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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Oxygen levels on exoplanets reveal presence of alien technology

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

In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) examined the degradation rates of different types of straws in the ocean. 



The research, conducted in collaboration with <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastman</a>, a bioplastic manufacturing company, aimed to identify sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-straws-banned-small/">straws</a>.



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



The team suspended various types of straws in a tank of continuously flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, to mimic natural marine conditions. 



The types tested included straws made of cellulose diacetate (CDA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), paper, polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP).&nbsp;



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



Over 16 weeks, the researchers observed that the CDA, PHA, and paper straws degraded by up to 50%, with an estimated environmental lifetime of 10-20 months in the coastal ocean. In contrast, PLA and PP straws showed no measurable signs of degradation.



"We lack a firm understanding of how long plastics last in the ocean, so we've been designing methods to measure how fast these materials degrade,” said Collin Ward, a WHOI scientist. “It turns out, in this case, there are some bioplastic straws that actually degrade fairly quickly, which is good news.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-straws">Foam straws</h2>



The study also compared two CDA straws provided by Eastman, one solid and the other a foam variant. The foam CDA straw, a prototype designed to increase surface area and accelerate degradation, was found to degrade 184% faster than the solid straw, indicating a shorter projected environmental lifetime than even the paper straws.



“The unique aspects of this foam straw are that it's able to have a shorter expected lifetime than the paper straws but retain the properties that you enjoy of a plastic or a bioplastic straw,” explained Bryan James, a WHOI scientist.



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



Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s Vice President of Corporate Innovation, emphasized the significance of the study for straw manufacturers.&nbsp;



“This study can be immensely valuable for straw manufacturers by providing informed and transparent data when selecting a material for straws. Even more, it provides reassurance that CDA-based straws won’t add to the persistent plastic pollution, while also demonstrating straw manufacturers’ commitment to offering a sustainable product that reduces risk to marine life.”



The findings highlight the importance of developing new materials that are sustainably sourced and degrade more effectively in the environment, thus reducing the impact of plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-straws-and-the-environment-nbsp">Plastic straws and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



Plastic straws have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life.&nbsp;



Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Many plastic straws end up in the ocean, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste there. They can harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-harm">Wildlife harm</h3>



Marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds, can mistake plastic straws for food. This can lead to injury or death. Straws can also block airways or digestive tracts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-generation">Microplastics generation</h3>



Over time, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-intensive">Resource intensive</h3>



The production of plastic straws involves the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and also results in the emission of greenhouse gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-recycling">Challenges in recycling</h3>



Plastic straws are often not recycled due to their small size and lightweight nature, which makes them difficult to process in standard recycling equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c07391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</a>.



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Some plastic straws degrade faster than others

In a recent study, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

In the lush rainforests of the Philippines, a remarkable discovery of two weevil species has emerged, highlighting the resilience of nature amidst human-induced disruptions. 



Tom Terzin, a dedicated biology professor at the University of Alberta's <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/augustana/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augustana Campus</a>, has made a significant contribution to the world of entomology. 



His recent discovery of two unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weevil-pheromones-could-save-californias-avocado-orchards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> species -- one previously thought to be extinct and another entirely new to science -- serves as a testament to the enduring vitality of wildlife.



While working on a broader project examining the impact of environmental changes on insect life, Professor Terzin's meticulous examination of beetle samples from <a href="https://forestry.denr.gov.ph/b+wiser/index.php/sites/nnpa-and-ws" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Negros National Park</a> yielded these extraordinary finds. 



The samples, collected in 2016 and 2017, came from an area that had seen its pristine forest almost completely decimated by logging, agriculture, and population growth by the late 20th century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weevil-species-metapocyrtus-trachycyrtus-augustanae">Weevil species Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) augustanae</h2>



Among these samples, a peculiar short-nosed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-defenses-how-the-sitka-spruce-fends-off-weevil-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> caught Terzin's eye. 



Contrary to its relatives' metallic sheen, this black bug, about half a centimeter in length, bore light scales on its surface without any distinct pattern. 



Dubbed <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/New-weevil-species_metapocyrtus-trachycyrtus_Credit_Tom-Terzin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) augustanae</a>, named in honor of Augustana Campus, this new species is intriguing for its plainness, a stark contrast to its more flamboyant counterparts. 



"This guy was a bit strange, some sort of rebel in refusing to mimic the species,” Terzin remarked, highlighting the specimen's uniqueness. “It could mean there’s a redirection of the habits of these species, evolutionarily speaking, and being only known from a single specimen, for now, indicates it’s probably a rare species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weevil-species-metapocyrtus-orthocyrtus-bifoveatus">Weevil species Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) bifoveatus</h2>



Equally thrilling was the rediscovery of another short-nosed weevil, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/new-weevil-species_rediscovered_Metapocyrtus-Orthocyrtus-bifoveatus_Tom-Terzin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) bifoveatus</a>, last spotted on the island a century ago. 



Previously known to inhabit only the lowland rainforests -- areas ravaged by deforestation -- this vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weevils-the-unknown-and-underappreciated-pollination-heroes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> was found thriving in higher altitudes over 1,000 meters. 



“Somehow this species has managed to survive in higher altitudes of over 1,000 meters, which shows a struggle for life, that they refused to become extinct from deforestation. In the world of insects, it’s almost like discovering a dodo bird,” Terzin explained, emphasizing the species' resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascination-with-beetles">Fascination with beetles</h2>



Terzin's fascination with beetles began in childhood, viewing them as "tiny natural robots" with their exoskeletons and segmented bodies. 



His enthusiasm is palpable as he describes their behavior, drawing parallels to the simplistic yet effective actions of robots.



"They behave like tiny natural robots. They have an exoskeleton and segmented bodies, and they crawl around obeying simple rules. If there’s an obstacle in their way they usually go around it, which is generally how a robot would behave," Terzin explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-these-weevil-species-discoveries">Significance of these weevil species discoveries</h2>



The significance of these discoveries extends beyond academic curiosity. As the largest family of beetles, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pheromones-could-help-get-deadly-palm-weevils-under-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevils</a> play a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem. 



However, their potential as pests, especially in the face of climate change, cannot be overlooked. 



“They’re like asteroids that cross the Earth’s orbit. Some of them can be dangerous, but they’re even more dangerous if we don’t know about them. So it’s important to monitor their population -- and that means we first need to discover them,” Terzin adds.



These specimens now have a special place in the Augustana Tropical Insects Research Studio's entomology collection. 



They are not just scientific curiosities but valuable resources for teaching and research, particularly in understanding ecological recovery in forestry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-name-a-new-species">How to name a new species</h2>



The naming of the new insect after Augustana serves as a gesture of gratitude for the support Terzin received for his 2016 research trip to the Philippines and recognizes the campus's growing focus on undergraduate research.



With a rare permit to explore the country's national parks, Terzin is poised to continue his quest for new insect species in 2025. 



His work, beyond its scientific merit, may inspire the Philippine government to open its doors to more international researchers. 



As Terzin notes, while the country strives to protect its natural resources, there is a dire need for more researchers to document its rich biodiversity. 



"It’s a huge world with lots of still undescribed wonders and species," he concludes, echoing a sentiment of endless discovery and the importance of preserving our natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



In summary, Professor Tom Terzin's discovery of two unique weevil species in the Philippines' Northern Negros National Park vividly illustrates nature's remarkable capacity for resilience and adaptation.



Through his diligent research, Terzin brings attention to species that challenge our understanding of ecological recovery and underscore the urgent need for continued exploration and documentation of biodiversity in threatened ecosystems. 



These findings, significant in their own right, also serve as a clarion call for greater international collaboration in conservation efforts, reminding us of the countless wonders that still await discovery and the crucial role of scientific inquiry in safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.



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New weevil species discovery ‘almost like discovering a dodo bird’

In the lush rainforests of the Philippines, a remarkable discovery...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> has brought to light the alarming risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> heating, particularly highlighting the drastic changes observed in 2023. 



The research warns of the consequences if the world enters a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-ocean-temperatures">Extreme ocean temperatures</h2>



The year 2023 witnessed record-high ocean temperatures that were unprecedented in the last four decades. The North Atlantic, in particular, experienced extreme warmth, measuring about 1.4°C above the average temperature between 1982 and 2011.&nbsp;



This surge in ocean temperatures is not an isolated phenomenon but a potential precursor to what could become the new norm under a global warming scenario of 3°C.&nbsp;



It's crucial to note that the current global temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. The researchers set out to explore the causes behind the record-breaking ocean temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-nbsp">Uncharted territory&nbsp;</h2>



“The extraordinary heat in the North Atlantic and missing sea ice in the Southern Ocean in 2023 tell us the oceans are sounding an alarm," said Dr. Till Kuhlbrodt, who led the study.&nbsp;



"We urgently need to understand exactly why parts of the ocean are warming rapidly so we can prepare for more frequent weather disruption across the planet. How often we get hit by more of these extremes hangs on figuring out what's driving the Atlantic and Southern Oceans into uncharted territory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-energy-imbalance-nbsp">Earth's energy imbalance&nbsp;</h2>



A critical aspect of this research is the investigation into Earth's energy imbalance. Currently, the Earth is absorbing more solar energy than it releases back into space as heat, creating an imbalance of 1.9 watts per square meter.&nbsp;



Over a year, this excess energy is roughly 300 times greater than the global annual consumption of electric energy. This imbalance, primarily driven by heat-trapping gases from human activities, is a significant factor in the acceleration of ocean heating, with over 90% of the excess energy being absorbed by the oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-warming-of-the-atlantic">Rapid warming of the Atlantic</h2>



Since 2016, the Atlantic Ocean has been warming at a rate faster than other ocean basins, particularly in the top 100 meters of the ocean. This trend is believed to be linked with record low levels of sea ice in the Southern Ocean. The year 2023 marked a historic low for Antarctic winter sea ice extent, the lowest since satellite monitoring began in the late 1970s.



The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of how the rapid warming of the Atlantic is affecting sea ice cover and stresses the importance of attributing these oceanic and sea ice extremes accurately. Such understanding is crucial for refining climate models, which in turn will guide global mitigation policies and resilience measures.



Dr. Kuhlbrodt highlighted the urgency of gathering more data: “We need more data from the Atlantic to conclusively tie the warming and disappearing ice trends to a shift in the pattern of ocean currents, but the signals point to a hidden climate connections between the poles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-ocean-heating-nbsp">Dangers of ocean heating&nbsp;</h2>



Ocean warming, a consequence of climate change, has several significant and interrelated effects on the environment, marine life, and human societies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and essential symbiotic algae. This can devastate coral reefs, crucial to marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Warmer temperatures cause the expansion of seawater and the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea level rise. This can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and displacement of coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-marine-ecosystems">Changes in marine ecosystems</h3>



Ocean warming can alter the distribution of marine species, as many species migrate towards cooler waters. This disrupts existing ecosystems and affects fishing patterns and marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Warmer oceans can fuel more intense and frequent hurricanes and typhoons, leading to increased risks for coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h3>



Along with warming, the ocean absorbs more CO2, leading to acidification. This affects shellfish and other marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-fisheries">Impact on fisheries</h3>



Changing ocean temperatures can affect fish stocks, altering their breeding patterns, growth rates, and migration routes, impacting global fisheries and food security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-nutrient-cycles">Disruption of nutrient cycles</h3>



Elevated temperatures can affect ocean currents, which in turn disrupt the upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This can impact the base of the oceanic food web.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-marine-mammals">Threats to marine mammals</h3>



Marine mammals, like polar bears and seals, are affected by the loss of sea ice and changes in prey availability due to warming oceans.



These impacts highlight the importance of addressing climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate ocean heating.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0209.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society</a>.



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Extreme ocean heating signals alarm for a 3°C warmer world

A new study from the University of Reading has brought...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> have developed a potentially revolutionary approach to combating deadly and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 



By modifying the DNA of a bacteriophage, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animal-viruses-will-cause-future-pandemics/">virus</a> that infects bacteria, and introducing it into Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notoriously antibiotic-resistant bacterium, the research team has been able to prompt the bacterium to self-destruct.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-alternative-nbsp">Breakthrough alternative&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02897-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiology Spectrum</a>, demonstrates the potential of using modified phages as new therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Erica Hartmann, the lead researcher and an associate professor at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, emphasized the importance of this development. 



“Antimicrobial resistance is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent pandemic.’ The numbers of infections and deaths from infections are increasing worldwide. It’s a massive problem. Phage therapy has emerged as an untapped alternative to our reliance on using antimicrobials," she said.



Hartmann's work involved the use of electroporation, a method of introducing DNA into bacterial cells, which enabled the phage DNA to bypass the bacterium's defense mechanisms. The successful infiltration of the DNA into P. aeruginosa led to the creation of virions that cut through and killed the bacterial cell.



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



The implications of this research are vast, especially considering the escalating global crisis of antibacterial resistance. Hartmann highlighted the potential of phage therapies, which can be highly specific in targeting bacterial infections without the broad disruption caused by antibiotics.&nbsp;



"What’s powerful about phage is it can be very specific in the way that antibiotics are not,” she said. “If you take an antibiotic for a sinus infection, for example, it disrupts your entire gastrointestinal tract. A phage therapy can be designed to affect only the infection.”



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



Although phage therapies have been explored before, Hartmann's focus on P. aeruginosa, one of the top five deadliest human pathogens, marks a significant step forward. This pathogen is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems and is a common cause of hospital infections.



The study showcases a novel approach to dealing with drug-resistant bacteria, offering a glimmer of hope in what has become a critical global health issue. By furthering our understanding of phages and their potential as therapeutic agents, Hartmann's research opens the door to innovative treatments that could significantly impact public health.



More about antibiotic-resistant bacteria&nbsp;



Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are strains of bacteria that have developed the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that were originally effective against them. This phenomenon poses a significant public health challenge, as it can make bacterial infections harder to treat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection">Natural selection</h3>



The resistance develops through natural selection: bacteria with genetic mutations that confer resistance are more likely to survive in the presence of antibiotics. These surviving bacteria then reproduce, passing on the resistance genes. Over time, this process can lead to the emergence of bacterial populations that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overuse-of-antibiotics-nbsp">Overuse of antibiotics&nbsp;</h3>



The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and in agriculture have accelerated the spread of antibiotic resistance. In healthcare, this includes using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections or not completing prescribed courses. In agriculture, antibiotics are often used to promote growth in livestock, a practice that contributes to the development of resistant bacteria.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resistant-infections-nbsp">Resistant infections&nbsp;</h3>



Resistant bacteria can spread between individuals and across communities, making infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea harder to treat. This situation leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-strategies">Mitigation strategies</h3>



To combat antibiotic resistance, efforts are focused on prudent use of antibiotics, development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments, better infection control in healthcare settings, and improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Public education on the appropriate use of antibiotics is also crucial.



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Scientists create viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a potentially revolutionary approach...

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how bird brains evolved to support flight. 



By integrating PET scans of contemporary pigeons with analyses of dinosaur fossils, the research sheds light on a long-standing biological mystery: the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> flight capabilities through brain evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-cerebellum-brain-region-and-flight-evolution">Birds' cerebellum brain region and flight evolution</h2>



The key discovery is the adaptive enlargement of the cerebellum in certain fossil vertebrates. This brain region, crucial for movement and motor control, appears to have played a pivotal role in this evolutionary process.



For years, scientists have speculated about the importance of the cerebellum region of the brain in bird flight, yet lacked concrete evidence. 



Addressing this gap, the current study juxtaposes PET scan data from modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigeons</a> during flight with the fossil record of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. 



"Powered flight among vertebrates is a rare event in evolutionary history," says <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/amy-balanoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Amy Balanoff</a>, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a> and lead author of the study.



Remarkably, only three vertebrate groups -- pterosaurs, bats, and birds -- achieved this feat, each evolving independently on the evolutionary tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-physical-adaptations">Beyond physical adaptations</h2>



Dr. Balanoff and her team delved beyond external physical adaptations to explore the neurological foundations of flight. 



Collaborating with biomedical engineers at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, they compared brain activity in pigeons before and after flight. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bird-flight_brain-evolution_endocasts_woodpecker-Melanerpes-aurifrons_credit-Amy-Balanoff_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Using PET imaging</a> -- a technique akin to those used in human medicine -- they examined changes in 26 brain regions.



The results were revealing. In all eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> studied, the cerebellum exhibited significant increases in activity during flight. 



This was complemented by heightened activity in the optic flow pathways, which link the retina to the cerebellum and are instrumental in processing visual movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-technology-and-evolutionary-history">Modern technology and evolutionary history</h2>



The novelty of this flight research lies in its correlation of modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain function with historical evolutionary developments. 



Utilizing a digital database of dinosaur skull endocasts, Dr. Balanoff traced the expansion of the cerebellum back to the earliest maniraptoran dinosaurs, precursors to the first flying birds. 



This enlargement, coupled with increased tissue folding in the cerebellum, suggests a trajectory toward greater brain complexity and flight readiness.



While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge their preliminary nature. They caution that similar brain activity changes could occur in other behaviors, like gliding. 



The study also focused on straightforward flying, leaving the role of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-benefits-people-as-much-as-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain regions in complex maneuvers an open question.



The team's future endeavors aim to identify specific cerebellar regions and neural connections critical to flight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-flight-evolution-in-bird-s-brains">Implications of flight evolution in bird's brains</h2>



This research contributes to a broader scientific dialogue about brain evolution, as posited by Dr. Gabriel Bever, associate professor at Johns Hopkins. 



He suggests that the enlargement of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain throughout evolutionary history may reflect the need to navigate diverse landscapes, ultimately paving the way for various locomotive adaptations, including flight.



“At Johns Hopkins, the biomedical community has a wide-ranging set of tools and technology to help us understand evolutionary history and link our findings to fundamental research on how the brain works,” Dr. Bever concluded.



In summary, the innovative research conducted by the team at Johns Hopkins Medicine marks a significant advancement in our understanding of avian flight evolution. 



By ingeniously combining PET scan data of modern pigeons with the fossil analysis of ancient dinosaurs, they have uncovered the critical role of the cerebellum in enabling flight. 



This breakthrough deepens our comprehension of bird brain evolution and guides scientific investigation towards the intricate connections between brain development and physical capabilities across different species.



As this study bridges past and present, it paves the way for future research to further unravel the mysteries of evolutionary biology and the complex journey of life on our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How birds’ brains evolved to enable them to fly

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides...

Exo,Planets,Lit,By,An,Alien,Sun,(3d,Render,,Elements

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn, thanks to the anticipated arrival of the next generation of advanced telescopes. A new study explains how these telescopes could revolutionize our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifting-the-veil-on-alien-exoplanets-with-hazy-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search for life</a> in exoplanet atmospheres beyond Earth.



At the forefront of this exploration are astronomers from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, who have delved into the capabilities of upcoming telescopes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-for-biosignatures-in-exoplanet-atmospheres">Hunting for biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres</h2>



Their focus? Examining the atmospheres of 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for chemical traces such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. 



These elements, known as biosignatures, are critical indicators of life, and their presence in Earth's atmosphere has been a cornerstone in understanding our own planet's livability.



The study's findings are particularly promising for two nearby exoplanets: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proxima Centauri b</a> and <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7641/gj-887-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GJ 887 b</a>. These telescopes are remarkably adept at detecting potential biosignatures. 



Interestingly, Proxima Centauri b stands out as the only one where carbon dioxide could be detected if present.



This research suggests a tantalizing possibility: that these '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Earths</a>' -- planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune -- might harbor conditions conducive to life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-discovering-extraterrestrial-life">Potential for discovering extraterrestrial life</h2>



Although no exoplanet atmosphere has yet been found that mirrors Earth's early life-supporting conditions, these planets are becoming prime candidates for future research missions.



The study, spearheaded by Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, also explored the effectiveness of specialized instruments, including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and other Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). 



These include the European <a href="https://elt.eso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extremely Large Telescope</a>, the <a href="https://www.tmt.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thirty-Meter-Telescope</a>, and the <a href="https://giantmagellan.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Magellan Telescope</a>. The aim was to understand their ability in directly imaging exoplanets.



“Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built," explained Zhang. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovations-in-telescopic-imaging">Technological innovations in telescopic imaging</h2>



Direct imaging of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-weather-exoplanet-wasp-121-b-has-a-dynamic-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> involves techniques like using a coronagraph or starshade to block the host star's light. 



This allows for capturing a faint image of the orbiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-discovered-just-270-light-years-away-named-toi-1136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>. However, this method is challenging and time-consuming. The team's objective was to assess how well the ELTs could manage this task.



Their approach involved testing each telescope's instruments to differentiate universal background noise from the planetary noise targeted in the detection of biosignatures. 



This is measured by the signal-to-noise ratio; the higher it is, the easier it is to detect and analyze a planet’s wavelength.



The results were insightful. The direct imaging mode of the European ELT's Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph excelled in detecting methane, carbon dioxide, and water on three planets (GJ 887 b, Proxima b, and Wolf 1061 c). 



Its High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph could detect the same gases, plus oxygen, albeit requiring significantly more exposure time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-vs-space-the-telescope-technology-showdown">Ground vs. space: The telescope technology showdown</h2>



Zhang highlighted the comparison between these ground-based instruments and JWST's space-based capabilities, acknowledging the distinct advantages and challenges each type faces.



"It’s hard to say whether space telescopes are better than ground-based telescopes, as they operate in different environments and locations," he said. "Their observations are influenced differently."



The study revealed that for<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> certain planets</a>, like GJ 887 b, ELTs are particularly well-suited due to high signal-to-noise ratios. However, for some transiting planets, like those in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-provides-new-insights-into-a-distant-star-and-its-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPPIST-1</a> system, JWST's techniques are more effective than direct imaging from ELTs.



<a href="https://astronomy.osu.edu/people/wang.12220" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ji Wang</a>, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in astronomy at Ohio State, emphasized the importance of simulation in preparing for these billion-dollar missions. 



“The importance of simulation, especially for missions that cost billions of dollars, cannot be stressed enough,” said Wang. 



“Not only do people have to build the hardware, they also try really hard to simulate the performance and be prepared to achieve those glorious results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exoplanet-atmospheres-and-the-implications-of-alien-life">Exoplanet atmospheres and the implications of alien life</h2>



As the ELTs are expected to be operational towards the end of this decade, researchers are now focusing on simulating how these instruments might analyze Earth's atmosphere. 



“We want to see to what extent we can study our atmosphere to exquisite detail and how much information we can extract from it,” said Wang. “Because if we cannot answer habitability questions with Earth’s atmosphere, then there’s no way we can start to answer these questions around other planets.”



In summary, the advent of advanced telescopes marks a significant milestone in our cosmic journey, fundamentally transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. 



These next-generation instruments, with their unparalleled ability to analyze the atmospheres of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, bring us closer than ever to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. 



As astronomers harness these powerful tools, they enhance our understanding of potential life-supporting planets while reinforcing the collaborative spirit of scientific discovery. 



The findings from The Ohio State University team underscore this progress, serving as a beacon of hope and curiosity for future explorations that promise to expand our horizons and deepen our comprehension of the vast cosmos that surrounds us.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad109e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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New telescopes can directly detect signs of alien life in exoplanet atmospheres

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn,...

Three,Red,Diagonal,Dna,Chains,Against,Dark,Blue,Background.,Concept

The human genome, a marvel of biological complexity, is much more than just a static blueprint of life. It is a dynamic, ever-evolving entity, filled with peculiar features that continue to intrigue scientists. 



Among these features are transposable elements (TEs), segments of DNA with the remarkable ability to move within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>. 



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



Often overshadowed by more prominent genetic components, transposable elements are emerging as crucial players in our genetic landscape.



TEs contribute significantly to the genome's architecture and functionality. 



They are involved in creating regulatory elements, transcription factor binding sites, and chimeric transcripts -- hybrid RNA molecules formed from different genes or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> parts. 



Transposable elements are not mere genetic oddities; they account for about half of our DNA. However, their dynamic nature poses a challenge. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficulty-of-tracking-tes">Difficulty of tracking TEs</h2>



As TEs move and age, they undergo changes that obscure their original identity. This process, known as degeneration, makes transposable elements increasingly difficult to track and study.



A new study led by Didier Trono's research group at <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a>, a novel approach has been developed to detect these elusive TEs.



This fascinating research harnesses the power of reconstructed ancestral genomes from various species. 



By comparing these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestral genomes</a> to the human genome, the researchers could identify TEs that have become degenerate over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-time-machine-implications">Genomic "time machine" implications</h2>



This innovative method is akin to using a genomic "time machine." It allows scientists to spot TEs that previous studies, relying solely on human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-pangenome-the-clearest-snapshot-ever-taken-of-human-genomic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome data</a>, likely missed. 



By employing this technique, the EPFL team has uncovered a significantly larger number of TEs than previously known. 



Remarkably, these newly discovered TEs perform the same regulatory functions as their more recent, identifiable counterparts.



The implications of this discovery are vast and varied. 



“Better understanding TEs and their regulators could lead to insights into human diseases, many of which are believed to be influenced by genetic factors,” says Didier Trono. 



“First and foremost, cancer, but also auto-immune and metabolic disorders, and more generally our body's response to environmental stresses and aging.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transposable-elements-and-human-dna-mysteries">Transposable elements and human DNA mysteries</h2>



This understanding is not limited to a narrow spectrum of conditions; it spans from cancer to autoimmune and metabolic disorders. 



Furthermore, it sheds light on how our bodies respond to environmental stresses and the aging process.



In summary, Trono's research marks a significant advancement in genomics, offering a deeper understanding of the hidden intricacies within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our DNA</a>. 



It reminds us that our genetic code is not just a static set of instructions, but a dynamic, ever-changing landscape, rich with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. 



As we continue to unravel these mysteries, we open new doors to understanding the complexities of life and the myriad ways our genetics influence our health and wellbeing. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-human-genome">More about the human genome</h2>



As discussed above, the human genome, a remarkable entity, stands as the complete set of genetic instructions that shape who we are. 



Spanning approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs, it holds the key to our physical and, to some extent, our behavioral traits.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-secrets-of-life">Unlocking the secrets of life</h3>



At its core, the human genome serves as a blueprint for building and maintaining a human being. Every cell in our body contains this blueprint, packed into the DNA molecules within the cell's nucleus. 



Scientists have dedicated decades to decoding this complex code, uncovering the functions of genes and their roles in health and disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-the-building-blocks-of-life">Genes: The building blocks of life</h3>



Genes, the functional units of the genome, direct the production of proteins, which perform vital cellular functions. 



Our body consists of around 20,000 to 25,000 genes, each playing a unique role. 



These genes interact with each other and with environmental factors, influencing everything from our height to our susceptibility to certain diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-transposable-elements">Dynamic nature of transposable elements</h3>



Contrary to what many might think, the human genome is not a static entity. It's dynamic, with segments of DNA that can move within the genome. 



These transposable elements are key to understanding genetic variation and evolution. They highlight the genome's role not just as a blueprint, but as a living, changing document.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-genomic-medicine">Personalized genomic medicine</h3>



The study of the human genome has paved the way for personalized medicine. 



By understanding genetic variations, doctors can tailor treatments to individual patients, improving the efficacy of treatments and reducing side effects. 



This personalized approach is revolutionizing healthcare, offering new hope for many diseases.



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



As we delve deeper into the human genome, ethical challenges arise. Issues such as genetic privacy, data security, and the implications of genetic testing are at the forefront of discussions. 



It's crucial to balance scientific advancement with ethical considerations to ensure that genomic research benefits humanity responsibly.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-genomic-research-using-transposable-elements">Future of genomic research using transposable elements</h3>



The journey of exploring the human genome is far from over. Every discovery opens new questions, driving scientists to continue their quest to understand this complex and fascinating component of life. 



As research advances, we can expect groundbreaking insights into genetics, health, and disease, shaping the future of medicine and biology.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666979X24000247?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Genomics</a>.



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"Genomic time machine" reveals human DNA secrets

The human genome, a marvel of biological complexity, is much...

Global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-will-not-solve-the-issue-of-climate-change/">tree-planting</a> campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against climate change and for wildlife habitats. 



However, successful reforestation requires more than just planting trees; it demands ecological understanding, long-term planning, and follow-up. 



Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> are educating organizations and the public about best practices for effective reforestation.



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



"As global tree-growing efforts have escalated in the past decade, copious failures and unintended consequences have prompted many reforestation best practices guidelines. The extent to which organizations have integrated these ecological and socioeconomic recommendations, however, remains uncertain," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"We reviewed websites of 99 intermediary organizations that promote and fund tree-growing projects to determine how well they report following best practices."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-improvement-and-accountability-nbsp">Need for improvement and accountability&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Karen Holl is a restoration ecologist and professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz.&nbsp;



"One of the common problems is that organizations will just say, ‘We're going to put this many trees in the ground,’ but the important question is, ‘What comes afterward?’ There are many documented failures from tree-planting campaigns, so we would hope to see organizations improving their practices and taking on more accountability, including through publicly reporting data," said Professor Holl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-review">Comprehensive review</h2>



UCSC postdoctoral researcher Spencer Schubert led a study analyzing web content from nearly 100 tree-planting organizations worldwide. The team rated each organization based on their public information's adherence to best practices.&nbsp;



“We reviewed websites as well as annual reports and other linked documents to really get a broad view of the information that organizations reveal to the public,” Schubert explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-practices-guidelines-nbsp">Best practices guidelines&nbsp;</h2>



The study utilized 10 guidelines from Holl’s prior work, focusing on community engagement, addressing deforestation causes, avoiding harms, and long-term project management.&nbsp;



The findings showed improvements in recognizing community involvement, with 91% of organizations acknowledging its importance. However, detailed data and clarity about long-term project management are lacking.



"Overall, there are still many gaps in the details and data that we’re seeing," Schubert said, pointing to uncertainties in long-term benefits. The study urges organizations to move beyond generalities and specify implementation of best practices, including data collection and longer-term commitments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-reforestation-outcomes-nbsp">Meaningful reforestation outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



“Things are moving in the right direction with some of these organizations," Holl added, while expressing her hope for continued focus on improving practices to achieve meaningful reforestation outcomes.&nbsp;



This approach aims to maximize the positive impacts of tree-planting initiatives and prevent potential negative consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-standards">Higher standards</h2>



"We advocate the importance of addressing common pitfalls that have led to previous reforestation failures and the need to follow best practices guidelines to achieve desired goals, particularly as many inexperienced organizations continue to join the reforestation movement," wrote the researchers.



"Holding the various actors in reforestation movements to a higher standard will require moving beyond narrow focus on tree planting statistics toward increasing collective consciousness among practitioners and funders about practices and standards that are most likely to lead to long-term success."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/conl.13002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



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Tree-planting campaigns fall short of successful reforestation

Global tree-planting campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against...

Black,Girl,Listening,To,The,Music,With,A,Pair,Of

Music isn't just an auditory experience. It's also a physical one that transcends cultural boundaries, evoking similar feelings and physical sensations for people around the world.



This is the core finding of a groundbreaking study from Finland's <a href="https://turkupetcentre.fi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turku PET Centre</a>, exploring how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-bringing-people-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> emotionally and physically impacts listeners worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-musical-experience">Studying the musical experience</h2>



The study, a collaborative effort between Turku PET Centre, <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (<a href="https://en.uestc.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UESTC</a>), involved an extensive online survey with 1,500 participants from Western and Asian backgrounds. 



Participants were asked to rate the emotions and bodily sensations they experienced while listening to a variety of Western and Asian songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-and-physical-responses-to-music">Emotional and physical responses to music</h2>



Academy Research Fellow Vesa Putkinen explains the study's fascinating findings. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-inspired-by-music-shape-our-most-enduring-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music</a> that evoked different emotions, like happiness, sadness, or fear, caused distinct bodily sensations. For instance, people generally felt happy and danceable music in their arms and legs, whereas tender and sad music was more often felt in the chest area," says Putkinen. 



This discovery highlights the deep-seated connection between our emotional responses to music and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/music_evokes-similar-bodily-sensations_emotions_Credit-Lauri-Nummenmaa_University-of-Turku_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical sensations we experience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-cultural-similarities-in-music-experiences">Cross-cultural similarities in music experiences</h2>



Another key finding of the study is the universality of these musical experiences. Despite cultural differences, Western and Asian listeners reported similar emotional and physical responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-listeners-brainwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. 



This suggests that music-induced emotions might be rooted in inherited biological mechanisms rather than cultural learning.



Professor Lauri Nummenmaa elaborates on these universal patterns. 



"Certain acoustic features of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-key-features-of-healing-music-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, like a clear beat or dissonance, were consistently associated with specific emotions across cultures," Nummenmaa explains. 



"For example, a clear beat often led to feelings of happiness and an urge to dance, while dissonance was linked to aggressiveness," she concluded.



These cross-cultural similarities indicate that our reactions to music are likely ingrained in our biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-s-role-in-human-evolution">Music's role in human evolution</h2>



The study also delves into the role of music in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-are-born-with-the-ability-to-recognize-the-beat-in-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>. Putkinen suggests that music may have evolved as a tool for social cohesion. 



"Music's influence on the body is universal. Across cultures, people move to music, and synchronized postures, movements, and vocalizations signify affiliation," Putkinen notes. 



"Music likely emerged during human evolution to enhance social interaction and community by synchronizing our bodies and emotions," he concludes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapeutic-uses-of-music">Therapeutic uses of music</h2>



Music therapy is a dynamic field where healthcare professionals use music to support mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. 



This therapeutic approach harnesses the inherent qualities of music to facilitate healing and personal growth.



Music therapy plays a significant role in cognitive rehabilitation. For patients with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, familiar melodies can trigger memory recall, improving cognitive function. Therapists actively use music to help these patients regain lost memories and maintain cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Musical experiences and mental health</h2>



In the realm of mental health, music therapy offers a unique avenue for emotional expression and processing. It is particularly effective for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 



As discussed above, creating or listening to music allows patients to express emotions non-verbally, often leading to significant improvements in mood and mental health.



Music therapy also fosters social skills development. Group sessions encourage communication, collaboration, and emotional sharing, beneficial for those with autism or social anxiety. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



By engaging in music-making or listening experiences together, individuals can build connections and improve their social interactions.



In summary, this comprehensive study sheds light on the universal power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifelong-music-engagement-leads-to-better-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. It transcends cultural barriers, evoking similar emotions and physical sensations in people from diverse backgrounds. 



This finding deepens our understanding of music's role in human life while emphasizing its potential as a unifying force in an increasingly fragmented world.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2308859121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Music causes similar emotional experiences and sensations in all cultures

Music isn't just an auditory experience. It's also a physical...

Engaging with music and playing an instrument leads to better brain health in older age, according to a recent study from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>. 



The results indicate a clear correlation between music engagement and improved cognitive function in later life.



The research is part of the <a href="https://www.protectstudy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PROTECT study</a>, an online platform open to people aged 40 and over. This platform provided data for more than 1,000 adults. 



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



The researchers explored the impact of playing musical instruments or singing in a choir on brain health.&nbsp;



The experts reviewed participants’ musical experience and lifetime exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, as well as the results of cognitive testing, to determine whether music engagement helps to keep the brain sharp in later life.



The analysis revealed that playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano, correlates with enhanced memory and better executive function, which involves complex task-solving abilities.&nbsp;



The benefits are even more pronounced for those who continue their musical pursuits into later life. 



Singing, though beneficial as well, seems to owe part of its positive impact to the social aspects of choir participation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-reserve-nbsp">Cognitive reserve&nbsp;</h2>



“A number of studies have looked at the effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-inspired-by-music-shape-our-most-enduring-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> on brain health. Our PROTECT study has given us a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between cognitive performance and music in a large cohort of older adults. Overall, we think that being musical could be a way of harnessing the brain’s agility and resilience, known as cognitive reserve," said Professor Anne Corbett.



“Although more research is needed to investigate this relationship, our findings indicate that promoting musical education would be a valuable part of public health initiatives to promote a protective lifestyle for brain health, as would encouraging older adults to return to music in later life."



"There is considerable evidence for the benefit of music group activities for individuals with dementia, and this approach could be extended as part of a healthy ageing package for older adults to enable them to proactively reduce their risk and to promote brain health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-an-instrument-as-a-lifelong-engagement">Playing an instrument as a lifelong engagement </h2>



Stuart Douglas, a 78-year-old accordion enthusiast from Cornwall, exemplifies the study's findings on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-as-a-pain-reliever-the-power-of-your-playlist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> engagement. 



A lifelong accordion player, Douglas currently plays with the Cober Valley Accordion Band and the Cornish Division of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. 



“I learnt to play the accordion as a boy living in a mining village in Fife and carried on throughout my career in the police force and beyond. These days I still play regularly, and playing in the band also keeps my calendar full, as we often perform in public," said Douglas.



"We regularly play at memory cafes so have seen the effect that our music has on people with memory loss, and as older musicians ourselves we have no doubt that continuing with music into older age has played an important role in keeping our brains healthy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-health-benefits-from-playing-an-instrument">Additional health benefits from playing an instrument</h2>



Playing an instrument offers a range of health benefits that extend beyond simple enjoyment. First, it engages both the mind and body, providing a comprehensive mental workout. 



This engagement helps improve memory and cognitive skills, as learning and playing music requires the use of various brain areas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-relief-from-music-engagement">Stress relief from music engagement</h3>



Moreover, playing an instrument can be a significant stress reliever. The act of focusing on music can be meditative, diverting attention away from daily stresses and anxieties. 



It also releases endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers, leading to feelings of happiness and relaxation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-an-instrument-helps-brain-development">Playing an instrument helps brain development </h3>



For children and adolescents, learning an instrument can be particularly beneficial for brain development. It can improve language skills, enhance coordination, and boost self-esteem. 



As they master new pieces, their confidence grows, which can be valuable in other areas of life.



In older adults, playing an instrument can be an effective way to keep the brain active. It can delay cognitive decline and improve mental agility.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-engagement-improves-social-connections">Music engagement improves social connections </h3>



Furthermore, for people of all ages, playing an instrument can foster social connections, whether through joining a band, orchestra, or simply sharing music with friends and family. 



These social aspects can combat feelings of loneliness and promote a sense of community and belonging.



The PROTECT study is open to new participants aged 40 and over. To find out more, visit: <a href="http://www.protectstudy.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">http://www.protectstudy.org.uk</a>.



The study is published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 



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Playing an instrument leads to better brain health throughout life

Engaging with music and playing an instrument leads to better...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> have discovered a new aspect of how fasting mitigates inflammation, a harmful byproduct of the immune system that contributes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/analyzing-the-blood-of-elite-cyclists-could-help-prevent-chronic-diseases/">chronic diseases</a>.&nbsp;



The study reveals that fasting elevates a specific chemical in the blood known as arachidonic acid, which plays a key role in inhibiting inflammation. This finding might also shed light on the efficacy of certain drugs, including aspirin.



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



There is a well-established link between diet, particularly a high-calorie Western diet, and increased risks of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. These conditions are often associated with chronic inflammation in the body.&nbsp;



Inflammation, while a natural response to injury or infection, can also be triggered by the inflammasome. This component within cells acts as an alarm system, initiating inflammation to protect the body against perceived damage. However, it can also unintentionally trigger inflammation, leading to the release of cell contents that further promote inflammatory responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-chronic-inflammation">Understanding chronic inflammation</h2>



Professor Clare Bryant from the University of Cambridge's Department of Medicine emphasized the importance of understanding chronic inflammation.&nbsp;



“We’re very interested in trying to understand the causes of chronic inflammation in the context of many human diseases, and in particular the role of the inflammasome," said Professor Bryant.



“What's become apparent over recent years is that one inflammasome in particular – the NLRP3 inflammasome – is very important in a number of major diseases such as obesity and atherosclerosis, but also in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, many of the diseases of older age people, particularly in the Western world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arachidonic-acid">Arachidonic acid</h2>



While fasting is known to reduce inflammation, the underlying reasons have been unclear. To investigate this, Professor Bryant's team collaborated with colleagues at the National Institute for Health to conduct a study involving 21 volunteers.



The participants consumed a 500kcal meal, fasted for 24 hours, and then ate another 500kcal meal. The researchers discovered that calorie restriction increased levels of arachidonic acid, a lipid known for its role in energy storage and intercellular communication. Intriguingly, once the participants resumed eating, arachidonic acid levels decreased.



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



Upon examining the effects of arachidonic acid on immune cells in the lab, the team found that it reduces the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This finding was unexpected since arachidonic acid was previously thought to exacerbate inflammation.&nbsp;



“This provides a potential explanation for how changing our diet - in particular by fasting - protects us from inflammation, especially the damaging form that underpins many diseases related to a Western high calorie diet," said Professor Bryant.



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



“It’s too early to say whether fasting protects against diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as the effects of arachidonic acid are only short-lived, but our work adds to a growing amount of scientific literature that points to the health benefits of calorie restriction."



"It suggests that regular fasting over a long period could help reduce the chronic inflammation we associate with these conditions. It's certainly an attractive idea," said Professor Bryant.



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



The study also suggests that a high-calorie diet might elevate the risk of diseases by increasing inflammasome activity.



"There could be a yin and yang effect going on here, whereby too much of the wrong thing is increasing your inflammasome activity and too little is decreasing it,” said Professor Bryant. “Arachidonic acid could be one way in which this is happening.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-inflammatory-drugs">Anti-inflammatory drugs</h2>



Furthermore, the findings might explain the unexpected mechanism of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. Aspirin impedes the breakdown of arachidonic acid, potentially leading to decreased inflammasome activity and inflammation.



“It’s important to stress that aspirin should not be taken to reduce risk of long terms diseases without medical guidance as it can have side-effects such as stomach bleeds if taken over a long period," said Professor Bryant.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113700" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a>. 



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Fasting helps the body fight inflammation and chronic disease 

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new...

Plant biologists have discovered a unique survival strategy used by a tree fern species that is exclusive to Panama. The experts found that Cyathea rojasiana repurposes its own dead leaves, transforming them into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/">root structures</a> to nourish itself.&nbsp;



The research, led by Professor James Dalling of the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>, redefines our understanding of plant adaptation and survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zombie-leaves-nbsp">Zombie leaves&nbsp;</h2>



The strategy involves the reanimation of dead leaf fronds of C. rojasiana. These "zombie leaves" play a critical role in the plant's survival.&nbsp;



Once the leaves die and fall to the ground, they undergo a transformation. They reverse the flow of water and nutrients, drawing nitrogen and other vital substances from the soil back into the mother plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-strategy-nbsp">Unique strategy&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Dalling and his team stumbled upon this surprising discovery while studying a different plant in a Panamanian forest reserve.&nbsp;



The researchers noticed something unusual about the fronds of the tree fern. Embedded firmly in the soil, these fronds had sprouted rootlets, forming a network that was actively extracting nutrients from the ground. Laboratory analyses confirmed this unique nutrient absorption method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repurposing-of-tissue-nbsp">Repurposing of tissue&nbsp;</h2>



What makes the discovery even more extraordinary is the deceptive appearance of the reconfigured fronds. They retain the look of decayed plant matter, which likely contributed to this phenomenon going unnoticed by generations of plant biologists.&nbsp;



This repurposing of dead tissue to feed the original plant is a first-of-its-kind finding in the plant world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-for-survival">Adapting for survival</h2>



The evolutionary origins of this unique adaptation can be traced back to the Jurassic period, from which C. rojasiana descends. Professor Dalling suggests that the adaptation is likely a response to the nutrient-poor volcanic soils of Panama.&nbsp;



“Panama is a land bridge between North and South America that coalesced 7 million years ago out of an archipelago of islands, and those islands are the result of volcanic activity in the past,” said Dalling.&nbsp;



“In one site we discovered, a layer of volcanic ash several meters deep looks like sand that you would dig up on a sandy beach. The plants that grow there are distinct from those that we find elsewhere in that forest reserve.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-nutrients-nbsp">Searching for nutrients&nbsp;</h2>



The patchiness of the vegetation means soil nutrients also are unevenly distributed. “And so the tree ferns seem to be putting out tentacles to sample the surrounding soils,” said Dalling.&nbsp;



“They’re able to sample a greater range of nutrient environments for the same amount of investment of rootlets than if they just sent out a single rooting structure all around the fern. I think it’s all about the economics of how they use resources in a patchy environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-adaptations">Extraordinary adaptations</h2>



The tree ferns also grow very slowly. “They’re probably putting on one or two leaves a year, and so they’re adding on the order of a few centimeters of height a year,” said Professor Dalling.



Each frond represents a significant investment for the plant, which it then repurposes after the leaf's death. The slow growth rate also means that the ferns remain relatively short, with a maximum height of about two meters.&nbsp;This height allows the dead fronds to droop to the ground, facilitating their transformation into rooting structures.



Professor Dalling, who also serves as a research associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, highlights this discovery as "another example of the extraordinary diversity of plant adaptations that exist in resource-poor environments."&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>. 



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Tree ferns turn their dead leaves into new roots

Plant biologists have discovered a unique survival strategy used by...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[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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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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