Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap of 150 million years. Their new study has uncovered nearly 50 hidden relatives of Pterodactylus, the first pterosaur ever discovered.



This fossil find from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> allows scientists to piece together the life story of this ancient flying reptile, from its earliest days to adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-pterosaurs-the-basics">Understanding pterosaurs -- the basics</h2>



These fascinating flying reptiles weren't actually dinosaurs, but rather a separate group of flying reptiles that first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. 



Unlike birds or bats, pterosaurs had a unique wing structure formed by a membrane of skin and muscle that stretched from an elongated fourth finger to their body. This created a lightweight and flexible flying apparatus that allowed them to soar and glide.



Different pterosaur species came in an astonishing range of sizes, from tiny creatures the size of sparrows to massive pterosaurs with wingspans around 33 feet wide. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny &quot;flaplings&quot; no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954862"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny "flaplings" no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



Some had long, spear-like beaks perfect for fishing, while others sported elaborate head crests that might have been used for display, communication, or even temperature regulation. 



Their bones were incredibly lightweight and hollow, similar to modern bird bones, which helped them achieve flight with minimal energy expenditure.



Pterosaurs were incredibly successful and adaptable creatures that survived for an impressive 160 million years before finally going extinct along with the dinosaurs during the catastrophic asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous period. 



Their fossils have been discovered on every continent, revealing that they occupied diverse environments from coastal regions to inland areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-pterosaur-discovery">First pterosaur discovery</h2>



Almost 250 years ago, a fossil unearthed in a Bavarian quarry introduced the world to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-new-species-named-abfab-had-wings-wide-as-car/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaurs</a>. 



This fossil, named&nbsp;Pterodactylus, offered the first glimpse into the Mesozoic skies, where these creatures soared above the dinosaurs.



Though the first specimen was modest in size - comparable to a turtle dove - it revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life and showcased the extraordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of flying reptiles</a>.



Over time, however,&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;faded from public attention, overshadowed by its larger and flashier relatives, such as&nbsp;Pteranodon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Quetzalcoatlus. 



Yet, among scientists,&nbsp;the Pterodactylus genus remained a vital subject of study that played a central role in shaping our understanding of pterosaur anatomy, flight, diet, and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-pterodactylus-family">Finding Pterodactylus family</h2>



Despite its significance, confusion has long surrounded&nbsp;Pterodactylus. 



Fossils attributed to this genus were often mixed with other species, making it challenging to determine which truly belonged to&nbsp;Pterodactylus. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambiguity</a> persisted for centuries - until now.



Using UV fluorescence, paleontologists Robert Smyth and Dr. Dave Unwin from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> conducted a meticulous analysis of&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;fossils housed in museums across Europe. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954860"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



By shining powerful UV light on fossilized bones, they illuminated previously invisible features that distinguish the&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;family from other pterosaurs. Their work revealed dozens of misclassified fossils, including over 40 specimens that were reidentified as&nbsp;Pterodactylus.



“By examining lots of fossils in collections across Europe, we were able to reidentify more than forty specimens as&nbsp;Pterodactylus,” said lead author Robert Smyth. 



“UV stimulated fluorescence is astonishing in the amount of detail it can reveal. Features that were once hidden were glowing in plain sight.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-face-of-nbsp-pterodactylus">New face of&nbsp;Pterodactylus</h2>



This discovery has profoundly altered the scientific understanding of&nbsp;the genus Pterodactylus. Previously thought to be a rare find, nearly 50 specimens have now been confirmed.



This expanded collection allows researchers to construct a complete and detailed skeletal anatomy of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pivotal pterosaur</a>. 



Remarkably, soft tissues are preserved in over 20 of the specimens, which provides unprecedented insights into a range of features.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954857"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



“We can now construct a complete and highly detailed skeletal anatomy for this key pterosaur,” explained co-author Dr. Dave Unwin. “Soft tissues are fossilised in more than twenty examples so we can also reconstruct head crests, body shape, foot webs, and even the wings.”



The result is akin to a family portrait, showcasing Pterodactylus at every stage of its life. The smallest hatchlings, endearingly called “flaplings,” were robin-sized. 



These grew into “teenage” forms before reaching adulthood, where they boasted raven-sized bodies and wingspans of up to ten times their body length.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-revolutionary-technique">A revolutionary technique</h2>



The study highlights the transformative potential of UV fluorescence in paleontology. 



While the technique is well-known, the combination of advanced light sources and a systematic approach has yielded groundbreaking results in this case.



“UV stimulated fluorescence is a well-known technique,” Dr. Unwin noted. 



“But the difference in this case is that we have been able to combine new, high-quality light sources with a systematic "catch-all" approach, and it's going to have a revolutionary impact on our understanding of pterosaurs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterodactylus-family-and-future-study">Pterodactylus family and future study</h2>



This discovery not only redefines&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;but also highlights the value of revisiting and reexamining existing collections of fossils.



With nearly 50 examples now identified, researchers have an unprecedented opportunity to explore the life history of one of the most important pterosaurs. 



From its early days as a tiny flapling to its commanding presence in the skies,&nbsp;the Pterodactylus&nbsp;fossils provide a vivid window into the Mesozoic era.



As families come together this festive season, paleontologists celebrate their own remarkable reunion - a long-lost family, brought back to light after 150 million years.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772019.2024.2421845" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>. 



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Pterodactylus: New pterosaur family members discovered that lived 150 million years ago

Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap of 150 million years. Their new study has uncovered nearly 50 hidden relatives of Pterodactylus, the first pterosaur ever discovered. This fossil find from the University of Leicester allows scientists to piece together the life story of this ancient flying reptile, from its earliest days to adulthood. Understanding pterosaurs -- the basics These fascinating flying reptiles weren't actually dinosaurs, but rather a separate group of flying reptiles that first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic...

Meteorites, fragments of asteroids that blaze across our skies as shooting stars, are more than just celestial spectacles. They are frozen time capsules, preserving the building blocks of life and the primordial elements from which our solar system originated. 



These cosmic relics offer invaluable insights into the mysteries of matter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's emergence</a> on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-life-in-the-winchcombe-meteorite">Secrets of life in the Winchcombe meteorite</h2>



A recent pioneering study, led by Dr. Christian Vollmer from the <a href="https://www.uni-muenster.de/Mineralogie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Mineralogy</a> at Münster University, in collaboration with British researchers, has made a groundbreaking discovery using the Winchcombe meteorite. 



This particular meteorite, observed falling in England in February 2021 and swiftly collected, is a pristine witness to the solar system's birth, untainted by life and Earth's varying climates.



Dr. Vollmer's team achieved a remarkable feat in the analysis of this meteorite. They became the first to precisely identify vital nitrogen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a>, including amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons, within the meteorite without resorting to chemical treatments. 



“Normally, meteorites are tracked down in the cold and hot deserts on Earth, where the dry climate means that they don’t weather very fast, but they do change as a result of humidity,” says Vollmer. 



“If a meteorite fall is observed soon after the event and the meteorite is quickly collected, as was the case in Winchcombe, they are important ‘witnesses’ for us regarding the birth of our solar system -- which makes them especially interesting for research purposes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-meteorite-analysis">New era in meteorite analysis</h2>



The traditional approach to studying meteorites involves extracting and enriching molecules like amino acids and hydrocarbons, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a>, using solvents or acids. 



This process, while effective, often alters the fragile substances under study. Dr. Vollmer's team, however, utilized a cutting-edge, high-resolution electron microscope at the <a href="https://www.superstem.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SuperSTEM laboratory</a> in Daresbury, England. 



This "super-microscope" not only offers atomic resolution imaging of high-carbon compounds but also features a novel detector design for chemical analysis.



“Demonstrating the existence of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Extraterrestrial-building-blocks-of-life_discovered_UK-meteorite_electron-microscope_SuperSTEM-Laboratory_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biologically relevant organic compounds</a> in an untreated meteorite is a significant achievement for research,” says Vollmer, emphasizing the importance of this discovery. 



“It shows that these building blocks of life can be characterized in these cosmic sediments even without chemical extraction.”



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



This advancement is a major leap in understanding meteorites. It also holds immense potential for analyzing extraterrestrial specimens returned from space missions, like the dust particles from asteroids collected by <a href="https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/missions/spacecraft/current/hayabusa2.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayabusa2</a> (Japanese Space Agency) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> (NASA). 



This method preserves the integrity of these delicate substances, offering a more authentic glimpse into the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth.



In summary, the origins of life on our planet remain an enigma, with some scientists hypothesizing that life's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential components</a> were delivered via meteorites over four billion years ago.



The Winchcombe meteorite, with its unaltered state and the advanced technology used in its analysis, brings us closer to unraveling this mystery. 



The research furthers our understanding of our cosmic beginnings, while demonstrating new methods for studying extraterrestrial matter, potentially answering some of the most profound questions about our existence in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-building-blocks-of-life">More about the building blocks of life</h2>



Life, in its diverse and complex forms, is built upon a foundation of relatively simple yet fascinating elements known as the building blocks of life. 



These fundamental components, working in harmony, create the incredible tapestry of living organisms we observe on Earth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acids-the-alphabet-of-life">Amino acids: The alphabet of life</h3>



At the heart of these building blocks are amino acids, often hailed as the "letters" of the biological alphabet. 



Amino acids combine to form proteins, the workhorses of cells, executing a plethora of functions from catalyzing biochemical reactions to providing structural support. 



Proteins are not just functional entities; they play a crucial role in signaling and regulation within organisms, orchestrating the symphony of life processes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-pioneers-dna-and-rna">Genetic pioneers: DNA and RNA</h3>



Nucleic acids, comprising DNA and RNA, form another critical component. DNA holds the genetic blueprint of an organism, passing on hereditary information from one generation to the next. 



RNA, on the other hand, serves as the messenger and the translator, converting the genetic code into functional proteins. Together, these nucleic acids ensure the continuity and diversity of life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lipids-the-unsung-heroes-in-cellular-structure">Lipids: The unsung heroes in cellular structure</h3>



Lipids, often underappreciated, are essential for constructing cell membranes, the protective barriers that encase cells. 



These fatty compounds are not just structural elements; they play a vital role in energy storage, signaling, and acting as secondary messengers in various biological processes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbohydrates-the-fuel-of-life">Carbohydrates: The fuel of life</h3>



Carbohydrates, the primary energy source for most organisms, are vital for life. These sugars and starches fuel cellular activities, provide structural integrity to cells, and are involved in cell recognition and signaling processes.



Trace elements and vitamins, though required in smaller quantities, are indispensable for the proper functioning of enzymes and various biochemical reactions. 



They act as cofactors, ensuring that biological processes proceed efficiently and effectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-into-life-s-molecular-marvels">A journey into life’s molecular marvels</h3>



Understanding these building blocks is not just a scientific endeavor; it's a journey into the essence of life itself. 



Each component, while simple in isolation, contributes to the complex and dynamic nature of living organisms. 



This knowledge not only deepens our appreciation of life but also fuels advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and our quest to understand the origins and possibilities of life beyond Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45064-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Extraterrestrial building blocks of life discovered in UK meteorite

Meteorites, fragments of asteroids that blaze across our skies as...

Researchers have successfully mapped the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> of 51 diverse animals species, including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles. 



This significant achievement, spearheaded by a team from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of evolution and the intricate genetic ties that bind humans to the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-health-and-evolution">Understanding human health and evolution</h2>



<a href="https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/michael-schatz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Schatz</a>, the lead author of the study and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of computer science and biology at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the monumental impact of this discovery. 



“Being able to access that genetic information will have huge implications for understanding human health and evolution,” said Schatz. 



“A lot of work on drug compounds starts in mice and other animal models, so understanding their genomes and the genomes of other animals directly benefits us.”



The research was conducted in collaboration with the <a href="https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertebrate Genomes Project</a>. The team focused on sequencing the genomes of 51 animal species, prioritizing those with significant relevance to human evolutionary studies.



They overcame previous technological constraints by developing innovative algorithms and software, remarkably reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome sequencing</a> time from months or even decades to mere days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-connections-through-animal-genome-mapping">DNA connections through animal genome mapping</h2>



The study highlights an intriguing fact: mammals, which encompass primates, dogs, cats, mice, and humans, share between 50% to 99% of identical DNA. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared genetic heritage</a> traces back to a common ancestor who lived approximately 200 million years ago. 



By comparing complete genomes of these species, researchers are beginning to pinpoint when and where DNA sequences diverged, offering vital insights into human genetics. 



However, the limited number and quality of available vertebrate genomes had previously restricted such comparative studies.



Mapping animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>, which are billions of characters long, is no small feat. Traditional gene sequencing technologies faltered, akin to attempting a massive jigsaw puzzle where only blue sky pieces remain. 



“Have you ever done a massive jigsaw puzzle where at some point all that’s left is blue sky, and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to fit the right pieces together? The old software would basically give up on these hard parts of the genome. That’s the problem with genome assembly,” Schatz said. 



“Our new program, using the latest sequencing data and the latest assembly algorithms, knows how to work through those parts to get a more complete picture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-democratizing-genome-assembly">Democratizing genome assembly</h2>



The team tested their technology by mapping the genome of the zebra finch, a bird previously sequenced for brain development research. 



The new technology proved vastly superior in reassembling genome segments, creating a more accurate and complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic map</a>.



In a significant move towards open science, the team has made their software freely available online via Galaxy, a web-based platform. 



Based at Johns Hopkins and Penn State, Galaxy supports over half a million scientists and educators globally, offering scientific software at no cost. 



“In the past, only a handful of elite research groups would have had access to the resources needed to assemble these genomes. Now, anyone on the planet with access to the internet can visit the website and, with a few clicks of the button, run multiple scientific tools,” said <a href="https://galaxyproject.org/people/alex-ostrovsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Ostrovsky</a>, a Johns Hopkins software engineer on the Galaxy team who was responsible for making the tools easy to use for noncoders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-next-steps-for-animal-genome-mapping">Implications and next steps for animal genome mapping</h2>



The team, in continued collaboration with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, aims to sequence the genomes of at least one species from all 275 vertebrate orders. 



Schatz likens this endeavor to constructing an "evolutionary time machine." This ambitious project will trace vertebrate evolution, shedding light on genes and sequences unique to humans.



“In some ways, we’re building an evolutionary time machine,” Schatz said. “We can trace how vertebrates evolved over time and eventually gave rise to genes and sequences that are uniquely found in humans. Having the genes of our evolutionary cousins mapped out will help us better understand ourselves.”



In summary, this groundbreaking research by Michael Schatz and his team marks a significant advancement in the field of genomics, fundamentally transforming our understanding of the evolutionary connections between humans and other vertebrates. 



By mapping the genomes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/genome-mapping_51-vertebrate-species_diagram_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 diverse animal species</a> and making their innovative software publicly accessible via the Galaxy platform, the team has democratized the process of genome assembly, empowering researchers across the globe. 



Their work offers unprecedented insights into our genetic heritage and sets the stage for future scientific discoveries that could have profound implications for medicine, biology, and our comprehension of life's intricate web on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-02100-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biotechnology</a>.



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Genome mapping completed for dozens of common animals

Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of 51 diverse animals...

Planet,Mars,In,The,Distant,Past.,With,The,Oceans.,Elements

Over a decade and a half ago, the Mars Express embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a>, focusing on the enigmatic Medusae Fossae Formation (<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_water-reservoir_Medusae-Fossae-Formation_location_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MFF</a>). 



This intriguing geological feature, initially studied for its extensive deposits, has remained a subject of speculation and curiosity. But today, thanks to new research, the veil over the MFF is finally lifting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-water-on-mars-medusae-fossae-formation">Deep water on Mars' Medusae Fossae Formation</h2>



Thomas Watters, from the <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a> in the USA and lead author of both the original and recent studies, sheds light on these recent findings. 



“We’ve explored the MFF again using newer data from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_orbiter_instruments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express’s MARSIS radar</a>, and found the deposits to be even thicker than we thought: up to 3.7 km thick,” says Watters. 



“Excitingly, the radar signals match what we’d expect to see from layered ice, and are similar to the signals we see from Mars’s polar caps, which we know to be very ice rich.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enough-water-to-fill-earth-s-red-sea">Enough water to fill Earth's Red Sea</h2>



The implications of this discovery are profound. The ice within the Medusae Fossae Formation, if melted, could envelop Mars in a water layer measuring between <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_water-reservoir_Medusae-Fossae-Formation_thickness_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 to 2.7 meters deep</a>. 



This represents the largest water reservoir discovered in this region of Mars, holding enough <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> to rival the volume of Earth's Red Sea.



The Medusae Fossae Formation itself is a geological marvel, spanning hundreds of kilometers and rising several kilometers high. 



It sits at the intersection of Mars's highlands and lowlands, a potential major source of Martian dust and one of the planet's most expansive deposits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earlier-studies-of-the-medusae-fossae-formation">Earlier studies of the Medusae Fossae Formation</h2>



The initial observations by Mars Express hinted at the icy nature of the Medusae Fossae Formation due to its radar transparency and low density. 



However, alternative theories proposed that the formation could be a colossal accumulation of windblown dust, volcanic ash, or sediment. 



“Here’s where the new radar data comes in! Given how deep it is, if the MFF was simply a giant pile of dust, we’d expect it to become compacted under its own weight,” says co-author Andrea Cicchetti of the <a href="https://www.inaf.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Astrophysics, Italy</a>. 



“This would create something far denser than what we actually see with MARSIS. And when we modelled how different ice-free materials would behave, nothing reproduced the properties of the MFF – we need ice.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-martian-history">Rewriting Martian history</h2>



The current understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_water-reservoir_Medusae-Fossae-Formation_perspective-view_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MFF region</a> suggests a composition of dust and ice layers, topped by a protective layer of dry dust or ash, hundreds of meters thick. 



Mars, though appearing arid now, shows signs of a water-rich past, including remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river channels</a>, ancient ocean beds, and water-carved valleys. 



This discovery of significant ice near Mars's equator, like that suspected beneath the MFF's surface, points to a radically different climatic era in the planet's history.



“This latest analysis challenges our understanding of the Medusae Fossae Formation, and raises as many questions as answers,” says Colin Wilson, ESA project scientist for Mars Express and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO)</a>. 



“How long ago did these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-korolev-crater-holds-a-50-mile-wide-sheet-of-solid-ice-that-is-one-mile-thick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice deposits</a> form, and what was Mars like at that time? If confirmed to be water ice, these massive deposits would change our understanding of Mars climate history. Any reservoir of ancient water would be a fascinating target for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human or robotic exploration</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-mars-exploration">Implications for future Mars exploration</h2>



For future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moxie-has-successfully-extracted-oxygen-from-mars-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars missions</a>, the discovery of ice at equatorial locations like the Medusae Fossae Formation is invaluable. 



Missions require landing near the equator, away from the polar caps or high-latitude glaciers, and water is a critical resource. 



However, Wilson cautions, "The MFF deposits, buried under extensive dust layers, remain out of reach for the time being. Yet, each discovery of Martian ice enriches our understanding of the planet's hydrological history and current water distribution."



Mars Express continues to map water ice deep below the surface, while the Mars orbiter TGO, equipped with the FREND instrument, surveys near-surface water indications. 



FREND's detection of a hydrogen-rich area, indicative of water ice, in Mars's Valles Marineris in 2021, and ongoing mapping of shallow water deposits, further complements this understanding.



Colin Wilson concludes, "Our collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elon-musks-spacex-plans-to-land-a-spacecraft-on-mars-in-3-to-4-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars exploration</a> efforts are progressively unveiling the mysteries of our planetary neighbor, offering glimpses into its past and potential for future exploration."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-secrets-of-mars">Unraveling the secrets of Mars</h2>



In summary, the Mars Express's recent findings on the Medusae Fossae Formation mark a significant milestone in our understanding of Mars and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-history-of-mars-is-much-more-complex-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic history</a>. 



The discovery of extensive ice deposits, challenging previous notions and revealing a potential treasure trove of water resources, enriches our knowledge of the Red Planet changes the prospects for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-spirit-and-opportunity-rovers-celebrate-20-years-on-the-red-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration</a>. 



These revelations bring us closer to unraveling the Martian mysteries, offering a promising outlook for both scientific discovery and the prospects of human exploration. 



As we continue to explore and analyze, each piece of data adds to the intricate mosaic of Mars's past, presenting an ever-evolving narrative of this fascinating planetary neighbor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-water-on-mars">History of water on Mars</h2>







This study was done by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>.



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Mars has a water reservoir two-miles deep, enough to fill Earth’s Red Sea

Over a decade and a half ago, the Mars Express...

Old,Tyres,Polluting,The,Nature

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollutants originating from common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road tires</a>.



A study, spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and the <a href="https://plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>, reveals these microparticles should be considered a high concern pollutant, especially in areas heavily contaminated, where they may surpass chronic safety thresholds.



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



The research team delved into the chronic toxicity of particles and chemical leachates emanating from a variety of popular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodyear-eco-friendly-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire brands</a>. 



Their focus extended to the impact these substances have on small planktonic crustaceans, specifically the water flea (Daphnia magna). 



The findings were alarming, to put it mildly. The tire-derived pollutants adversely affected both the reproduction and development of these water fleas, which also showed visible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-hazardous-chemicals-found-in-recycled-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle</a> ingestion within their digestive tracts.



The study also shed light on the leachates -- liquids that seep through tire material, carrying harmful chemicals. 



Notably, these leachates contained high levels of zinc, titanium, and strontium, along with numerous organic chemicals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-the-hazard">Recognizing the hazard</h2>



Of the plethora of organic chemicals identified during the research, over 50 were detected across all five tire brands examined. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals were categorized as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highly toxic</a>.



This comprehensive research underscores the hazardous nature of tire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, highlighting them as pollutants of significant concern. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, the researchers suggest, could be close to, or even exceed, chronic environmental safety limits in some regions. 



Lead author Paul Boisseaux, from the University of Exeter, commented on the complexity of this issue, saying, “Tires exert a complex toxic pressure to wildlife because they release plenty of toxic chemicals as well as tiny particles that can be ingested, so both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxins-from-oil-spills-and-wildfires-are-found-in-killer-whales-and-their-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical</a> and physical effects are occurring.”



The ubiquity of tire usage, essential to modern transportation, underscores the urgency of this issue. The global tire industry, growing by approximately 3% annually, generates tire-tread particles during roadway use that significantly pollute the environment. 



It is estimated that about 18% of these particles eventually reach freshwater systems, and 2% find their way into estuaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-and-global-environmental-challenge">Growing and global environmental challenge</h2>



Previous studies hinted at environmental concentrations of these particles, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicological impact</a> on aquatic organisms was less understood. 



To address this, the research team utilized several globally recognized tire brands to create a tire tread microparticle mixture. 



The toxicity of both the particles and the chemical leachates was then tested on the water flea over a three-week period. 



Surprisingly, the study found that pristine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roadways-are-the-source-of-most-plastic-dust-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire tread</a> microparticles were more toxic than the chemical leachates alone.



Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth and co-author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the findings. 



“Our previous work has shown that road debris is a major source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in the environment. In recent years, we have been working with partners across research and industry to determine how those particles distribute and their potential to cause harm," Thompson explained.



“This new study is of key importance because it demonstrates the potential for harmful effects on an aquatic invertebrate species, at concentrations similar to those we have recorded near to roads in the UK. It is clearly an area we need to explore further,” Thompson concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward-fighting-toxic-tire-pollutants">Path forward: Fighting toxic tire pollutants</h2>



In summary, this pivotal research presents a clear and urgent call to action regarding the environmental hazards posed by tire pollutants. 



Uncovering the significant toxic impacts these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> have on aquatic life, particularly on crucial species like the water flea, it highlights an urgent need for regulatory attention and further scientific exploration. 



The findings challenge the global tire industry to consider more sustainable practices, while encouraging policymakers and environmental agencies to formulate strategies that mitigate this under-recognized but significant environmental threat. 



As we continue to rely on tires for transportation, understanding and addressing their environmental footprint becomes imperative for the health of our ecosystems and the future of our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424001596" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>.



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Car tires shed pollutants that are especially toxic for humans and wildlife

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact...

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea levels are leading to higher-than-anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/">methane emissions</a> from certain wetland areas. This finding challenges the previously held belief that increasing seawater in tidal wetlands would suppress methane production.



The study, conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> and <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, involved an extensive examination of 11 different wetland zones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-results">Unexpected results</h2>



Contrary to expectations, a low-salinity Bay Area estuary ecosystem was found to emit significantly high levels of methane. This was especially surprising given that freshwater sites were emitting far less methane.



The research team analyzed DNA from organisms in soil samples using high-throughput sequencing, identifying genes involved in various metabolic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complicated-dynamics">Complicated dynamics</h2>



The results indicate that the factors governing how much greenhouse gas is stored or emitted in natural landscapes are more complex and difficult to predict than we thought.&nbsp;



“We looked at how many methanogens, the organisms that make methane, are present in soils at these sites and it wasn't really well correlated with the amount of methane observed. And even if you look at the amount of methanotrophs, organisms that eat methane, in combination with methanogens, that doesn’t seem to fully explain it," said study senior author Susannah Tringe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-methane-emissions-nbsp">Surprising methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



One particular site, restored in 2010 from pastureland to its original wetland state, showed high methane emissions despite moderate seawater levels. This finding challenges the assumption that more sulfate from seawater would lead to less methane production, as sulfate-using bacteria were thought to outcompete methanogens.



“Ultimately, we found that there were significant influences from other bacterial groups like the ones that break down carbon and even organisms that are better known as nitrogen cyclers, and we couldn’t readily explain the methane emissions by something as simple as, for example, how much sulfate is available or how many methanogens are there,” explained Tringe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restored-wetlands">Restored wetlands</h2>



Wetlands are increasingly recognized as critical ecosystems that boost carbon storage, improve water quality, and support wildlife. In recent years, there have been widespread efforts to restore wetlands.&nbsp;



Modeling work by study co-author Dennis D. Baldocchi suggests that while the restored wetland site currently adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, it might become a net carbon sink within 100 to 150 years. This timeline is significant for stakeholders who aim for immediate carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration.



“We want to know if these systems will act as long-term carbon sinks,” said Baldocchi. “And these microbiological investigations can help refine our models and predictions.”&nbsp;



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



Tringe noted that similar findings of increased methane production with increased salinity have been observed in other studies, including experiments by Duke University and North Carolina State University. Collectively, the research highlights that the effects of seawater intrusion and ecosystem restoration are more complicated than previously thought.



“There was this expectation that sulfate would be the most important thing. And in those studies, not only did salt water stimulate methane production, which again is kind of counter to the dogma that sulfate is important, it happened whether you had sulfate there or not; in fact the sulfate didn't have a big effect on the methane emissions,” said Tringe.&nbsp;



“So I think these experimental manipulations are reconfirming the story that there's more nuanced effects of seawater intrusion than just a sulfate addition, and also more nuanced factors behind ecosystem restoration.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00936-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mSystems</a>. 



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Rising seas release more methane from wetlands than expected

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea...

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-whites-are-far-more-prevalent-than-expected-on-the-california-coast/">great white</a> shark has been observed in the wild for the first time.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This historic sighting</a> was made along California’s central coast by wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and Phillip Sternes, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



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



On July 9, 2023, Gauna and Sternes were scanning the ocean near Santa Barbara when their drone camera captured an extraordinary sight - a pure white, roughly 5-foot-long shark pup.&nbsp;



“We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed from the body as it was swimming,” said Sternes. “I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer.”



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



Gauna, also known as The Malibu Artist, has spent thousands of hours filming sharks around the world. 



In a paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-024-01512-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Biology of Fishes</a>, the team emphasizes the significance of witnessing a newborn great white shark. This observation could help solve the longstanding mystery of great white birthing habits.



“Where white sharks give birth is one of the holy grails of shark science. No one has ever been able to pinpoint where they are born, nor has anyone seen a newborn baby shark alive,” noted Gauna. “There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-skin-condition">Possible skin condition</h2>



The study authors acknowledge that the white film being shed by the shark could have been related to a skin condition. But they do not believe this to be the case.&nbsp;



“If that is what we saw, then that too is monumental because no such condition has ever been reported for these sharks,” said Gauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-was-it-a-newborn-great-white-nbsp">Was it a newborn great white?&nbsp;</h2>



There are several factors that suggest the animal was a newborn great white shark.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intrauterine-milk">Intrauterine milk</h3>



Great white females give birth to live pups. The mothers provide nourishment to the embryos with a type of "milk" secreted in the uterus. “I believe what we saw was the baby shedding the intrauterine milk,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-sharks">Pregnant sharks</h3>



In addition, Gauna had previously observed the presence of large great whites that were likely pregnant in this same location.&nbsp;



“I filmed three very large sharks that appeared pregnant at this specific location in the days prior. On this day, one of them dove down, and not long afterwards, this fully white shark appears,” said Gauna. “It’s not a stretch to deduce where the baby came from.”



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



The size and shape of the shark (thin, short and rounded) also indicated that it was a newborn. “In my opinion, this one was likely hours, maybe one day old at most,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birthing-location">Birthing location</h3>



Furthermore, this particular location off the coast of central California near Santa Barbara has long been proposed as a birthing location for great whites.&nbsp;



“There are a lot of hypothetical areas, but despite intense interest in these sharks, no one’s seen a birth or a newborn pup in the wild,” said Sternes. “This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild, making this a definitive birthing location.”



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



The sighting is not just a scientific marvel but also a crucial development in great white shark conservation. 



Listed as an endangered species, the confirmation of this location as a breeding ground for great whites could prompt legislative action to protect these waters, thereby supporting the thriving of this species. 



“Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving,” said Sternes. 



Click here to see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo of the newborn great white shark.</a>



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Newborn great white shark spotted for the first time ever

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn...

Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities, ranging from upright walking to tree climbing and four-limbed movement. 



The transition from our quadrupedal ancestors to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-humans-were-bipedal-and-could-swing-through-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedal</a> posture unique to humans has long captivated scientists. 



Despite extensive studies and fossil examinations, the early stages of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary journey</a> remained largely obscured -- until now.



A fascinating study, leveraging novel techniques and recent fossil discoveries, sheds new light on this mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inner-ear-of-lufengpithecus">The inner ear of Lufengpithecus</h2>



At its core is the 6-million-year-old Lufengpithecus fossil, unearthed in China. 



The research team, using advanced three-dimensional CT scanning, focused on a previously overlooked area: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lufengpithecus_inner-ear_early-humans-learned-to-walk_Credit-Xiaocong-Guo_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bony inner ear</a> region of these ancient skulls. 



This approach has provided pivotal insights into the origins of bipedal locomotion.



Yinan Zhang, a doctoral student at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (<a href="http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVPP</a>) and lead author, explains the significance of this approach.



“The semicircular canals, located in the skull between our brains and the external ear, are critical to providing our sense of balance and position when we move, and they provide a fundamental component of our locomotion that most people are probably unaware of,” Zhang said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-walking-happened-in-three-stages">Humans walking happened in three stages</h2>



Co-author Terry Harrison, a <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a> anthropologist, outlines a three-step evolutionary process that led to humans walking on two feet, as revealed by the study. 



Initially, early apes moved in trees, akin to modern-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-gibbon-fossil-discovered-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gibbons</a>. The last common ancestor of apes and humans, similar to Lufengpithecus, displayed a mixed locomotion pattern -- climbing, suspension, arboreal bipedalism, and ground movement. 



This diverse locomotor repertoire laid the foundation for human bipedalism.



Prior research often focused on limb, shoulder, pelvis, and spine bones to understand ape and human movement. 



However, the variability in living ape locomotion and gaps in the fossil record have hindered a complete understanding of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bipedalism-human-skull-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism's origins</a>.



The Lufengpithecus skulls, discovered in the 1980s in Yunnan Province, China, offered a new avenue for investigation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-insights-into-ancient-skulls">3D insights into ancient skulls</h2>



Earlier researchers, hindered by the skulls' distorted state, overlooked the ear region. Zhang, Ni, Harrison, and their colleagues at IVPP and the <a href="http://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan Institute</a> of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (YICRA) utilized 3D scanning technology to reconstruct the inner ear’s bony canals virtually. 



Comparing these reconstructions with data from other apes and humans, they unveiled a detailed picture of early ape locomotion.



Professor Xijun Ni of IVPP, who led the project, highlights the study's unique contribution. 



“Our analyses show that early apes shared a locomotor repertoire that was ancestral to human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-may-have-begun-to-stand-upright-in-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism</a>,” explains Ni. 



“It appears that the inner ear provides a unique record of the evolutionary history of ape locomotion that offers an invaluable alternative to the study of the postcranial skeleton.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-changes-also-led-to-humans-walking">Environmental changes also led to humans walking</h2>



Ni adds that most fossil apes represent an intermediate locomotor mode between gibbons and African apes. 



The human lineage diverged from great apes with the adoption of bipedalism, as evidenced in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hominin-fossils-are-a-million-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australopithecus</a>, an early human relative.



The team also proposed that climate change might have been a crucial factor in driving the locomotor diversification of apes and humans. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-cooling-event-caused-extinction-of-first-early-humans-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooler global temperatures</a>, associated with the build up of glacial ice sheets in the northern hemisphere approximately 3.2 million years ago, correspond with an uptick in the rate of change of the bony labyrinth and this may signal a rapid increase in the pace of ape and human locomotor evolution,” explains Harrison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-our-evolutionary-bipedalism-legacy">Deciphering our evolutionary bipedalism legacy</h2>



In summary, this study marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the evolutionary path of human bipedalism. 



By innovatively analyzing the inner ear structure of the Lufengpithecus fossils through 3D CT scanning, the research team has shed light on the complex journey from arboreal locomotion to upright walking. 



This discovery challenges previous assumptions in paleoanthropology while highlighting the intricate interplay between our physical evolution and environmental shifts. 



As we continue to uncover these evolutionary mysteries, our comprehension of human origins becomes ever more nuanced, offering profound insights into the story of our species.



The full study was published in the journal The Innovation.



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How early humans learned to walk from an ancestor called Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities,...

To explore the impact of dialects in social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-robots-with-charismatic-voices-get-better-results-from-students/">robot</a> communication, researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Potsdam</a> conducted a study focusing on the Berlin dialect versus standard German. The research, led by Katharina Kühne, uncovers varied preferences for robot speech styles.



“Robots are increasingly used as interaction partners with humans. Social robots are designed to follow expected behavioral norms when engaging with humans and are available with different voices and even accents. Some studies suggest that people prefer robots to speak in the user’s dialect, while others indicate a preference for different dialects,” the authors explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-perceptions">Human perceptions</h2>



The research indicates that a robot's speech affects human perceptions of trustworthiness and competence. Standard language often conveys intelligence, while familiar dialects offer comfort.&nbsp;



"Imagine a robot that can switch to a dialect. Now, consider what's more critical in your interaction with a robot: feeling a connection or perceiving it as competent," Kühne said.



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



Involving 120 participants from Berlin or Brandenburg, the study assessed responses to a robot using either standard German or the Berlin dialect, known for its working-class, informal image.&nbsp;



The participants watched videos of a robot with a male human voice in one of the two language styles and then rated its trustworthiness and competence.



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



The results showed a link between competence perception and trustworthiness. Overall, standard German was preferred, but those comfortable with the Berlin dialect tended to favor the robot using it.&nbsp;



Interestingly, the type of device used to view the videos influenced responses, with mobile device users giving lower ratings to standard German, potentially due to distractions.



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



The study suggests that dialect proficiency can influence trust in robots. "It seems people trust the robot more because they find a similarity," Kühne explained. However, factors like cognitive load during interactions and the prestige of a dialect also play significant roles.



The University of Potsdam team plans further research to investigate cognitive load during conversations and conduct real-life situation experiments. The findings highlight the importance of context in robot-human interactions and the potential for adaptable speech styles in social robots.



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



Social robots are a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of technology. These robots are designed to interact with humans in a social or collaborative manner, often exhibiting behaviors or characteristics that make them seem more lifelike or relatable.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment">Environment</h3>



Unlike traditional industrial robots that are typically confined to specific tasks in controlled environments, social robots are intended for a variety of environments including homes, schools, hospitals, and care facilities.



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



The primary goal of social robots is to engage in meaningful interactions with people. This can include assisting with daily tasks, providing companionship, aiding in education, or assisting in therapy and healthcare. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features">Features</h3>



These robots are often equipped with advanced features like facial and voice recognition, natural language processing, and emotional intelligence to better understand and respond to human emotions and cues.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-design">Design</h3>



A key aspect of social robots is their design. They are often designed to appear friendly and approachable, sometimes with humanoid features or resembling pets to help users feel more comfortable interacting with them. This is particularly important in applications involving children, the elderly, or those with special needs, where the robot's appearance can significantly impact its effectiveness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-function">Function</h3>



Social robots can range from relatively simple devices designed for companionship or entertainment to highly sophisticated machines capable of learning and adapting to their user's preferences and behaviors. Some advanced models can remember personal details, adapt to different users, or even develop a personality over time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-opportunities-nbsp">Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</h3>



As the field progresses, ethical considerations are increasingly important. Issues such as privacy, security, and the potential impact on human jobs and social interactions are being closely examined. The integration of social robots into society presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and their development continues to be an area of active research and debate.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp; <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2023.1241519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Robotics and AI</a>.



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Social robots with a local accent seem more trustworthy

To explore the impact of dialects in social robot communication,...

A recent study has revealed the profound and often overlooked consequences of forced separation between humans and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pets</a>, particularly in crisis situations such as domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.&nbsp;



The study was conducted by <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/">James Cook University</a> PhD candidate Jasmine Montgomery under the guidance of Professor Janice Lloyd and Professor Zhanming Liang.&nbsp;



After reviewing 27 years of international research, the team uncovered severe risks posed to both humans and pets when faced with separation.



"The literature revealed that people and their companion animals who are confronted with forced separation in crisis situations experience significant impacts on their health, wellbeing, and safety," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-outcomes-nbsp">Devastating outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



“Our results reveal the strong emotional attachment between people and animals may result in vulnerability for both in circumstances where this bond is threatened,” said Montgomery.



“When people are being forced to separate in the context of a crisis situation, such as natural disaster, homelessness or domestic violence, it can result in psychological distress and the risk to their health, and well-being and safety are really impacted."



“Sadly, the review also confirmed that a common outcome for pets in cases of domestic violence was maltreatment and/or death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forced-separation-nbsp">Forced separation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed 42 studies on the human-animal bond and cases of owner-pet separation due to domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.



The analysis showed that pet owners forced to be separated from their animals in crisis situations are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them.



"The review found catastrophic outcomes for pets in situations of forced separation, including death. Pets in crisis situations of forced separation were extremely vulnerable, and the animal’s survival and safety were completely dependent on humans," wrote the study authors.



"As a consequence, humans who felt a sense of responsibility for their pets and were forced to separate were placed at an increased risk to their safety and psychological wellbeing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-violence-victims">Domestic violence victims</h2>



One of the most alarming findings of the study is the impact on victims of domestic violence. The research highlights a disturbing trend where victims often delay leaving abusive relationships out of concern for their pets' safety.&nbsp;



This hesitation stems largely from a lack of shelters or housing options that accommodate pets, coupled with a distrust in formal support systems to prevent pet separation.



“In a lot of cases of domestic violence, there is evidence to suggest that people will delay leaving their relationship to protect their pet,” said Montgomery.



“This is often because there’s a lack of shelters or housing places which can accommodate pets, or a lack of trust placed in formal support systems that they won’t be separated from their pet."



“In those cases where threats to pets are made, victims can be lured back by the perpetrator which places significant risk to their safety as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disasters-nbsp">Natural disasters&nbsp;</h2>



Natural disasters were found to present equally distressing scenarios, where individuals may risk their lives returning for their pets or refuse to evacuate to stay with them.&nbsp;



The study highlights the urgent need for pet-inclusive evacuation and disaster management plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crisis-situations-nbsp">Crisis situations&nbsp;</h2>



One of the more systemic issues identified in the study is the prevailing attitude of human “superiority” and the unclear responsibility for pet welfare in crisis situations.&nbsp;



Montgomery said a shift in mindset was needed to factor in the needs of pets, and the complexities they entail, when it came to planning for crisis situations and providing services that support victims at these times.



“Often, it’s expected people will choose human interests over animals at all costs, without consideration of the shared human-animal bond,” said Montgomery.



“What we need to start doing is taking our pets, and the value of our pets, very seriously. And, as a collective in the community, sharing that responsibility and placing the needs of pets in those areas of policy development, legislation, service provision and housing to help prevent unacceptable outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death.”



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



To mitigate the risks associated with forced separation, the team identified several key recommendations including:



<ul>
<li>Incorporating questions about pets in services assisting women experiencing domestic violence to seek refuge; providing housing for women, children and pets together; and increasing collaboration with services that can help with animals. </li>



<li>Enhance natural disaster evacuation plans to include resources such as transport and shelters that accommodate both people and their pets. </li>



<li>Ensure the availability of pet-friendly accommodation for people in homelessness situations.</li>
</ul>



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2023.2287315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoös</a>. 



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Forced separation between humans and pets often ends in tragedy

A recent study has revealed the profound and often overlooked...

Spider,Web,(cobweb),Varicoloured,Background

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-spiders-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk, a material renowned for its remarkable properties. 



This innovation, led by Keiji Numata at the <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/csrs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center</a> for Sustainable Resource Science, Japan, represents a significant stride towards sustainable solutions in various industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-qualities-of-spider-silk">Remarkable qualities of spider silk</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-tree-species-diversity-increases-spider-density/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk, known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and lightness, boasts a tensile strength comparable to steel and an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio. 



It's not only biodegradable but also biocompatible, making it highly sought after for medical applications such as sutures and artificial ligaments. 



However, the challenge has been in its production. Harvesting spider silk on a large scale is impractical, prompting scientists to seek laboratory-based solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code">Cracking the code</h2>



The artificial silk gland created by the researchers overcomes this hurdle. It meticulously simulates the intricate molecular structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/riding-the-wind-joro-spiders-are-invading-the-u-s-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by replicating the chemical and physical transformations occurring within a spider's silk gland. 



This biomimetic approach, which uses microfluidics -- the manipulation of small fluid amounts through narrow channels -- has been pivotal.



"In this study, we attempted to mimic natural spider silk production using microfluidics, essentially treating the spider's silk gland as a natural microfluidic device," explains Numata. 



This process involves guiding a precursor spidroin solution through microfluidic channels in a small rectangular box-like device. 



As the solution moves, influenced by negative pressure rather than force, it undergoes specific chemical and physical changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microfluidics-and-controlled-conditions">Microfluidics and controlled conditions</h2>



These meticulously controlled conditions allow the proteins to self-assemble into silk fibers, mirroring the complex structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-colorful-jumping-spider-that-is-color-blind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk. 



The challenge lay in fine-tuning the microfluidic system's conditions to achieve the correct alignment of molecular substructures known as beta sheets, crucial for the silk's unique mechanical properties.



"It was surprising how robust the microfluidic system was, once the different conditions were established and optimized," remarks Senior Scientist Ali Malay, a co-author of the paper. 



"Fiber assembly was spontaneous, rapid, and highly reproducible, with the fibers exhibiting the distinct hierarchical structure found in natural silk fiber."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-artificial-spider-silk">The future of artificial spider silk</h2>



This method of producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-trapdoor-spider-was-five-times-bigger-than-its-modern-relatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk has vast implications. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional textile manufacturing and opens new doors in biomedical applications. 



However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the process requires scaling up.



"Ideally, we want to have a real-world impact," says Numata, underlining the need to make fiber production continuous and to enhance the quality of the artificial silk further. 



The success of this endeavor could mark a new era in material science, offering a sustainable and versatile material that's both eco-friendly and medically beneficial.



In summary, the successful replication of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-venom-might-soon-be-the-new-viagra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by RIKEN researchers marks a significant milestone in material science. This breakthrough opens up a realm of possibilities in both environmental sustainability and medical innovation. 



As the team works towards scaling up production and refining the quality of the artificial silk, the potential impact of this eco-friendly, biocompatible material in various industries cannot be overstated.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk captivates us with its extraordinary blend of strength and elasticity. 



As discussed above, this natural fiber, spun by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-can-protect-tomatoes-from-invasive-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, outperforms many human-made materials and holds immense potential for various applications.



What sets spider silk apart is its tensile strength, which rivals that of steel, and its impressive elasticity. 



Remarkably lightweight, spider silk can stretch up to five times its length without breaking. This combination of toughness and flexibility makes it an engineering marvel.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiders</a> produce silk from specialized glands. They use it for a range of purposes: from constructing webs for trapping prey to creating egg sacs and even using it as a lifeline when dropping down or floating away.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-and-applications-of-spider-silk">Composition and applications of spider silk</h3>



At a molecular level, spider silk consists of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-genetics-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein chains</a> organized in a specific way. This structure gives it its unique properties. 



Researchers study this composition, hoping to replicate or even enhance these qualities in synthetic materials.



The potential applications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-produced-by-genetically-modified-silkworms-is-6x-stronger-than-kevlar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk are vast. In medicine, its biocompatibility makes it ideal for sutures and tissue engineering. 



In the textile industry, its strength and durability offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. 



Furthermore, its lightweight yet robust nature could revolutionize materials used in aerospace and military sectors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvesting-and-replicating-artificial-spider-silk">Harvesting and replicating artificial spider silk</h3>



Despite its potential, harvesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk in large quantities remains a challenge, as spiders are territorial and cannibalistic, making farming difficult. 



Consequently, as discussed previously in this article, scientists are exploring synthetic production methods, including genetic engineering and microfluidics, to create artificial spider silk.



The quest to harness the properties of spider silk continues. Its replication and mass production could lead to significant advancements in various fields, offering a sustainable and high-performance material.



In summary, spider silk, both natural and artificial, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of nature, inspiring scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of material science. 



The future looks promising as we stand on the brink of harnessing one of nature's most remarkable creations for widespread human benefit.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44733-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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New artificial spider silk is indistinguishable from natural silk

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial spider...

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant leap forward. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA), led by Professor David Kaplan, have engineered bovine muscle cells that could dramatically reduce the costs associated with cultivated meat production.&nbsp;



The innovative approach holds immense potential for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-the-world-at-a-cost-food-production-and-biodiversity-loss/">food industry</a>, steering it towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fibroblast-growth-factor">Fibroblast growth factor</h2>



At the heart of this advancement is the modification of bovine (beef) muscle cells to produce their own growth factors, particularly fibroblast growth factor (FGF).&nbsp;



Skeletal muscle cells are the primary type found in products like steaks and hamburgers, and FGF plays a crucial role in the development and differentiation of these cells. 



Prior to this breakthrough, external addition of growth factors was necessary, significantly driving up production costs. 



“FGF is not exactly a nutrient,” said Andrew Stout, the lead researcher on the project. “It’s more like an instruction for the cells to behave in a certain way. What we did was engineer bovine muscle stem cells to produce these growth factors and turn on the signaling pathways themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-breakthrough">Significant breakthrough</h2>



The traditional method of adding growth factors to the cell culture media is both costly and inefficient, as these factors need frequent replenishment.&nbsp;



By enabling the cells to produce their own FGF, the researchers have effectively eliminated a major cost component, potentially reducing overall meat production expenses by a staggering 90 percent. This advancement could pave the way for making cultivated meat more affordable and accessible to consumers.



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



However, the journey to commercial viability is not without its challenges. According to Stout, while the cost of media has been significantly reduced, further optimization is needed to make the process industry-ready.&nbsp;



The engineered cells exhibited slower growth, but Stout is optimistic about overcoming this hurdle through strategic modifications in the expression and timing of FGF or altering other cell growth pathways.&nbsp;



“While we significantly cut the cost of media, there is still some optimization that needs to be done to make it industry-ready,” said Stout. “We did see slower growth with the engineered cells, but I think we can overcome that.”&nbsp;



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



Notably, this method does not involve adding foreign genes but instead focuses on editing and expressing existing genes, which could simplify regulatory approvals.



The implications of this technology extend beyond beef production. Stout believes that this strategy could be applied to other types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or fish, since many cell types rely on FGF for growth. The variability in growth factors for different species presents an area for further research.



“Work is continuing at TUCCA and elsewhere to improve cultivated meat technology, including exploring ways to reduce the cost of nutrients in the growth media, and improving the texture, taste, and nutritional content of the meat," said Professor Kaplan.



"Products have already been awarded regulatory approval for consumption in the U.S. and globally, although costs and availability remain limiting. I think advances like this will bring us much closer to seeing affordable cultivated meat in our local supermarkets within the next few years.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-sustainability/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Sustainability</a>. 



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Cultivated meat production costs slashed by 90 percent with new technology

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant...

Plant,Vertical,Farms,Producing,Plant,Vaccines

A recent study led by the University of Michigan dove into the world of urban agriculture, uncovering fascinating insights about its impact on the environment. 



This comprehensive study, the largest of its kind, juxtaposes the carbon footprint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-to-get-started-urban-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban-grown</a> fruits and vegetables with their conventionally grown counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-footprint-of-city-grown-produce">Environmental footprint of city-grown produce</h2>



The study, involving 73 urban farms and gardens across five countries, reveals a complex picture. 



On average, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/step-into-the-future-urban-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban-grown</a> produce has a carbon footprint six times larger than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. 



This is a significant finding, considering the growing popularity of urban agriculture worldwide. 



An estimated 20% to 30% of urban dwellers globally engage in some form of city farming, making these findings particularly relevant.



However, the study also highlights intriguing exceptions. Certain crops, like tomatoes cultivated in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-gardens-promote-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-air urban plots</a>, have a lower carbon intensity compared to those grown in conventional greenhouses. 



Additionally, the carbon emissions gap between conventional and urban agriculture narrows for crops typically air-freighted, such as asparagus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-agriculture-has-low-carbon-potential">Urban agriculture has low-carbon potential</h2>



<a href="https://seas.umich.edu/research/phd-profiles/jason-jake-hawes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Hawes</a>, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan’s <a href="https://seas.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School for Environment and Sustainability</a> and co-lead author of the study, emphasizes the potential for urban agriculture to reduce its climate impacts. 



"The exceptions revealed by our study suggest that urban agriculture practitioners can reduce their climate impacts by cultivating crops that are typically greenhouse-grown or air-freighted, in addition to making changes in site design and management," he explains. 



This approach not only benefits the climate but also the communities and the very essence of sustainable urban living.



Urban agriculture isn't just about food production. It's a multifaceted practice that offers a myriad of social, nutritional, and localized environmental benefits. 



"Urban agriculture offers a variety of social, nutritional and place-based environmental benefits, which make it an appealing feature of future sustainable cities," Hawes said. 



"This work shines light on ways to ensure that urban agriculture benefits the climate, as well as the people and places it serves."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-contrast-urban-vs-conventional-agriculture">Carbon contrast: Urban vs. conventional agriculture</h2>



The study meticulously compared the carbon footprints of low-tech urban agriculture sites with those of conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-crops-have-higher-yields-in-an-urban-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>. 



This comparison involved urban farms (professionally managed for food production), individual gardens (small plots tended by a single gardener), and collective gardens (communal spaces managed by groups). 



Researchers calculated the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each site's materials and activities over its lifetime.



Their findings are telling: urban agriculture emits an average of 0.42 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents per serving of produce, a stark contrast to the 0.07 kg CO2e per serving from conventional methods. 



"By assessing actual inputs and outputs on urban agriculture sites, we were able to assign climate change impacts to each serving of produce,"&nbsp;notes <a href="https://seas.umich.edu/research/faculty/benjamin-goldstein" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benjamin Goldstein</a>, assistant professor at U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability and co-lead author of the study.



"This dataset reveals that urban agriculture has higher carbon emissions per serving of fruit or vegetable than conventional agriculture -- with a few exceptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-urban-agriculture">Composition of urban agriculture</h2>



Urban farming sites are typically characterized by three key elements: infrastructure (such as raised beds and pathways), supplies (like compost, fertilizers, and gasoline for machinery), and irrigation water. 



These components form the backbone of any urban farm but also contribute significantly to its overall carbon impact.



Goldstein highlights a critical point, saying, "Most of the climate impacts at urban farms are driven by the materials used to construct them -- the infrastructure." 



He points out that the limited operational lifespan of these farms, often just a few years or a decade, means that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-our-way-out-of-the-climate-crisis-with-farm-free-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> emitted to produce these materials are not utilized effectively. 



"These farms typically only operate for a few years or a decade, so the greenhouse gases used to produce those materials are not used effectively. Conventional agriculture, on the other hand, is very efficient and hard to compete with," Goldstein concluded.



This inefficiency contrasts sharply with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-technologies-can-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conventional agriculture</a>, which tends to be more efficient and harder to compete with in terms of carbon footprint.



In conventional farming, practices like mono-cropping, aided by pesticides and fertilizers, lead to larger harvests and, as a result, a smaller carbon footprint per unit of produce when compared to urban farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-urban-farming-carbon-efficient">Making urban farming carbon-efficient</h2>



The study outlines three best practices to enhance the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agriculture-could-play-a-key-role-in-limiting-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> competitiveness of low-tech urban agriculture:



Extending Infrastructure Lifetimes: Prolonging the use of urban agriculture materials and structures, such as raised beds and composting infrastructure, can significantly reduce their environmental impact per serving of food. For instance, a raised bed used for 20 years will have a quarter of the impact of one used for just five years.



Utilizing Urban Wastes: Adopting "urban symbiosis" can conserve carbon by repurposing used materials like construction debris for urban agriculture. This approach also includes using rainwater and recycled grey water for irrigation, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.



Maximizing Social Benefits: The study underscores the non-environmental advantages of urban farming, noting improvements in mental health, diet, and social networks among UA farmers and gardeners. While these benefits don't directly reduce carbon emissions, they contribute to the holistic appeal of urban agriculture, potentially making it more competitive with conventional farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration-and-insights">International collaboration and insights</h2>



In summary, while urban farming currently faces challenges in terms of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>, this study provides actionable insights and strategies to mitigate these impacts. 



By extending the life of infrastructure, creatively reusing urban waste, and enhancing social benefits, urban agriculture can evolve into a more sustainable and competitive alternative to conventional farming.



This expansive study was a collaborative effort led by Joshua Newell, professor and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability. 



The team consisted of international collaborators from universities near the urban farming sites, and farmers and gardeners in France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States contributed as citizen scientists.



Their dedication to recording daily inputs and harvests throughout the 2019 season provided an invaluable dataset. 



The team's research expands our understanding of urban agriculture's environmental footprint but also guides future practices towards sustainability. 



As cities continue to grow and evolve, incorporating climate-friendly urban farming practices becomes increasingly vital for a sustainable future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-023-00023-3">Nature Cities</a>.



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Urban agriculture's carbon footprint is 6x greater than normal farms

A recent study led by the University of Michigan dove...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[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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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

[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

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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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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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