For Neanderthals, the most advanced technology wasn't necessarily metal or stone; it could have been a simple piece of sticky plant matter.



This remarkable adhesive, used to bind tools or even chewed for health benefits, played a crucial role in daily life.



While it's long been known that Neanderthals relied on birch tar, the mystery of how they extracted and processed this valuable substance has remained unsolved - until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-forgotten-neanderthal-pit">The forgotten Neanderthal pit</h2>



A remarkable study involving researchers from the <a href="https://ics-seville.org/university-of-seville/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Seville</a> has offered the answers we've been looking for.



Inside the Vanguard Cave in Gibraltar, researchers unearthed a structure that aligns with theories about how the Neanderthals could have obtained the resinous tar from processing different plants.



The humble structure appears to be a simple pit, but it has monumental implications as a presumed anoxic heating chamber. Its simplicity meant that the pit's potential significance was overlooked.



However, this structure's discovery in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as Gorham’s Caves Complex, is foundational in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient human activities</a>.



The site's preservation is due to its swift encapsulation by a dune.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-cognitive-abilities-of-neanderthals">Exceptional cognitive abilities of Neanderthals </h2>



The discovery was not a one-man job. A team of 31 researchers, hailing from more than five countries and specializing in 15 different fields, collaborated to establish that this structure indeed dates back 60,000 years to Neanderthal times.



The University of Seville's own Fernando Muñiz clarifies that Neanderthals were not, as often depicted, crude and brutal beings.



In fact, the discovery reaffirms that they demonstrated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-behavior-provides-clues-about-their-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exceptional cognitive abilities</a> as they were able to use chemical processes to create a resinous adhesive for their tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-smart-were-neanderthals">How smart were Neanderthals?</h2>



Neanderthals were smarter than many people give them credit for. They crafted sophisticated tools using the Mousterian technique, which shows they could plan and execute complex tasks. 



These early humans hunted large game together, suggesting they worked well in teams and communicated effectively. 



They also managed to control fire, build sturdy shelters, and make clothing from animal hides, which kept them warm in harsh climates. All these activities point to strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.



Beyond their practical skills, Neanderthals showed signs of creativity and social complexity. They buried their dead, which might indicate a sense of ritual or respect for others. 



Some archaeological finds suggest they created art or decorative items, hinting at symbolic thinking. Their brains were as large as or even larger than ours, which likely gave them the capacity for language and complex thought. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthals-were-masters-of-technology">Neanderthals were masters of technology</h2>



According to Clive Finlayson, the excavation manager, creating this adhesive substance would have required a thoughtful process. This includes selecting the appropriate plants and extracting the resin without incinerating them.



To validate that the Neanderthals constructed the structure, the team developed methodologies and even completed an archaeological exercise. 



Evidence also suggests that the adhesive resin may have been extracted from the prickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-handle-competition-during-extreme-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rockrose plant</a>, a tree that was more prevalent in Mediterranean latitudes during Neanderthal times.



This transformative project sets a precedent in understanding the technological prowess and organizational capacity of the Neanderthals.



Led by the Gibraltar Museum, the University of Murcia, the Andalusian Earth Sciences Institute, and with contributions from the University of Seville, the project is shedding new light on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-insights-into-the-lives-of-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-evidence-of-early-artistry">Uncovering evidence of early artistry</h2>



Finlayson's team also discovered a unique hashtag-like mark on a piece of limestone in 2012. This simple yet significant engraving is seen by experts as evidence of early artistry.



Neanderthals also collected feathers - specifically black ones - from a variety of birds, possibly for decorative or ceremonial purposes.



Neanderthals had an understanding of medicinal plants and even buried their dead. Jewelry-making and specialized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-glue-created-and-used-underestimated-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool creation</a> were also part of their innovation basket.



According to Muñiz, they could communicate vocally and possibly had high-pitched, hoarse voices.



As our understanding of these prehistoric humans deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that there was more to them than meets the eye. Through ingenuity, organization, and craft, they were indeed masters of their primitive world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-impressive-legacy-of-innovation">An impressive legacy of innovation</h2>



The discovery of the adhesive-making pit in Gibraltar challenges our modern perception of innovation. 



While technology today is often associated with complexity, the Neanderthals demonstrate that simplicity and ingenuity can coexist. 



Their ability to adapt natural resources to solve practical problems, like binding tools with resinous extracts, highlights an advanced understanding of materials science and environmental management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-form-of-experimental-circumstances">Early form of experimental circumstances </h2>



Beyond practicality, their actions reveal a deeper connection to their environment. By selecting specific plants and mastering controlled heating techniques, Neanderthals showcased an early form of experimental learning that enabled them to refine processes through observation and iteration.



This suggests they not only developed innovative methods but also passed down this knowledge across generations, forming the building blocks of technological heritage.



This discovery also serves as a reminder of the fragility of human history. Structures like the resin pit are rare finds, preserved only under exceptional circumstances. 



The swift encapsulation of the site by sand dunes has protected a story that might otherwise have been lost to time. 



These ancient innovations, hidden beneath layers of sediment, remind us of the resilience and ingenuity of our distant relatives, and inspire us to look at innovation through a broader, more inclusive lens.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379124005274?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Science Reviews</a>.



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How Neanderthals mastered the art of creating and using tape and glue

For Neanderthals, the most advanced technology wasn't necessarily metal or stone; it could have been a simple piece of sticky plant matter. This remarkable adhesive, used to bind tools or even chewed for health benefits, played a crucial role in daily life. While it's long been known that Neanderthals relied on birch tar, the mystery of how they extracted and processed this valuable substance has remained unsolved - until now. The forgotten Neanderthal pit A remarkable study involving researchers from the University of Seville has offered the...

Marine bristle worms use a unique protein to differentiate between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-sunlight-is-critical-for-the-survival-of-coral-reefs/">sunlight</a> and moonlight, according to a new study led by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU).



This discovery centers around an atypical cryptochrome protein (Cry) that plays a crucial role in synchronizing the marine organisms' internal lunar calendar with the moon's phases, particularly vital for their reproductive cycles.



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



Cryptochromes are light-sensitive proteins found in various organisms, crucial for several biological processes. The marine bristle worm Platynereis dumerilii utilizes a specialized Cry protein, known as L-Cry, to discern sunlight from moonlight and various moon phases.&nbsp;



This capability is essential for aligning their reproductive activities with the full moon, operating on an internal monthly calendar or circalunar clock.



The researchers employed the cryo-electron microscopy platform at the University of Cologne to visualize the three-dimensional structure of the L-Cry protein under different lighting conditions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



These structural analyses, combined with biochemical investigations primarily at Mainz University, revealed that L-Cry forms a dimer (two subunits linked together) in the dark, but under intense sunlight, it disassembles into monomers (single subunits).



This behavior is notable for two reasons. First, the spatial arrangement of L-Cry's two subunits in the dark is unique, differing from arrangements seen in other Cry proteins.&nbsp;



Second, the direction of light-induced changes in L-Cry is opposite to that observed in other Cry proteins, which typically transition from monomer to dimer in the light.



Professor Eva Wolf of the JGU Institute of Molecular Physiology, who led the study, explained the significance of these findings.



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



"Our findings could explain how L-Cry manages to distinguish between sunlight and moonlight: Intense sunlight always activates both subunits of the dimer simultaneously, which initiates its breakdown into individual subunits. The significantly weaker moonlight, however, statistically only activates one of two subunits," explained Professor Wolf.



These insights have expanded our understanding of L-Cry's function as a photoreceptor, distinguishing it among the diverse Cry proteins known for various functions, including sensing Earth's magnetic field in birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-research-nbsp">Challenging research&nbsp;</h2>



Hong Ha Vu, a doctoral candidate and significant contributor to the study, highlighted the challenges of the research.&nbsp;



"Working with light-sensitive proteins is always a challenge," said Hong Ha Vu. "When preparing the L-Cry proteins for analysis, we need to carry out all experimental processes in the dark or under specifically defined red light conditions to prevent unintentional pre-activation of these very light-sensitive proteins."



"For the functional characterization of L-Cry, it is also necessary to use lighting conditions similar to underwater natural sunlight and moonlight illumination of the kind that the bristle worms encounter in their natural habitat."&nbsp;



"Only then we can compare the specific properties of L-Cry in its role as a sunlight and moonlight receptor with those of other cryptochromes."



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



"Our investigations have provided important new insights into how this most unusual sunlight and moonlight receptor works," said Professor Wolf.&nbsp;



"Furthermore, our structural and molecular mechanistic insights into L-Cry's function have opened up future avenues of research that should help us better understand the still largely unknown molecular processes involved in synchronization of the circalunar clock with the moon phases."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-bristle-worms-nbsp">Marine bristle worms&nbsp;</h2>



Marine bristle worms, belonging to the class Polychaeta, are a diverse group of generally marine annelid worms. They are known for their distinctive parapodia (fleshy protrusions on each body segment) that bear many bristles made of chitin.&nbsp;



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



These worms are found in various environments, from the coldest ocean temperatures of the abyssal plain to the extreme heat near hydrothermal vents. They inhabit all depths of the oceans, with more than 10,000 species described.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-forms">Body forms</h3>



Polychaetes exhibit a wide range of body forms and lifestyles. They can be brightly colored, iridescent, or even luminescent. Typically less than 10 cm in length, they can range from 1 mm to 3 m.&nbsp;



Their bodies are segmented, and each segment has parapodia, which are used for movement and often act as the primary respiratory surfaces. Their diets vary, including predators, herbivores, filter feeders, scavengers, and parasites.&nbsp;



The mouth of polychaetes varies depending on their diet and can include a pair of jaws and a pharynx that can be everted rapidly for feeding.



The outer body wall of a polychaete consists of a simple columnar epithelium covered by a thin cuticle. Underneath this lies a layer of connective tissue, a layer of circular muscle, a layer of longitudinal muscle, and a peritoneum surrounding the body cavity.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-nbsp">Key characteristics&nbsp;</h3>



Most polychaetes have a simple but well-developed circulatory system, with contractile blood vessels, and some species have rudimentary hearts.



Polychaetes exhibit a variety of interesting reproductive strategies. Many species show bioluminescence, and some have complex eyes capable of sophisticated vision.&nbsp;



Their nervous system is relatively advanced compared to other annelids, with a large brain and various sensory organs, including eyes and statocysts​​​​.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42708-2">Nature Communications</a>.



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Marine worms can distinguish sunlight from moonlight

Marine bristle worms use a unique protein to differentiate between...

In a new study led by the <a href="https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/uoc-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a>, scientists have made a remarkable discovery about the taste perception abilities of sharks and rays.&nbsp;



The research team, including Dr. Maik Behrens, Tatjana Lang, and Dr. Sigrun Korsching, identified a receptor for bitter taste in these cartilaginous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-a-mirror/">fish</a>, challenging previous assumptions that such receptors were exclusive to bony vertebrates.



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



The receptor, part of the taste receptors type 2 (T2R) family, is known to help humans identify bitter and potentially toxic foods.&nbsp;



This discovery in cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays is significant as it indicates the presence and functional importance of T2R receptors in a broader range of species than previously understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-compounds">Toxic compounds</h2>



"Many animal and plant species synthesize toxic compounds as deterrent, often recognized by bitter taste receptors (T2Rs)," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Here, we have identified a singular T2R in cartilaginous fishes and determined its ligand repertoire in two shark species."



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



Until recently, molecular research on sharks faced challenges due to their large genomes, making sequencing complex and time-consuming.&nbsp;



However, advancements in techniques have now made it possible to delve deeper into the gene sequences of many cartilaginous fishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The team's investigation covered seventeen cartilaginous fish genomes, out of which twelve contained genes for the T2R taste receptors. Intriguingly, only one T2R gene, named T2R1, was present in each species.&nbsp;



This singularity suggests that T2R1 might represent the original form of these bitter taste receptors, remaining unchanged by gene duplication and specialization over time.



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



"These findings give us new insights into the evolution of these receptors: We can look back almost 500 million years on the molecular and functional origin of an entire family of bitter taste receptors. Because that is how old the last common ancestor of cartilage and bony fish is," said Professor Korsching.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-bitter-substances-nbsp">Detecting bitter substances&nbsp;</h2>



Further experiments introduced the T2R1 gene from the bamboo shark and the catshark into immortalized cell lines, revealing that these sharks can detect bitter substances similar to those perceived by humans, like colchicine or bile acid.&nbsp;



Out of ninety-four human bitter substances tested, eleven were able to activate the sharks’ receptors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertebrate-evolution-nbsp">Vertebrate evolution&nbsp;</h2>



Remarkably, some of these substances also activated the bitter taste receptors of the coelacanth, a species known as a "living fossil" among bony fish. This finding, from a previous study, highlights the astonishing conservation of this function throughout vertebrate evolution.



Professor Korsching summarized the significance of this research by stating: "The extent to which this function has been conserved is astonishing, i.e., through the entire evolution of vertebrates."&nbsp;



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



This discovery not only sheds light on the evolutionary history of taste receptors but also opens new avenues for understanding how taste perception has shaped the survival and behavior of diverse species across millions of years.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2310347120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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New clues about the evolution of bitter taste perception found in sharks

In a new study led by the University of Cologne,...

A new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06723-z">Nature</a> has found that allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/">forests</a> to naturally recover could capture approximately 226 Gigatons (Gt) of carbon. However, this is only feasible if there is a simultaneous reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;



The study emphasizes the importance of community-driven efforts in conserving and restoring forest biodiversity to achieve these carbon capture goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-carbon-potential-nbsp">Forest carbon potential&nbsp;</h2>



The role of forests in carbon capture has been a subject of heated debate. A previous study published in the journal Science argued that forest restoration could sequester over 200 Gt of carbon, but subsequent discussions raised concerns about environmental impacts and the accuracy of this estimate.



Now, an international team of researchers led by <a href="https://ethz.ch/de.html">ETH Zurich</a> has integrated ground-sourced data and satellite datasets to clarify the forest carbon potential.&nbsp;



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



The analysis revealed that forests currently store about 328 Gt less carbon than they could naturally, largely due to deforestation.



Excluding areas used for urban and agricultural purposes, forests could sequester around 226 Gt in low human footprint regions.&nbsp;



Moreover, protecting and allowing existing forests to mature can contribute to 61 percent of this potential, with the remainder achievable through ecosystem restoration and management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-forest-restoration-nbsp">Redefining forest restoration&nbsp;</h2>



These findings emphasize the need for a diverse range of species to maximize the forest carbon potential. According to the scientists, biodiversity accounts for approximately half of the global forest productivity, highlighting the necessity of including natural species diversity in restoration efforts.



The authors stress that effective restoration is a deeply social endeavor involving various community-driven efforts to promote biodiversity. “We need to redefine what restoration means to many people,” said senior author Thomas Crowther, a professor of Ecology at ETH Zurich.&nbsp;



“Restoration is not about mass tree plantations to offset carbon emissions. Restoration means directing the flow of wealth towards millions of local communities, Indigenous populations, and farmers that promote biodiversity across the globe. Only when healthy biodiversity is the preferred choice for local communities will we get long-term carbon capture as a byproduct.”



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



Thus, the study underscores the vital role of forests in carbon storage but cautions against considering them a substitute for reducing fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;



“My biggest fear is that corporations misuse this information as an excuse to avoid cutting fossil fuel emissions,” Crowther added. “The more we emit, the more we threaten nature and people. There can be no choice between reducing emissions and protecting nature because we urgently need both. We need nature for climate, and we need climate action for nature!”&nbsp;



“Forests are incredible places, teeming with life and delivering countless benefits for humanity. This research reaffirms that we can make meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change by protecting and restoring degraded forests, and drawing on the wisdom and leadership of the local communities that know these ecosystems best. We owe it to nature, to future generations and to ourselves to meet this global challenge,” concluded world-famous primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall.



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Restoring forest biodiversity has massive potential for carbon capture

A new study published in the journal Nature has found...

Pandora Cluster (NIRCam Image)

The James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), NASA's flagship observatory, has made another fascinating discovery in the depths of space. In a region known as Pandora’s Cluster, or Abell 2744, researchers have identified the second and fourth <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pandoras-cluster_UNCOVER-z-13-galaxy_annotated_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most distant galaxies</a> ever observed. This monumental finding was achieved using JWST's advanced capabilities, marking a significant stride in understanding the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peering-back-in-time-through-pandora-s-cluster">Peering back in time through Pandora's Cluster</h2>



An international team, spearheaded by researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>, utilized JWST to follow up on a <a href="https://stsci-opo.org/STScI-01GQQF9WVPFVMCVHRZY54N2TAR.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep field image</a> of Pandora’s Cluster. They confirmed the distance of these ancient galaxies, approximately 33 billion light years away, and inferred their properties through new spectroscopic data. This data offers a comprehensive look at the light emitted across the electromagnetic spectrum, providing critical insights into the formation of the earliest galaxies.



Remarkably, these newly discovered galaxies differ from other distant galaxies typically observed as red dots. They are larger, with one resembling a peanut and the other a fluffy ball. These unique appearances challenge our understanding of galactic formation in the early universe.



Bingjie Wang, the study's first author and a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State's Eberly College of Science, emphasizes the importance of these findings. 



"We knew of only three galaxies at this extreme distance before," Wang says. "These new galaxies reveal the diversity of the early universe, offering a wealth of information to learn from."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-to-the-early-universe">A window to the early universe</h2>



The light from these galaxies serves as a time capsule, emitted when the universe was about 330 million years old. Joel Leja is an assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State. He notes, "The light from these galaxies is ancient, about three times older than the Earth. It's by their light that we begin to understand the exotic physics of the galaxy near cosmic dawn."



These galaxies are notably larger than others found at comparable distances. One spans at least 2,000 light years, a size that's surprising given the assumed compactness of the early universe. This discovery poses questions about star formation and the evolution of galaxies in the nascent cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-60-000-to-2-in-pandora-s-cluster">From 60,000 to 2 in Pandora's Cluster</h2>



The journey to this discovery began with one of JWST's first deep field images, which captured 60,000 light sources in Pandora’s Cluster. This region was selected for its gravitational lensing effect, magnifying light from distant galaxies. The <a href="https://jwst-uncover.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNCOVER team</a>, part of the research initiative, narrowed these sources down to 700 candidates, eventually identifying the two ancient galaxies.



"The process of finding these ancient galaxies is complex," Leja explains. "Our approach involved using a giant magnifying lens in space, providing a deep, albeit small, window into the cosmos." This method proved successful, uncovering two galaxies that give new insights into the early universe.



The team also used models to infer the properties of these early galaxies. They found that these galaxies were young, metal-poor, and rapidly forming stars. These properties align with theories of early galactic formation and offer supporting evidence for the Big Bang theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-galactic-discovery">The future of galactic discovery</h2>



The researchers note that JWST's powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expansion-rate-of-the-universe-confirmed-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrared instruments</a> could detect even more distant galaxies, pushing the boundaries of our cosmic understanding. However, Leja cautions, "We may have reached the limits of early galactic formation, or perhaps our observation window was just too small."



This research was part of a proposal submitted to NASA for JWST's first year of science operations. Leja reflects on the excitement and challenges involved: "We were thrilled when our proposal was accepted. JWST is built for finding these first galaxies, and it's exhilarating to be part of this groundbreaking work."



In summary, the discovery of these distant galaxies by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-celebrates-one-year-anniversary-with-stunning-new-image-of-rho-ophiuchi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> marks a monumental achievement in astronomy. It not only challenges our understanding of galactic formations and sizes in the early universe but also opens new doors for exploring the cosmic dawn. 



As we continue to observe and study these ancient light sources, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe's origins and evolution.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/acfe07" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Webb telescope discovers second most distant galaxy in Pandora's cluster

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), NASA's flagship observatory, has...

A mystery surrounding the deaths of 35 African <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=elephants&amp;start=0">elephants</a> in Zimbabwe is one step closer to being solved. New research suggests that a bacterium closely associated with deadly septicaemia is responsible for six of the deaths, as well as fatalities in neighboring countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botswana-mortality-event">Botswana mortality event</h2>



The casualties in Zimbabwe, which occurred in August and September of 2020, were preceded by the baffling deaths of approximately 350 elephants in northern Botswana just months earlier.



Government officials in Botswana said the deaths were caused by an unspecified cyanobacterial toxin, with no further details. Some of the affected elephants were observed walking in circles before literally dropping dead - often collapsing on their faces.&nbsp;



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



In a unique collaboration, experts from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, the Animal and Plant Health Agency UK, the University of Surrey, and South African laboratories set out to investigate.



"The sudden mortality of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 provoked considerable public interest and speculation," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Poaching and malicious poisoning were excluded early on in the investigation. Other potential causes included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-investigation-nbsp">Challenging investigation&nbsp;</h2>



The team, led by Dr. Chris Foggin, faced challenges in identifying and examining the elephant carcasses. The experts had to consider initial suspicions of anthrax or other diseases posing risks to human health.



The complexity of conducting post-mortem examinations in field conditions on such large animals added to the difficulty of the investigation.&nbsp;



“Investigating this mortality in the wildlife areas in north-west Zimbabwe proved challenging. Identifying and then reaching the carcasses in time to obtain useful samples is one problem we often face in this type of work," explained Dr. Foggin.



“However, we also didn’t know what disease we may be dealing with, although we initially suspected that it could be anthrax, which is known to occur in the area; or possibly some other disease that might pose a risk to human health."



"We therefore had to be cautious when undertaking the post-mortem examinations on elephant which, in itself, is a difficult task with such a big animal, especially working in field conditions.”&nbsp;



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



Poaching was ruled out as a cause of death since the elephants' tusks were intact, and toxicology analyses in Zimbabwe and the UK revealed no traces of poisons.



The breakthrough came when veterinarians and scientists identified a septicaemic infection caused by a little-known bacterium, provisionally named Bisgaard taxon 45, from the Pasteurellaceae family, in six elephants.&nbsp;



This discovery was confirmed through bacterial isolation and genetic analysis, marking the first time this bacterium has been associated with elephant deaths. Limited sample availability restricted the extent of these examinations.



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



Professor Falko Steinbach, head of virology at APHA, emphasized the significance of identifying this bacterium and its potential for transmission, especially considering the social nature of elephants.&nbsp;



“The identification of this bacterium is a significant step forward in learning more about why these elephants died, and I was pleased to be part of the team at APHA that could corroborate these important findings.," said Professor Steinbach.



“Transmission of the bacteria is possible, especially given the highly sociable nature of elephants and the link between this infection and the stress associated with extreme weather events such as drought, which may make outbreaks more likely."



“Further research is needed to learn more about the bacteria and its long-term implications for the African elephant population and other wildlife.”&nbsp;



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



Dr. Arnoud van Vliet, senior lecturer in Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Surrey, highlighted the international collaboration in this research. The discovery of Bisgaard taxon 45's role in bacterial septicaemia adds to the growing list of threats to elephant conservation.



The African savanna elephant is already an endangered species with an estimated 350,000 remaining in the wild and an ongoing eight percent annual population decline.



The research not only uncovers a potential cause of the recent mysterious deaths but also emphasizes the importance of continued investigation for the future of African elephants.



This research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41987-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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African elephants suddenly dropped dead in 2020, and questions remain

A mystery surrounding the deaths of 35 African elephants in...

A new study has revealed alarming insights on the impact of early-life stress on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-implant-may-allow-people-to-communicate-through-their-thoughts/">brain</a> development. According to the researchers, stress experienced in early life causes more gene expression changes in the brain than a head injury.&nbsp;



This revelation stems from an animal study aimed at understanding the interplay between childhood stress and brain injury consequences in later life.



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



The study, led by Professor Kathryn Lenz of <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, involved an animal model where newborn rats were separated from their mothers to simulate the effects of adverse childhood experiences. 



These experiences, which can range from traumatic events to prolonged stress, are very common. They are known to increase the risk of various mental and physical health issues in adulthood.



Head injuries are also common in young kids, particularly from falling. These injuries can be linked to mood disorders and social problems later in life.&nbsp;



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



“But we don’t know how those two things can interact,” said Professor Lenz. “We wanted to understand whether experiencing a traumatic brain injury in the context of early life stress circumstances could modulate the response to the brain injury."&nbsp;



"And using an animal model allows us to really get into the mechanisms through which these two things might be impacting brain development as it’s occurring.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, the newborn rats were separated from their mothers daily for 14 days. On day 15, at an age equivalent to a human toddler, both stressed and non-stressed rats were given either a concussion-like head injury under anesthesia or no head injury.&nbsp;



The research team, including first author Michaela Breach, a graduate student in Lenz’s lab, focused on examining gene expression changes in the hippocampal region of the rats' brains.&nbsp;



The experts analyzed the gene changes associated with three conditions: stress alone, head injury alone, and the combination of both.&nbsp;



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



The experts found a higher number of genes exhibiting differential expression due to early-life stress compared to those affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI).



Both stress alone and stress combined with traumatic brain injury activated pathways in excitatory and inhibitory neurons associated with plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt to changes.



“This may suggest that the brain is being opened up to a new period of vulnerability or is actively changing during this period of time when it could program later life deficits,” Breach said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-signaling-nbsp">Oxytocin signaling&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found differing effects on oxytocin signaling, a hormone linked to social behavior and bonding, between stress and brain injury scenarios. Stress activated this pathway, while brain injury alone inhibited it.



“Both stress and TBI are linked to abnormal social behavior, but we’re finding these differing effects with the oxytocin signaling,” said Breach.&nbsp;



“That demonstrates that the effect of stress might modulate how TBI is changing the brain since the combination treatment was different from TBI on its own. Oxytocin is involved in the response to stress and repair, so that may mean it could be an interesting modulator for us to pursue in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risky-behavior-nbsp">Risky behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Rats exposed to early-life stress showed a tendency for riskier behavior in adulthood, aligning with human data linking early-life stress to conditions characterized by risk-taking behaviors.



Once the rats had aged into adulthood, behavior tests showed that only animals in the early-life stress group were prone to more frequently entering a wide-open space where rats would typically feel vulnerable to predators.



“Overall, that suggests they might be taking more risks later in life, which is consistent with human data showing that early life stress can increase the risk for certain conditions like ADHD, which can be characterized by risk-taking behavior or substance use disorders,” said Breach.



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



Professor Lenz said the behavior data provides further evidence of the need to address adverse childhood experiences.



“Things like social support and enrichment can buffer the effects of early-life stress – that has been shown in animal models and in people,” she said. “I don’t think it can be over-emphasized how damaging early-life stressors can be if they’re not dealt with.”



This first set of experiments in rats suggests early life stress’s potential to lead to a lifetime of health consequences may not be fully appreciated, noted Professor Lenz.



“We found many, many, many more genes were differentially expressed as a result of our early life stress manipulation than our traumatic brain injury manipulation."



“Stress is really powerful, and we shouldn’t understate the impact of early life stress on the developing brain. I think it tends to get dismissed – but it’s an incredibly important public health topic.”



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Early-life stress alters brain genes more than a head injury

A new study has revealed alarming insights on the impact...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-sea-turtles-have-returned-to-the-same-place-to-eat-for-3000-years/">Green sea turtles</a> (Chelonia mydas), are listed as endangered on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>. They face extinction risks from poaching, boat collisions, habitat destruction, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Yet, another insidious threat linked to climate change is emerging: temperature-dependent sex determination.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hundreds-of-females-for-every-male">Hundreds of females for every male</h2>



As temperatures rise, an increasing number of embryos develop into females. In the northern Great Barrier Reef off Australia, this has led to a significant skew, with hundreds of females born for every male.



Adding to this concern, researchers have now shown that pollution may compound the risk of extinction due to a lack of male green sea turtles.&nbsp;



“Here we show that contaminants from human activities may also influence the sex ratio of developing green sea turtles, increasing the already extant bias towards females,” said lead author Arthur Barraza, a researcher at the Australian Rivers Institute at <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/">Griffith University</a>.



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



The study focused on the effects of pollution on green sea turtles on Heron Island, a small coral sand cay in the southern Great Barrier Reef. This site, where 200 to 1,800 females nest annually, has a more balanced sex ratio than locations closer to the equator, with approximately two to three females hatching for every male.



The researchers collected 17 entire clutches shortly after laying and monitored temperatures with automatic probes. Upon emergence, the hatchlings were euthanized, their sex determined, and liver contaminants measured using ICP-MS and bioassays on cultured sea turtle cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-pollutants-nbsp">Various pollutants&nbsp;</h2>



The study focused on metals like chromium, antimony, barium, and organic pollutants such as PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs, known or suspected as "xenoestrogens."



“Accumulation of these contaminants by a female turtle happens at the site where she forages. As eggs develop within her, they absorb the contaminants that she accumulated. These then are sequestered in the liver of the embryos, where they can stay for years after hatching,” Barazza explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-metals-nbsp">Heavy metals&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found a direct correlation between the amount of heavy metals antimony and cadmium in the hatchlings’ liver and a bias towards females within the nest. These contaminants mimic estrogen, influencing developmental pathways towards females.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-ratio">Sex ratio&nbsp;</h2>



“As the sex ratio gets closer to 100 percent females, it will get harder and harder for adult female turtles to find a mate. This becomes especially important as climate change will continue to make nesting beaches warmer and more female-biased,” Barazza said.



“Determining which specific compounds could change the hatchling sex ratios is important for developing strategies to prevent pollutants from further feminizing sea turtle populations,” added senior author Jason van de Merwe, a marine biologist and ecotoxicologist at Griffith.&nbsp;



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



“Since most heavy metals come from human activity such as mining, runoff, and pollution from general urban center waste, the best way forward is to use science-based long-term strategies to reduce the input of pollutants into our oceans.”



This study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1238837">Frontiers in Marine Biology</a> - highlights the multifaceted threats to green sea turtles, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of both climate change and pollution on these endangered species.



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Sex ratio of green sea turtles is approaching 100 percent females due to pollution

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), are listed as endangered on...

A study published by the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> unveils a device that can "smell" seawater to detect and discover novel molecules. The research project has significant implications for marine science and pharmaceutical research.



The ocean, a vast and largely unexplored frontier, is filled with marine organisms that release an abundance of invisible molecules. These molecules carry critical information that signifies the presence of specific creatures and holds potential as future medications.&nbsp;



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



"What lies in a drop of seawater? To the analytical chemist or marine ecologist, the answer is an ocean of molecules of diverse structures and origins, all diluted in trace quantities," said the researchers.



"In 1965, Wangersky wrote, 'Seawater is a medium of a complexity sufficient to dismay any right-thinking analytical chemist.'"



"Nevertheless, ocean scientists have tirelessly tried to unravel its complex nature, measuring how it has changed and interacted with the biosphere since the first life forms appeared on Earth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-smel-nbsp">I-SMEL&nbsp;</h2>



In an exciting development, the scientists have created a device that essentially sniffs out molecules that are dissolved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-can-break-down-pet-pollution-in-ocean-water/">seawater</a> and traps them for in-depth analysis.



This innovative device, named the I-SMEL (In Situ Marine moleculE Logger), is a game-changer in the study of underwater ecosystems.&nbsp;



"The present work aims at evaluating the ability of a hand-held underwater SPE instrument to rapidly capture molecules within chemical seascapes and enrich specialized exometabolites released by keystone marine species in their ecosystems," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-dissolved-compounds-nbsp">Capturing dissolved compounds&nbsp;</h2>



Developed by Thierry Pérez, Charlotte Simmler, and their team, the device aims to capture and enrich dissolved compounds produced by marine organisms like sponges, without causing harm to their sources or ecosystems.



I-SMEL is designed for easy handling by divers. It functions by pumping seawater through disks, reminiscent of makeup remover pads, which adsorb dissolved molecules for later analysis.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-trials">Successful trials</h2>



The effectiveness of the device was demonstrated in 65-foot-deep Mediterranean Sea caves that are home to diverse sponge species.&nbsp;



After collecting water samples, the team used mass spectrometry to assess the captured compounds, discovering a range of unknown molecular structures that show promise in natural product discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-results-nbsp">Fascinating results&nbsp;</h2>



The team's research yielded fascinating results. Several metabolites, including brominated alkaloids and furanoterpenoids, were identified in three sponge species.&nbsp;



In some cases, the system concentrated compounds released by sponges. For example, aeroplysinin-1 was approximately 20 times more abundant in the extracts from seawater than within a yellow cave-sponge extract.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-invasive-marine-exploration">Non-invasive marine exploration</h2>



According to the researchers, I-SMEL represents a non-invasive method to capture molecules crucial for understanding ecosystem health and identifying novel molecules for drug discovery.&nbsp;



This innovative device marks a significant step forward in marine biology and pharmacology. By enabling the detection and analysis of previously inaccessible underwater molecular compositions, I-SMEL opens new avenues for ecological research and the discovery of compounds that could revolutionize the field of medicine.



Next, the researchers will explore the device's potential for autonomous operation and remote operation in deeper waters is the next milestone the researchers aim to achieve.



The study is published in the journal in ACS <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.3c00661">Central Science</a>.



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Device sniffs out unknown ocean molecules that can be used for drug discovery

A study published by the American Chemical Society unveils a...

The Southern Taurids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-100-meteors-per-hour-will-light-up-the-skies-this-weekend-as-the-perseids-peak/">meteor shower</a>, an awe-inspiring celestial event, are set to reach their peak this weekend, offering a unique spectacle for enthusiastic stargazers.&nbsp;



According to the <a href="https://www.amsmeteors.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Meteor Society</a>, the peak of this astronomical display is expected to occur at around 8:47 p.m. ET on Sunday.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-taurids-nbsp">Southern Taurids&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the Southern Taurids, which have been active since late September, are particularly famous for their fireballs. These fireballs are incredibly bright meteors that outshine even Venus, making them a standout feature in the night sky, as explained by NASA.



“Meteors are a part of the night sky that just are out of the norm for people,” said Bill Cooke, lead of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/meteoroid-environment-office/">NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office</a>. “You go outside, you see the stars, you see the moon, you see the planets - those are always there … but you don’t always see the meteors. Meteors are a transitory part of the night sky, and people get fascinated by that.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-see-the-taurids">How to see the Taurids</h2>



According to Cooke, the optimal viewing time for witnessing these meteor showers is after midnight in any time zone. He also advises stargazers to be patient, as the Southern Taurids typically exhibit a frequency of only about five meteors per hour.&nbsp;



Cooke recommends looking away from the moon and covering as much of the sky as possible with one’s gaze, advising against the use of telescopes due to their narrow field of view.



“You should look away from the moon but there’s no preferred direction - just try to take in as much sky as you can,” he said. “And use your eyes. You don’t want to use a telescope to observe a meteor shower - too small (of a) field of view.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-s-brightness">The moon's brightness</h2>



The moon’s brightness during the shower’s peak will be around 44 percent, nearing a half-full state. Despite potential concerns about moonlight hindering the visibility of fainter meteors, Cooke reassures that the luminosity of the Taurids will likely make them visible regardless of the moon’s glow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taurids-and-comet-encke">Taurids and Comet Encke&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Taurids originate from Comet Encke, known for its remarkably short orbit among comets in our solar system. Comet Encke’s orbital period is approximately 3.3 years, with its last close approach to the sun, or perihelion, occurring recently, on October 22.&nbsp;



The debris trail left by this comet during its journey through space results in the Southern Taurid meteor shower when Earth intersects its path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taurids-activity">Taurids activity</h2>



Although Comet Encke was recently in proximity to the sun, the Southern Taurid shower is anticipated to produce lower rates of activity this year.&nbsp;



Last year, an increase in Taurid activity was observed, a phenomenon ascribed to Jupiter’s gravitational influence concentrating the comet’s debris along Earth’s orbital path.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expect-the-unexpected">Expect the unexpected</h2>



Cooke highlights the unpredictable nature of meteor showers, expressing openness to the possibility of unexpected occurrences during this year’s event.



“I never say never, because it’s always possible that the unexpected can happen,” he said. “Last year was a good year for the Taurids, 2023 and 2024, not so much.”



The Southern Taurids will continue to light up the night sky until December 8, overlapping with the Northern Taurids, which have been active since mid-October. The Northern Taurids are projected to reach their peak a week later, on Sunday, November 12, further extending this period of celestial activity.



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



Meteor showers are a celestial spectacle, a natural light show that has fascinated humanity throughout history. These showers occur when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left by a comet or an asteroid. As these particles collide with Earth's atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks across the sky—meteors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comets-the-progenitors-of-meteoroids">Comets: The progenitors of meteoroids</h3>



The primary contributors to meteor showers are comets. As a comet orbits the Sun, it sheds a dusty trail of debris—meteoroids. These particles remain in the comet's orbital path, creating a "meteoroid stream." When Earth's orbit intersects with such a stream, the result is a meteor shower.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroids-a-secondary-source">Asteroids: A secondary source</h3>



While comets are the usual suspects, asteroids can also be the source of meteoroids. When an asteroid's orbit crosses Earth's orbit, the debris it sheds can lead to a meteor shower. However, this is a less common occurrence compared to cometary showers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-and-where-to-look">When and where to look</h3>



Meteor showers are named after the constellations from which they appear to radiate, known as their radiant point. To best view a meteor shower, one should look towards this radiant after midnight and before dawn when the sky is darkest. Rural areas away from city lights offer the best visibility.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-annual-shows-to-watch">Annual shows to watch</h3>



Some meteor showers occur annually and are predictable in their activity. The Perseids, one of the most prolific showers, peak in August. The Geminids offer a wintertime display in December. The Leonids in November are known for producing meteor storms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-to-meteors-a-fiery-end">Meteoroids to meteors: A fiery end</h3>



When meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere, they do so at high velocities, causing them to heat up due to air friction. This heat causes the gases around the meteoroid to glow, which we observe as a meteor.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteorites-survivors-of-the-plunge">Meteorites: Survivors of the plunge</h3>



On rare occasions, a meteoroid might survive its fiery descent and land on Earth's surface. These surviving pieces are called meteorites and are sought after by scientists for study.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-and-superstition">Inspiration and superstition</h3>



Meteor showers have inspired countless myths and legends. In various cultures, they have been seen as omens or messages from the gods. Today, they continue to inspire awe and are a popular theme in art and literature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h3>



Astronomers study meteor showers to learn more about the composition of comets and the early solar system. Meteor showers have also helped in understanding the Earth's upper atmosphere as meteors interact with the gases present there.



In summary, meteor showers offer us a glimpse into the workings of our solar system. They remind us of our planet's dynamic nature and our connection to the cosmos. As we observe the skies, we participate in a tradition as old as humanity itself, looking up in wonder at the mysteries of the universe.



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Fireball meteor shower peaks tonight from the beautiful Taurids

The Southern Taurids meteor shower, an awe-inspiring celestial event, are...

Sperm,Movement,To,The,Ovum.,Over,Black,Background.

Researchers at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> (MSU) have made a significant breakthrough in understanding a mysterious sperm structure known as the cytoplasmic droplet (CD), potentially offering new insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-improves-sperm-quality-and-fertility/">infertility</a>.



The cytoplasmic droplet, a poorly understood feature found in mammalian sperm, including humans, is located near the sperm's head. Despite being discovered over a century ago, its formation and function remained unclear due to limited molecular and genetic tools for its study.&nbsp;



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



The new research was led by Professor Chen Chen from the Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program at MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.&nbsp;



Professor Chen said that while scientists have often disregarded the cytoplasmic droplet, it can no longer be ignored.



“Our new study using mice shows that the cytoplasmic droplet is indeed an actively forming organelle purposefully designed to regulate sperm maturation and fertility,” said Chen.&nbsp;



“It acts as a ‘storage room’ to pack up critical proteins needed for sperm function before its long journey to reach the egg. It’s like packing for a trip to Mars - the spaceship needs to load up everything needed for the journey before leaving Earth.” &nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-trafficking-system">Unique trafficking system</h2>



A novel aspect of Chen's research is the discovery of a unique protein trafficking system within developing sperm. This system, controlled by the SYPL1 gene, actively transports essential proteins via small membrane vesicles to the cytoplasmic droplet.&nbsp;



Chen compares these vesicles to cargo trucks delivering protein cargos to the sperm storage room. The SYPL1 protein, residing on these vesicles, is crucial in directing them to the cytoplasmic droplet.



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



Chen noted that when the SYPL1 gene is deleted in mice, this protein trafficking system collapses, and critical metabolic enzymes and essential proteins fail to be shipped to the cytoplasmic droplet, resulting in an empty cytoplasmic droplet devoid of vesicles - something he had never seen before.&nbsp;



This results in mutant sperm losing motility and the ability to adapt to osmotic changes, ultimately causing infertility.



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



“I believe this study represents a breakthrough in understanding the cytoplasmic droplet formation and its potential function,” Chen said. “At the cellular level, it helps us realize that there is a specialized protein trafficking system that actively transports cargos to the cytoplasmic droplet for future use by sperm for their journey to the egg.&nbsp;



“Fundamentally, this finding will change people’s misconception about this mysterious sperm structure. It will open new avenues for research on the cytoplasmic droplet as a biomarker for fertility in humans and animals and, possibly, on targeting this novel pathway for fertility control.”&nbsp;



The research offers a promising new perspective on a long-overlooked aspect of reproductive biology, with potential implications for understanding and treating infertility.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40862-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Mysterious sperm structure offers new insights on infertility

Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have made a significant...

Researchers have revealed new insights into the dietary habits of mosasaurs, giant marine reptiles from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-new-dinosaur-was-hidden-in-spains-early-cretaceous-fossils/">Cretaceous</a> period. The study reveals that these ancient creatures were surprisingly selective in their feeding habits.



The study was conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> and the Natural History Museum Maastricht, along with colleagues from the University of Leicester.



Focusing on the wear marks on mosasaur teeth, the experts uncovered intriguing details about the food preferences of mosasaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-background">Geological background</h2>



The Maastricht limestones, renowned as the cradle of palaeontology, have been a focal point of research since the discovery of the first Mosasaurus in 1766.&nbsp;



This area, straddling the Dutch-Belgian border near the Limburg capital, offers a rich window into the Cretaceous period, which ended 66 million years ago.



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



"We were curious whether different species of mosasaurs around Maastricht were really getting in each other's way in their choice of food, or whether this was not so much of a problem," explained Dr. Femke Holwerda, a palaeontologist at the Utrecht University Faculty of Geosciences.&nbsp;



With a lack of stomach content data, the researchers analyzed minute scratches on mosasaur teeth from southern Limburg and near Eben-Emael, Belgium.



The experts used a novel approach, first making silicone rubber casts of the teeth, followed by 3D scanning. "This technique had already been used in dinosaurs, but we were the first to look at the teeth of mosasaurs in the same way," explained study co-author Anne Schulp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



"It seems that the various species of mosasaur reveal differences in diet. We noted these differences mainly between the smaller species - by mosasaur standards - of about three to seven meters in overall size, and the larger ones, eight to fifteen meters in length," said Dr. Holwerda.



There were also some dietary differences among the larger species. “Prognathodon in particular, with its large cone-shaped teeth, appears to have had a surprising amount of shellfish in its diet, so it apparently loved its seafood buffet."



"Another species, Plioplatecarpus, with narrow pointed teeth, showed a striking number of signs of wear. Perhaps this species was also fond of fish with strongly scaled bodies.”



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



This research adds crucial pieces to the puzzle of the Cretaceous world's ecosystem. "We wish to understand diversity better," said Schulp. "And that is made easier for us because the animals studied all come from the same rocks, and therefore the same period. So instead of describing just one species, we look at the ecosystem as a whole."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maastricht-limestones">Maastricht limestones</h2>



The soft limestone deposits around Maastricht are particularly valuable for paleontologists.&nbsp;



"Nowhere else in the world is the habitat of mosasaurus as well preserved as here. You can find them in very soft limestone, so wear and tear of the teeth from other causes may be ruled out," said Schulp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amateur-paleontologists-nbsp">Amateur paleontologists&nbsp;</h2>



John Jagt, curator at the Natural History Museum Maastricht, emphasized the positive role of amateur paleontologists.



"Amateur literally means 'enthusiast' and thanks to 250 years of intensive research by these enthusiasts, we have learnt a lot about mosasaurs and other extinct life forms," said Jagt. "A museum like ours benefits greatly from this. What also helps is that this kind of amateur science is stimulated in the Netherlands: it is simply allowed by law. That's not the case everywhere."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosasaurs">Mosasaurs</h2>



Mosasaurs were a group of large, marine reptiles that thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 82 to 66 million years ago. They were among the dominant marine predators of their time, filling a role similar to that of modern-day killer whales.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-diversity">Evolution and diversity</h3>



Mosasaurs are believed to have evolved from semi-aquatic squamates, a group that includes snakes and lizards. Over 40 species have been identified, ranging in size from about 1 meter to over 17 meters in length.



There was significant diversity in their body shapes and adaptations, reflecting a range of habitats and dietary preferences.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



They had elongated bodies, large heads with powerful jaws, and paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming.&nbsp;



Mosasaur teeth varied among species, with some adapted for crushing shellfish, while others were more suited for slicing through flesh.



Many species had a bi-lobed tail, similar to sharks, which suggests they were powerful swimmers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-diet">Habitat and diet</h3>



Mosasaurs inhabited a wide range of marine environments, from nearshore to open ocean.



Their diet was diverse, including fish, ammonites, smaller reptiles, and mollusks. As apex predators, they played a crucial role in their ecosystems.



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



Mosasaurs were viviparous, giving birth to live young in water, which is a trait shared with some modern lizards and snakes.



Little is known about their growth rates and lifespan, but it's likely that they grew rapidly to reach their large sizes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction">Extinction</h3>



Mosasaurs, along with many other marine reptiles, went extinct during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event about 66 million years ago, which also wiped out the dinosaurs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h3>



Fossils of mosasaurs, including complete skeletons, have been found on every continent, including Antarctica. Studying these fossils can provide valuable insights into the marine ecosystems of the Cretaceous period.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42369-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Mighty predators: Uncovering the dietary secrets of mosasaurs 

Researchers have revealed new insights into the dietary habits of...

A recent study from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> (CSU) has highlighted the crucial role earthworms play in global food production, a significant yet often overlooked aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-soils-may-be-deeply-changed-by-global-warming/">soil biodiversity</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworms-contribution">Earthworms' contribution</h2>



The research, led by Dr. Steven Fonte and his team, reveals that earthworms contribute to about 6.5% of global grain yield and 2.3% of legumes produced each year.



The researchers found that earthworms account for an estimated 140 million metric tons of food produced annually.



This figure is comparable to the cereal grains produced annually by Russia, the world's fourth-largest producer.



"This is the first effort that I'm aware of that's trying to take one piece of soil biodiversity and say, 'this is the value of it; this is what it's giving us on a global scale,'" said Dr. Fonte, the study's lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-productivity-nbsp">Plant productivity&nbsp;</h2>



Earthworms promote healthy soils in different ways. They enhance soil structure, optimize water retention, and enrich the soil by churning organic matter, making essential nutrients more accessible to plants.



In fact, the presence of earthworms has been linked to a surge in plant productivity by an estimated 25 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographic-variations-nbsp">Geographic variations&nbsp;</h2>



The impact of earthworms on food production is more pronounced in the global south, accounting for up to 10% of grain yield in sub-Saharan Africa and 8% in Latin America and the Caribbean.



The greater impact in certain regions is attributed to the reliance on earthworm-rich organic matter, as opposed to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.



"Earthworms are contributing a lot in these areas where we have fewer chemical inputs," said Fonte.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The team, including Nathan Mueller and Marian Hsieh (supported by a U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship), conducted their analysis by overlaying maps of earthworm abundance with data on soil properties, fertilizer rates, and crop yields.



The study focused on four grain crops (rice, maize, wheat, barley) and a range of legumes, including soybeans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and alfalfa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-biodiversity-nbsp">Soil biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Fonte noted that soil biodiversity has historically been undervalued, and he hopes this work will bring more attention to how healthy soils can have positive, tangible impacts on crops.  &nbsp;



 “If we manage our soils in a more sustainable way, we can better harness or leverage this biodiversity and produce more sustainable agroecosystems,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work highlights that potential.” &nbsp;



Dr. Fonte also noted that other recent research has shown that soils contain as much as half the world’s biodiversity, a significant increase from previous estimates of approximately 25 percent.&nbsp;



“Soils are just such an intricate habitat,” he said. “But there’s really been very few efforts to understand what that biodiversity means to our global crop yields.”  



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



According to Dr. Fonte, insights from this study could also have implications in future efforts to mitigate drought and erosion. For example, he said, earthworms can improve soil porosity, aiding in the beneficial capture and retention of water.  



The researchers emphasized that they are not advocating for anyone to transplant earthworms into places they do not already exist.&nbsp;



Dr. Fonte hopes this work shows how improved management of soil biology in places where earthworms already call home has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce our reliance on agrochemicals. He said the study marks an important first step.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41286-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Earthworms are unseen heroes in food production

A recent study from Colorado State University (CSU) has highlighted...

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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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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

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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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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

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

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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...