's how ordinary people around the world, like you and me, can contribute to the fight against climate change through simple, actionable steps.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduce-reuse-recycle">Reduce, reuse, recycle</h3>



Reduce your consumption of goods. Before purchasing, consider if it's necessary or if you can do without it. Reducing waste not only saves resources but also decreases the energy spent on production and disposal.



Reuse items whenever possible. Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers, reducing the demand for single-use plastics and products. Reusing extends the life of products, minimizing waste.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infinitely-recyclable-plastics-may-soon-become-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recycle materials</a> like paper, glass, and plastic. Recycling helps to reduce the need for raw materials, saving energy and preventing greenhouse gas emissions from extraction and processing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-sustainable-transportation">Embrace sustainable transportation</h3>



Walk or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cycling-could-dramatically-cut-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bike</a> for short distances to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also improves your health.



Use public transportation when possible. Trains, buses, and trams are more energy-efficient per passenger than individual cars.



Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Sharing rides can significantly decrease the carbon footprint of your commute.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserve-energy-to-fight-climate-change">Conserve energy to fight climate change</h3>



Switch to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-moves-to-phase-out-energy-inefficient-light-bulbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LED bulbs</a> which use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last longer, reducing both energy consumption and waste.



Unplug electronics when not in use. Many devices consume energy even when turned off but still plugged in, known as "phantom loads."



Improve home insulation to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-renewable-energy">Support renewable energy</h3>



Choose renewable energy sources if available in your area. Opting for electricity from wind, solar, or hydro sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels.



Invest in solar panels for your home if possible. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar energy</a> can significantly reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocate-for-change">Advocate for change</h3>



Support environmental policies by voting for leaders and initiatives that prioritize climate action. Public policy can drive large-scale environmental and economic shifts towards sustainability.



Educate others about the importance of fighting climate change. Sharing knowledge can inspire more individuals to take action.



Support organizations working towards environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Donations, volunteering, or even spreading the word can amplify their impact.



In summary, the fight against climate change requires collective action from everyone. By adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, advocating for positive change, and supporting renewable energy, ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. Together, we can protect our planet for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01925-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change.</a>



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People want to fight climate change more than you think

Climate change is a major threat, but what do people...

This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-heart-shaped-tail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valentine's Day</a>, the night sky will host a celestial event that <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> has charmingly dubbed a "cosmic kiss," with the moon and Jupiter set to rendezvous in the southwestern skies approximately an hour after sunset. 



This astronomical pairing, described by NASA as a "cute couple," will be a sight to behold. The crescent moon and the gas giant will appear to be mere finger widths apart, despite the staggering distance of about 227 million miles separating them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romantic-conjunction-nbsp">Romantic conjunction&nbsp;</h2>



The conjunction of these two celestial bodies is an event that can be enjoyed with the naked eye, and those with binoculars will have the treat of seeing both the moon and Jupiter within the same field of view.&nbsp;



While such conjunctions are not uncommon, the coincidence of this event occurring on Valentine's Day adds a layer of uniqueness and romance to the evening sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healing-and-good-fortune">Healing and good fortune</h2>



Astrologically, this meeting is said to symbolize growth, abundance, healing, and good fortune. Jupiter is also associated with opportunities, abundance, and optimism.



The peak of their closeness will occur at 1:05 am ET, with about 13 percent of the moon's surface illuminated, showcasing a waxing crescent moon against the backdrop of the night sky.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-illusion-nbsp">Optical illusion&nbsp;</h2>



To catch a glimpse of Jupiter, observers should look towards the bottom curve of the moon and then southwest, where the gas giant will shine as the brightest "star."



This cosmic kiss will be visible worldwide, though viewers in Singapore and Australia are in for a special treat. An optical illusion will make the pair appear even closer in these locations, as objects near the horizon can seem larger than when they are higher up in the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-of-aries">The constellation of Aries</h2>



Adding to the celestial display, the constellation of Aries will also be visible, sitting northeast of the crescent moon.&nbsp;



As one of the 12 zodiac constellations, Aries, often depicted as a ram and associated with the first astrological sign, occupies a space in the northern celestial hemisphere. However, even the brightness of Aries will be eclipsed by Jupiter, which remains the most luminous 'star' in the night sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fleeting-moment">A fleeting moment</h2>



Jupiter's proximity to Earth varies, ranging from 365 million miles at its closest to 601 million miles at its farthest. On the evening following this event, Jupiter will be over 480 million miles away from our planet.&nbsp;



The last notable encounter between the moon and Jupiter took place on December 26, 2023, when the moon, 86 percent illuminated, marked the year's final full moon during its close approach.



This Valentine's Day event offers a perfect opportunity for stargazers and romantics alike to witness the beauty and grandeur of the cosmos, as these two celestial bodies share a fleeting moment of proximity in the vast expanse of space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-jupiter">More about Jupiter</h2>



Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, notable for its massive size and distinctive swirling cloud bands, along with the Great Red Spot, a gigantic storm that has raged for at least 400 years.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition">Composition</h3>



This gas giant is made mostly of hydrogen and helium, similar in composition to a star, but it lacks the mass necessary to ignite nuclear fusion.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field">Magnetic field</h3>



Jupiter's powerful magnetic field is the strongest of any planet in the solar system, generated by its metallic hydrogen core, which creates spectacular auroras at its poles.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons">Moons</h3>



Surrounding Jupiter is a complex system of moons and rings. It has at least 79 moons, including the four large Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610.&nbsp;



Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, even surpasses the size of the planet Mercury. These moons are fascinating worlds in their own right, with Io being the most volcanically active body in the solar system, Europa having a subsurface ocean that may harbor conditions suitable for life, and Ganymede possessing its own magnetic field.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-dynamics-nbsp">Gravitational dynamics&nbsp;</h3>



Jupiter plays a crucial role in shaping the gravitational dynamics of the solar system. Its immense gravity has influenced the orbits of other planets and the formation of the solar system itself. It also acts as a kind of cosmic vacuum cleaner, with its gravity attracting and capturing comets and asteroids that might otherwise threaten Earth and other inner planets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights">Insights</h3>



Studying Jupiter and its moons provides valuable insights into the workings of the solar system, the formation of planetary bodies, and the potential for life on other worlds.&nbsp;



Missions like NASA's Juno spacecraft, which arrived at Jupiter in 2016, are designed to study Jupiter in detail, exploring its atmosphere, magnetic environment, and interior structure, shedding light on the complex processes that govern this giant planet and its diverse moon system.



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Jupiter and the moon will share a 'cosmic kiss' on Valentine’s Day

This Valentine's Day, the night sky will host a celestial...

The,Dog,Lies,On,An,Ancient,Burial,Site,,At,The

In an intriguing discovery from an ancient community in northern Italy, researchers have unearthed burial sites that blend human and animal remains. 



This recent excavation spawns more questions than answers regarding the perplexing and complex relationships between humans and animals that lived thousands of years ago. 



Together, the team explored the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-naledi-may-have-been-the-first-to-bury-their-dead-200000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burial practices</a> at Seminario Vescovile in Verona, dating back to the 3rd to 1st century BCE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-human-burials-with-animals">Significance of human burials with animals</h2>



Out of 161 individuals buried at this site, 16 were found alongside animal remains, including dogs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horse-buried-ceremonial-tomb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horses</a>, pigs, a chicken, and part of a cow. 



While some of these animals, like pigs and chickens, might have been food offerings for the deceased, the presence of dog and horse remains suggests a different story. 



These animals, not typically consumed by the community, might have symbolized enduring companionship or held religious significance, reflecting sacrificial practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-these-human-animal-burial-connections">Decoding these human-animal burial connections</h2>



The researchers meticulously analyzed demographic, dietary, genetic, and burial data of both the humans and animals found at the site, hoping to uncover patterns that could explain these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-humans-from-magdalenian-culture-practiced-cannibalism-as-part-of-funeral-rituals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique burials</a>. 



Interestingly, no significant correlations emerged from their analysis. Those buried with animals did not share close familial ties, suggesting that this practice was not limited to a specific family lineage.



Among the burials, there was a diverse representation of individuals accompanied by animals. 



The graves included a baby buried with a complete dog skeleton, a young man with horse parts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/burial-plot_early-human_dog_credit-SR-Thompson_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a middle-aged man with a small dog</a>, and a middle-aged woman with an entire horse, additional horse parts, and a dog skull. 



This variety further complicates our understanding of the motivations behind these burials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-silence-mystery-of-human-animal-burials">Interpreting silence: Mystery of human-animal burials</h2>



The absence of clear patterns in these burials leaves room for multiple interpretations. While dogs and horses often carried religious symbolism in ancient cultures, it's also plausible that these animals were beloved companions of the deceased. 



The researchers propose that these burial practices likely resulted from a combination of individual preferences and broader societal customs.



This study is a part of the <a href="https://celtudalps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CELTUDALPS</a> research project, which aims to uncover the mysteries surrounding the burial of horses and dogs with humans.



It opens up fascinating possibilities about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-sheds-light-on-neolithic-rituals-involving-human-bones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rituals and beliefs</a> of late-century BCE Italy, suggesting that the relationship between humans and animals was both complex and multifaceted. 



As we delve deeper into these ancient practices, we gain valuable insights into the social and religious fabric of past civilizations, highlighting the enduring bond between humans and their animal counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-pre-roman-burial-rituals">Exploring Pre-Roman burial rituals</h2>



Long before the rise of the Roman Empire, ancient cultures across Europe and the Mediterranean engaged in diverse burial rituals that reflected their beliefs, values, and social structures. 



These practices, varying widely among different communities, offer us a window into the lives and afterlives of pre-Roman societies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communal-tombs-and-individual-graves">Communal tombs and individual graves</h3>



One common practice involved communal burial sites, where generations of a single community or family rested together. These large tombs, often built with stone or carved into the earth, symbolized a collective identity and continuity. 



In contrast, individual graves highlighted personal status, achievements, or roles within the community, marked by distinctive grave goods, ornaments, or symbols.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rituals-of-passage">Rituals of passage</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummification-processes-in-europe-are-older-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burial rituals</a> often served as rites of passage, guiding the deceased from the world of the living to the afterlife. Ceremonies could include processions, chants, and offerings, with the belief that these rites ensured a safe journey for the soul. 



The inclusion of personal items, from weapons and jewelry to everyday utensils, aimed to equip the deceased for the afterlife. In addition, as we learned above, animals would often be included in the burial rituals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cremation-and-inhumation">Cremation and inhumation</h3>



Pre-Roman societies practiced both cremation and inhumation, with preferences varying over time and geography. 



Cremation involved burning the body, then burying the ashes in urns or pits, sometimes accompanied by offerings. 



Inhumation, the direct burial of the body, often included elaborate grave goods and sometimes sacrificial animals, believed to serve or protect the deceased in the next world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbolism-and-belief">Symbolism and belief</h3>



The diversity in burial practices reflected a tapestry of beliefs about death, the afterlife, and the cosmos. Some gravesites were aligned with celestial bodies or placed in locations believed to be closer to the divine. 



Animals, when included, could symbolize protection, companionship, or status. The variety and complexity of these rituals underscored the significance of death and the afterlife in pre-Roman cultures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-connections">Unearthing connections</h3>



Archaeological excavations continue to unearth the remnants of these ancient practices, offering insights into the spiritual and cultural worlds of pre-Roman societies. 



Each discovery, from the simplest burial pit to the most elaborate tomb, reveals the universal quest for meaning in death and the hope for continuity beyond it.



In summary, through the lens of burial rituals, we glimpse the profound connections between the living and the dead, the individual and the community, and humans and the cosmos in pre-Roman times. 



These ancient practices commemorated the deceased while also reaffirming the values and beliefs of the living, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to fascinate and inform.



The research at Seminario Vescovile in Verona was conducted by Zita Laffranchi from the <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>, Stefania Zingale from the <a href="https://www.eurac.edu/en/institutes-centers/institute-for-mummy-studies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Mummy Studies</a> at Eurac Research Bozen, Umberto Tecchiati from the <a href="https://www.unimi.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Milan</a>, and their colleagues. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293434" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Early humans were often buried with dogs, horses and other animals

In an intriguing discovery from an ancient community in northern...

Scientists have made a thrilling discovery about the elusive Skywalker gibbons, confirming a significant population of these endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a> in Myanmar. The research was fueled by the unique "love songs" that are sung by gibbon couples each morning.



The study marks the first confirmation of the species in Myanmar in over a century and significantly expands our understanding of their distribution.



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



The Skywalker gibbon, named for the "Star Wars" saga, was recognized as a distinct species in 2017. At that time, fewer than 200 individuals were documented, all within China's borders. However, a recent study has shattered this geographic limitation, identifying new groups of Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar.&nbsp;



The researchers have unveiled the largest known population of Skywalker gibbons on Earth, previously believed to be confined to southwestern China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-story-nbsp">Success story&nbsp;</h2>



The study was led by the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> and the newly formed Myanmar Skywalker Gibbon Conservation Committee. Field expeditions were conducted by partner organizations, including Nature Conservation Society Myanmar and Fauna &amp; Flora International – Myanmar.



“We were able to genetically identify 44 new groups of Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar,” said senior author Tierra Smiley Evans. “This is a huge resource and success story for Myanmar.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-under-the-radar">Living under the radar</h2>



The exact number of Skywalker gibbons in these newly identified groups remains undetermined. However, their presence in areas previously thought to be inhabited by the Eastern hoolock gibbon suggests that the largest probable population of Skywalker gibbons has been living undetected until now.&nbsp;



Initial estimates from 2013 speculated the existence of up to 65,000 gibbons in these regions, although current numbers are likely lower due to hunting, limited protected areas, and ongoing political unrest in Myanmar.



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



For the investigation, the experts collected chewed plants and fruits for non-invasive DNA sampling. They also used acoustic monitoring systems that captured the gibbons' morning serenades.&nbsp;



The innovative study approach was crucial in confirming the presence of Skywalker gibbons. These methods, combined with photograph analysis and local threat assessment surveys, have not only expanded the known habitat range of these gibbons but also underscored their adaptability and the critical need for targeted conservation efforts.



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



The discovery of Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar, particularly in the degraded forests of Southern Shan State and as far south as Kachin State, challenges previous assumptions about their habitat preferences and resilience.&nbsp;



This finding is a testament to the importance of local knowledge and community involvement in conservation research, especially in regions where political unrest and safety concerns limit external scientific exploration.



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



As the study's findings are integrated into the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the researchers advocate for the continued designation of the Skywalker gibbon as an endangered species. They emphasize the urgent need for Myanmar and China to extend and enhance conservation measures to these newly identified geographic areas.



“We found Skywalker gibbons in two regions of Myanmar: Kachin state and as far south as Shan state, in degraded forests and at much lower elevations than we expected, showing us they’re highly adaptable,” Evans said. “There needs to be a protected area system there that focuses on them.”



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



Skywalker gibbons, scientifically known as Hoolock tianxing, are a species of hoolock gibbon found in the forests of Myanmar and China. They were named "Skywalker" due to the meaning of their Chinese name, which reflects the idea of moving swiftly through the treetops, akin to the movement of a Jedi, a reference to the Star Wars saga. 



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



Skywalker gibbons are characterized by distinctive markings on their eyebrows and a generally lighter coloring compared to other hoolock gibbons. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, leaves, and occasionally insects. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives">Social lives </h3>



Like other gibbons, they are known for their agility and their ability to brachiate through the trees with remarkable speed. They live in small, territorial family groups, and their vocalizations, which include a complex series of hoots, barks, and other sounds, play a crucial role in communication and maintaining the bonds within these groups. 



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



Unfortunately, the Skywalker gibbons are facing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting, leading to their classification as endangered. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique species, emphasizing habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and research to better understand their ecology and behavior.



Image Credit: Peng-Fei Fan



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10764-024-00418-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Primatology</a>.



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Hidden groups of Skywalker gibbons found through their love songs

Scientists have made a thrilling discovery about the elusive Skywalker...

Decomposition is the process of breaking down dead organic matter into vital nutrients, sustaining life and enriching ecosystems. This process impacts soil, plants, and even air to support diverse organisms.



A recent study led by Dr Jessica L. Metcalf from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> has revealed a hidden world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-that-can-digest-plastic-in-freezing-temperatures/">microbes</a> driving the breakdown of deceased bodies. This holds significant promise for both advancing forensic science and enriching our ecological understanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-microbial-groups-linked-to-cadaver-decomposition">Key microbial groups linked to cadaver decomposition</h2>



Dr Jessica L. Metcalf and her colleagues monitored the decomposition of 36 deceased bodies placed in three distinct forensic anthropological facilities: the <a href="https://www.utk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tennessee, Knoxville</a>; <a href="https://www.shsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Houston State University</a>; and <a href="https://www.coloradomesa.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado Mesa University</a>.



The cadavers were used as models to understand how different factors such as climate, location, and time influence the microbial communities involved in decomposition.



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



Throughout the study, the researchers collected samples from the bodies at different stages of decomposition. They analyzed these samples using advanced genetic sequencing techniques to identify the microbes present and understand how their communities changed over time.



The researchers identified a total of 1,275 microbial groups linked to cadaver decomposition in various climates and locations.&nbsp;



These decomposers initially assemble somewhat randomly, but their activity becomes increasingly coordinated as decomposition progresses. This dynamic interplay creates unique "microbial consortia" – networks of diverse microbes working together to break down organic matter, regardless of season, location, or climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-decomposer-networks">Universal decomposer networks</h2>



The study revealed a surprising "universal decomposer network" active across diverse climates and locations. This suggests a link between microbes' evolutionary history (taxonomy) and their metabolic roles in decomposition.&nbsp;



Interestingly, while the overall mix of decomposers varied, approximately 20 key microbes consistently emerged as essential to the process. This highlights a level of functional redundancy despite climatic differences.



For instance, when crops decompose on farms, different kinds of microbes can step in to aid the process, but some specific microbes always seem to be important. The researchers found that the same idea applies to how human bodies decompose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-decomposition-nbsp">Rate of decomposition&nbsp;</h2>



The experts also explored how climate affects the rate of decomposition. They found that microbial communities in temperate zones respond more noticeably to changes in their environment than those in arid regions.&nbsp;



This further supports the understanding that climate heavily influences both decomposition rates and the activity of the decomposers.



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



Notably, despite these variations, the general composition or structure of the microbial communities involved in decomposition remained similar across all the environments. This suggests that, regardless of location, microbes follow similar processes when assembling themselves into communities responsible for decomposition.



The study represents a significant breakthrough in both forensic science and ecological understanding. The researchers have successfully linked patterns within microbial communities to accurately predict the Postmortem Interval (PMI), proving invaluable for criminal investigations by pinpointing the time of death.



The research also sheds light on ecosystem dynamics by analyzing how microbes decompose human remains. This knowledge could help illuminate the flow of carbon and nutrients within the environment for more accurate predictions of environmental changes.



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



Intriguingly, the presence of the universal decomposer network suggests that certain microbial interactions and processes transcend environmental differences, potentially leading to improved PMI estimates in various settings.



Future research may delve deeper into these findings, focusing on specific microbes crucial for PMI prediction, exploring microbial patterns in even more diverse environments, and investigating potential applications in fields beyond forensics, such as agriculture.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01580-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.



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Microbes involved in human decomposition may help solve crimes

Decomposition is the process of breaking down dead organic matter...

Korean scientists have pioneered a novel food technology that combines the traditional staple of rice with lab-grown animal cells, introducing "cultured beef rice" as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/animal-muscle_fat-cells_rice-grains_frankenfood_Yonsei-university_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viable meat alternative</a> for a planet in crisis. 



In a world grappling with the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-modified-plant-proteins-to-create-delicious-meat-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ethical food production</a>, this fascinating innovation emerged from South Korea, promising a new dawn for alternative protein sources. 



This technology aims to mitigate the environmental and ethical quandaries posed by industrial agriculture while offering a nutritious and flavorful alternative that could revolutionize our dietary habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-cultured-beef-rice">The science of cultured beef rice</h2>



This new study details how scientists have successfully grown animal muscle and fat cells within rice grains, creating a hybrid food that could significantly reduce our carbon footprint while providing an affordable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-says-theres-no-difference-between-meat-and-plant-based-sausages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein source</a>. 



The essence of this breakthrough lies in its potential to harness the nutritional benefits of rice, already a high-nutrient food, and elevate them by integrating the protein-rich cells of livestock.



Sohyeon Park, the study's first author, under the mentorship of Jinkee Hong at <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University</a>, envisions a future where our nutritional needs are met through such cell-cultured protein rice. 



The science behind this marvel involves mimicking the natural growth environment of animal cells by leveraging the structural properties of rice grains. 



These grains, characterized by their porosity and organized structure, offer an ideal scaffold for housing animal cells, which are nourished and grown to maturity within this unique medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-power-and-traditional-texture">Nutritional power and traditional texture</h2>



The process begins with coating rice grains in fish gelatin, a safe and edible substance that enhances cell adherence. 



Following this, cow muscle and fat stem cells are introduced into the grains, where they are cultured over a period of 9 to 11 days. 



The result is a safe, allergy-friendly cultured beef rice that promises a new frontier in food technology.



Through rigorous food industry analyses, the researchers discovered that this hybrid rice boasts a protein content 8% higher and a fat content 7% greater than that of regular rice. 



Notably, its texture is firmer and its flavor profile varies according to the ratio of muscle to fat cells, offering a diverse palate ranging from beef and almond to cream, butter, and coconut oil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-cultured-beef-rice">Environmental impact of cultured beef rice</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental benefits</a> of this innovation cannot be overstated. Traditional livestock production is resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 



In stark contrast, cultured beef rice presents a sustainable alternative, producing protein with a carbon footprint dramatically lower than that of conventional beef. 



Preliminary estimates suggest that for every 100 g of protein, this hybrid rice could reduce CO2 emissions to less than 6.27 kg, compared to the 49.89 kg associated with beef production.



Moreover, the economic implications are equally promising. While traditional beef retails at $14.88 per kilogram, cultured beef rice could be produced for as little as $2.23 per kilogram. 



This cost-effectiveness, combined with low food safety risks and a relatively straightforward production process, positions cultured beef rice as a viable commercial product in the near future.



The research team is now focused on optimizing the growth conditions within the rice grains to further enhance the nutritional value of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-meat-and-dairy-alternatives-will-dramatically-transform-the-global-food-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid food</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultured-beef-rice-global-impact-of-harvesting-hope">Cultured beef rice: Global impact of harvesting hope</h2>



Their success has not only exceeded expectations but also opened up a world of possibilities for rice-based hybrid foods. 



From providing relief in famine-stricken areas to serving as military rations or space food, the potential applications are vast and varied.



In summary, as we look toward the horizon of food innovation, cultured beef rice stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our commitment to sustainability. 



This important development promises to enrich our diets with a more nutritious and environmentally friendly protein source while setting a new standard for the global food industry. 



By blending the ancient staple of rice with the latest in cellular agriculture, scientists offer a solution that could significantly reduce our ecological footprint, combat food scarcity, and open up new avenues for culinary exploration. 



As we move forward, cultured beef rice embodies the potential to reshape our relationship with food, offering a sustainable, affordable, and versatile option that aligns with the pressing environmental and ethical demands of our time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S259023852400016X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matter</a>.



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Frankenfood: Beef grown inside rice cells that is tasty, healthy, and affordable

Korean scientists have pioneered a novel food technology that combines...

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In the remote and frigid waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">Arctic</a>, during the long and dark polar night, a discovery has been made that challenges our understanding of the Arctic marine food web.&nbsp;



For the first time, scientists have evidence to show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Crustaceans-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny crustaceans, known as amphipods</a>, are preying on both live and dead jellyfish to survive the harsh Arctic winter, a period when food sources are scarce. 



This revelation highlights the adaptability of marine life in the face of extreme environmental conditions and suggests a significant re-evaluation of the role of jellyfish within Arctic ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphipods-and-the-adaptability-of-marine-life">Amphipods and the adaptability of marine life</h2>



The study, published by <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1327650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers</a>, was conducted during an expedition to the AWIPEV research station on Svalbard in January and February 2022.&nbsp;



The team embarked on this journey to explore the dietary habits of amphipods, small crustaceans ranging from five to 20 millimeters in length, in the depths of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.



The research has illuminated the critical survival strategies that these organisms use during the months-long polar night when traditional food sources dwindle.



“Here we show for the first time that jellyfish -- thought to be typically poor in nutrients -- are nevertheless an important food source for amphipods during the Arctic polar night,” said study first author Annkathrin Dischereit, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dissection-of-the-amphipods">Dissection of the amphipods</h2>



The research team discovered that amphipods not only feed on "jelly-falls," the naturally sunken carcasses of jellyfish, but some species also actively prey on 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>. 



This discovery is pivotal, highlighting a previously underappreciated interaction within the Arctic marine food web.



The waters around Svalbard were found to be teeming with various jellyfish species, from true jellyfish like the lion's mane jellyfish to hydrozoans and ctenophores. 



The researchers focused on four species of amphipods, utilizing nets and baited traps for collection. 



Through the dissection of the amphipods and DNA metabarcoding of their gut contents, the team was able to identify the remains of their prey, revealing a diet rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/very-rare-medusa-jellyfish-species-santjordia-pagesi-spotted-near-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> among the studied species. 



The evidence suggests that jellyfish, contrary to previous beliefs, play a vital role in the diet of Arctic amphipods, especially during the challenging winter months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-changing-arctic">Rapidly changing Arctic</h2>



The study also highlights the broader implications of these findings in the context of the rapidly changing Arctic environment.&nbsp;



The phenomenon known as "Atlantification" -- the northward spread of jellyfish species from the Atlantic Ocean due to warming waters -- may further amplify the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-can-regenerate-functioning-tentacles-in-just-a-few-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> as a food source within Arctic food webs. 



As the Arctic warms at a record pace, understanding the dynamics of these food webs and the role of jellyfish within them becomes increasingly crucial.



"There has been a recent paradigm shift in the marine biology literature that recognizes that far from being a ‘trophic dead-end,' jellyfish are in fact eaten by a wide range of organisms," said study co-author Dr. Charlotte Havermans. 



"Our observations corroborate this major change in how scientists view the role of jellyfish in the food web."



“Because jellyfish tissue is quickly digested, they may have been overlooked as a prey item in previous studies, which unlike our study relied on visual identification of food items to determine the diet of Arctic invertebrates.”



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



As the Arctic continues to undergo profound environmental changes, further research into the diets of marine invertebrates and fish will be essential in unraveling the complex interactions that sustain these unique ecosystems.&nbsp;



The research lays the groundwork for future studies, opening new avenues for exploring the resilience of Arctic marine life in the face of climate change.



“To get a better idea of the role of jellyfish in the Arctic marine food web, and how this may change when their populations increase in the ‘new Arctic,’ we plan to further investigate the diet of other invertebrates and fish that potentially feed on jellyfish," said Dischereit.



"Questions remain, for example, whether jellyfish are a regular part of the diet of amphipods or whether they are simply a survival food during the polar night."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1327650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



Image Credit: C. Havermans



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Tiny creatures called amphipods eat jellyfish to survive the polar winters

In the remote and frigid waters of the Arctic, during...

In a new study, researchers have documented playful teasing among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-understand-the-gestures-of-other-great-apes/">great apes</a>, suggesting that the roots of humor may stretch far back into our evolutionary history.&nbsp;



The collaborative research was conducted by a team of cognitive biologists and primatologists led by the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a>.&nbsp;



The experts have unveiled fascinating insights into the social dynamics of orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of primate behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-humor-in-apes-and-humans">Role of humor in apes and humans</h2>



The study draws parallels between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humor-is-a-clear-sign-of-intelligence-among-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human joking</a> and ape teasing behaviors, highlighting their provocative, persistent nature, and the incorporation of elements of surprise and play. 



This similarity suggests that the foundational aspects of humor may have evolved in the human lineage at least 13 million years ago, predating the development of language and providing a new lens through which to view the cognitive capabilities of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



Joking, an integral component of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-understand-the-gestures-of-other-great-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interaction</a>, relies heavily on social intelligence, the anticipation of future actions, and the recognition and appreciation of the violation of expectations. 



Playful teasing, observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-appreciate-humor-very-early-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human infants</a> as young as eight months, shares much with joking. Both include provocative, repetitive actions that involve surprise and violate social norms. 



The study indicates that such behavior in great apes represents a cognitive precursor to the more complex human joking.



“Great apes are excellent candidates for playful teasing, as they are closely related to us, engage in social play, show laughter and display relatively sophisticated understandings of others’ expectations,” said study first author Isabelle Laumer, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The researchers analyzed spontaneous social interactions among great apes that exhibited characteristics of playful, mildly harassing, or provocative behavior.&nbsp;



The experts focused on the teaser's actions, body movements, facial expressions, and the responses from those being teased, seeking evidence of intentionality and the desire to provoke a reaction.



The findings revealed that all four great ape species engage in intentionally provocative behaviors that are frequently playful.&nbsp;



The study identified 18 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/words-funny/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct behaviors</a> aimed at provoking a response or attracting attention, such as waving or swinging body parts or objects, hitting or poking, staring, disrupting movements, or pulling on hair. 



These actions, often persistent and one-sided, rarely elicited reciprocal play signals from the targets, highlighting a distinction from more mutual forms of play.



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



“It was common for teasers to repeatedly wave or swing a body part or object in the middle of the target’s field of vision, hit or poke them, stare closely at their face, disrupt their movements, pull on their hair or perform other behaviors that were extremely difficult for the target to ignore,” said study senior author Professor Erica Cartmill of UCLA.



The study authors noted that although playful teasing took many forms, it differed from play in several ways. “Playful teasing in great apes is one-sided, very much coming from the teaser often throughout the entire interaction and rarely reciprocated,” explained Cartmill.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The animals also rarely use play signals like the primate ‘playface,' which is similar to what we would call a smile, or ‘hold’ gestures that signal their intent to play.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apes-and-the-evolutionary-implications-of-humor">Apes and the evolutionary implications of humor</h2>



This research builds on observations by Jane Goodall and other field primatologists, systematically studying behaviors that had been noted anecdotally for years.&nbsp;



The evolutionary implications of the findings are profound, suggesting that playful teasing and its cognitive prerequisites were likely present in the last common ancestor of humans and great apes. 



This not only sheds light on the evolution of humor and social interaction but also underscores the deep connections we share with great apes.



“From an evolutionary perspective, the presence of playful teasing in all four great apes and its similarities to playful teasing and joking in human infants suggests that playful teasing and its cognitive prerequisites may have been present in our last common ancestor, at least 13 million years ago,” explained Laumer.&nbsp;



“We hope that our study will inspire other researchers to study playful teasing in more species in order to better understand the evolution of this multifaceted behavior. We also hope that this study raises awareness of the similarities we share with our closest relatives and the importance of protecting these endangered animals.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>. 



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Apes play and tease each other, suggesting that humor has evolutionary origins 

In a new study, researchers have documented playful teasing among...

Scientists have introduced a new blood testing method that could significantly alter the way we approach heart attack prevention. By combining a standard blood test with an innovative online tool, individuals can now assess their risk of experiencing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack</a> within the next six months. 



This novel approach, spearheaded by Professor Johan Sundström from <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a>, seeks to enhance patient care while hoping to motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-heart-attacks-with-a-blood-test">Predicting heart attacks with a blood test</h2>



Historically, the prediction of heart attacks has been a complex challenge. Traditional methods, based on long-term studies, have struggled to identify high-risk individuals effectively. 



These studies typically focus on stable risk factors over extended periods, failing to account for the dynamic nature of the period leading up to a heart attack. Professor Sundström highlights the urgency of this issue.



"The time just before a heart attack is very dynamic. For example, the risk of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-air-pollution-levels-can-elevate-heart-attack-risk-within-one-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack</a> doubles during the month after a divorce, and the risk of a fatal heart event is five times as high during the week after a cancer diagnosis,” Sundström explains.



To address this challenge, Sundström and his team, in collaboration with European researchers, embarked on a mission to identify biological markers indicative of an imminent heart attack. 



Their research analyzed blood samples from 169,053 individuals, identifying approximately 90 molecules associated with an increased risk of a heart attack. 



“We identified around 90 molecules that were linked to a risk of a first heart attack. However, the samples that are already taken in healthcare now are enough to predict the risk. We hope that this will increase people’s motivation to take their preventive medicine or stop smoking, for example,” says Sundström.



Remarkably, the team discovered that existing blood tests in healthcare settings are sufficient for risk assessment. This finding paves the way for a more accessible and efficient approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-inactivity-during-childhood-linked-to-heart-damage-in-early-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack</a> prediction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-individuals-through-biotech">Empowering individuals through biotech</h2>



Another significant outcome of this research is the development of a simple online tool that enables individuals to assess their risk of having a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-are-more-than-twice-as-likely-to-die-after-a-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack</a> within six months. This tool represents a critical step toward empowering people to take charge of their health. 



“This was one of the aims of the entire study, since we know that people feel relatively low motivation to follow preventive treatments. If you find out that you happen to have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack soon, perhaps you will feel more motivated to prevent it,” Sundström says.



The implications of this research extend far beyond its current achievements. The team plans to further investigate the identified molecules, exploring potential treatment options and better understanding their role in heart attack prevention. 



Additionally, a new study is on the horizon to evaluate the effectiveness of the online tool in motivating individuals to pursue preventive measures.



“We hope to be able to carry out a new study here in Uppsala to see whether the online tool provides the kind of motivation we intend,” Sundström concludes.



In summary, this important initiative marks a significant advancement in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a> and exemplifies the power of innovative research in transforming patient care. 



By leveraging simple blood tests and digital tools, Uppsala University's research offers hope for millions at risk of heart attacks, moving us closer to a future where preventative care is more personalized, accessible, and effective. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-024-00422-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Simple blood test can now predict your heart attack risk within six months

Scientists have introduced a new blood testing method that could...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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