In 1936, astronomers observed a mysterious event in the constellation Orion: the young star FU Orionis (FU Ori) brightened by a factor of 100 within just a few months. At its peak, FU Ori was intrinsically 100 times more luminous than our Sun. Unlike an exploding star, however, its luminosity has only gradually declined since then.



A team of astronomers has now utilized the ultraviolet capabilities of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to gain deeper insight into the interaction between FU Ori's stellar surface and the accretion disk that has been channeling gas onto the young star for nearly 90 years. 



The findings reveal that the inner disk touching the star is extraordinarily hot, challenging conventional understanding.



The observations were made using Hubble's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). The data include the first far-ultraviolet and new near-ultraviolet spectra of FU Ori.



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



“We were hoping to validate the hottest part of the accretion disk model, to determine its maximum temperature, by measuring closer to the inner edge of the accretion disk than ever before,” said co-author Lynne Hillenbrand, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a> (Caltech).&nbsp;



“I think there was some hope that we would see something extra, like the interface between the star and its disk, but we were certainly not expecting it. The fact we saw so much extra - it was much brighter in the ultraviolet than we predicted - that was the big surprise.”



Initially considered a unique case among stars, FU Ori exemplifies a class of young, eruptive stars that undergo dramatic changes in brightness. These objects are a subset of classical T Tauri stars, which are newly forming stars that grow by accreting material from their disk and the surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">nebula</a>.&nbsp;



In classical T Tauri stars, the disk does not directly touch the star because it is kept at bay by the outward pressure of the star's magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-temperatures-of-a-young-star">Extreme temperatures of a young star</h2>



The accretion disks around FU Ori objects, however, are prone to instabilities due to their enormous mass relative to the central star, interactions with a binary companion, or infalling material. Such instability means the mass accretion rate can change dramatically.&nbsp;



The increased pace disrupts the delicate balance between the stellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> and the inner edge of the disk, allowing material to move closer and eventually touch the star’s surface.



According to study lead author Adolfo Carvalho, an astronomer at Caltech, the Hubble data indicates a much hotter impact region than models have previously predicted.&nbsp;



“In FU Ori, the temperature is 16,000 kelvins (nearly three times our Sun's surface temperature),” noted Carvalho. “That sizzling temperature is almost twice the amount prior models have calculated. It challenges and encourages us to think of how such a jump in temperature can be explained,”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-young-stars-and-ultraviolet-emissions">Hot young stars and ultraviolet emissions</h2>



To account for the significant difference in temperature between past models and the recent Hubble observations, the team proposes a revised interpretation of the geometry within FU Ori's inner region.&nbsp;



The experts suggest that as the accretion disk's material approaches and reaches the stellar surface, a hot shock is produced, emitting a substantial amount of ultraviolet light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-planet-formation-nbsp">Implications for planet formation&nbsp;</h2>



Understanding the mechanisms of FU Ori's rapid accretion process has broader implications for theories of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> and survival.



“Our revised model based on the Hubble data is not strictly bad news for planet evolution, it's sort of a mixed bag. If the planet is far out in the disk as it's forming, outbursts from an FU Ori object should influence what kind of chemicals the planet will ultimately inherit,” Carvalho explained.&nbsp;



“But if a forming planet is very close to the star, then it's a slightly different story. Within a couple outbursts, any planets that are forming very close to the star can rapidly move inward and eventually merge with it. You could lose, or at least completely fry, rocky planets forming close to such a star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-and-future-exploration">Ongoing research and future exploration</h2>



Further work with the Hubble UV observations is underway. The team is carefully analyzing the various spectral emission lines from multiple elements present in the COS spectrum.&nbsp;



This Hubble analysis should provide additional clues about the young star's environment, such as the kinematics of inflowing and outflowing gas within the inner region.



“A lot of these young stars are spectroscopically very rich at far ultraviolet wavelengths. A combination of Hubble, its size and wavelength coverage, as well as FU Ori's fortunate circumstances, let us see further down into the engine of this fascinating star-type than ever before,” Hillenbrand concluded.



Image Credit: NASA-JPL, Caltech



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad74eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Hubble helps solve the mystery of a young, eruptive star

In 1936, astronomers observed a mysterious event in the constellation Orion: the young star FU Orionis (FU Ori) brightened by a factor of 100 within just a few months. At its peak, FU Ori was intrinsically 100 times more luminous than our Sun. Unlike an exploding star, however, its luminosity has only gradually declined since then. A team of astronomers has now utilized the ultraviolet capabilities of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to gain deeper insight into the interaction between FU Ori's stellar surface and the accretion disk...

The first trip to the moon in over fifty years is imminent, all thanks to NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis Program</a>. There are also plans to set up a base on the moon by the 2030s. If everything goes to plan, wouldn't it be necessary to have a means of movement within the lunar surface? Well, Toyota hopes to resolve this with its Lunar Cruiser.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toyota-s-futuristic-moon-ride">Toyota's futuristic moon ride</h2>



In a move that could revolutionize how astronauts navigate the moon's surface, Toyota proposes a futuristic electric SUV. The Baby Lunar Cruiser is an upgrade to the moon buggies that dominated the 1970s.



This advanced SUV has a sleek and functional design, similar to what is seen in most modern vehicles. However, it is equipped with several advanced features suited for use beyond Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-features">Notable features</h2>



The most outstanding feature of the Baby Lunar Cruiser is its augmented reality-powered dashboard. There is also a panoramic view and a suite of sensors and cameras that warn the riders of rough terrains and potholes ahead.



Also worthy of mention are the airless tires that eliminate any chance of puncturing, and in-wheel electric motors that would be controlled using joysticks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-design-inspiration">Design inspiration</h2>



The biggest inspiration for the Baby Lunar Cruiser design came from Toyota's original FJ40 Land Cruiser and the original Lunar Cruiser, which is currently being built by both Toyota and the<a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).</a>



JAXA and Toyota expect the six-wheel, self-driving rover to be ready to land on the moon in 2029. The design is based on the idea that people eat, work, sleep, and communicate with others safely in cars, and the same can be done in outer space.



The rover will include space for two people to live and work for about 14 days, with Toyota's fuel cell technology supplying all the required power.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baby-lunar-cruiser-nbsp">Baby Lunar Cruiser&nbsp;</h2>



However, unlike the rover, the <a href="https://pressroom.toyota.com/calty-design-research-celebrates-50-years-of-toyota-innovation-and-creativity-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baby Lunar Cruiser</a> comes with a split tailgate design at the rear. Its adjustable spaceframe seats promise premium interior flexibility and comfort for even the longest trips. There is also a rear seat that allows it to accommodate more passengers.



The concept of the Baby Lunar Cruiser came from CALTY Design Research, the American outpost of the automobile company's global design network. The company recently celebrated 50 Years of Toyota Innovation and Creativity in the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classic-meets-advanced-nbsp">Classic meets advanced&nbsp;</h2>



In terms of the design, the company combines classic insights from the original FJ40 cruiser with new technology. For instance, both models have white-painted roofs to cool the cabin.&nbsp;



This could be crucial for the Baby Land Cruiser, considering the high temperatures on the moon: up to 121°C (250°F) in the sun and -128°C (-200°F) in the shade.



It remains to be seen whether Toyota will implement some of the advanced tech in the CALTY design concept in its future vehicles, particularly those made for off-the-road applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mission-dearmoon-nbsp">Mission dearMoon&nbsp;</h2>



CALTY's design couldn't have come at a better time, as Japan is becoming increasingly interested in the moon and what is in its core.&nbsp;



Earlier this year, Japanese start-up venture iSpace suffered a setback on its quest to land on the moon when its lunar lander crashed.



Japanese fashion mogul and businessman Yusaka Maezawa has booked a trip around the moon with SpaceX's Starship later this year. He calls it "mission dearMoon" and hopes to have eight more people aboard.



Japan strives to become the fifth country to successfully land on the moon after the United States, the former Soviet Union, China, and India.



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Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser could drive astronauts across the moon

The first trip to the moon in over fifty years...

The genetic blueprint of modern humans is an amalgamation of ancestral ties, encompassing contributions from various ancient populations. Among the most intriguing revelations from genetic research has been the discovery of the extent to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-still-influence-modern-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> have influenced the genetics of contemporary Homo sapiens. New research co-headed by researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) has thrown new light on this intricate web of genetic connections, specifically focusing on the sensitivity to certain types of pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-pain-sensitivity">Studying pain sensitivity</h2>



The study unveils the influence of three Neanderthal-derived variants in the SCN9A gene, which is crucially involved in sensory neurons. These variants make carriers more sensitive to the sensation of pain following skin pricking after exposure to mustard oil.



Historically, three variations in the SCN9A gene, labeled M932L, V991L, and D1908G, have been identified in the sequenced genomes of Neanderthals. Past studies have documented heightened pain sensitivity in humans who possess all three of these variants. Yet, until this study, the precise sensory responses influenced by these gene variations remained shrouded in mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-findings">Methodology and findings</h2>



The research collaboration comprised teams from UCL, Aix-Marseille University, University of Toulouse, Open University, Fudan University, Oxford University, and was part-sponsored by Wellcome. Their primary method involved evaluating the pain thresholds of 1,963 participants from Colombia using varied stimuli.



The SCN9A gene encodes a sodium channel, prominently expressed in sensory neurons, that interprets signals from injured tissues. The study identified the D1908G variant in approximately 20% of chromosomes within the Colombian cohort. Remarkably, about 30% of the chromosomes with the D1908G variant also carried the other two (M932L and V991L) variants.



Key findings of the research indicated:



<ul>
<li>The trio of variants was tied to reduced pain thresholds when exposed to skin pricking post mustard oil exposure. </li>



<li>This reduced pain threshold was absent in response to heat or pressure stimuli. </li>



<li>The collective possession of all three variants heightened pain sensitivity compared to the possession of just one.</li>
</ul>



Furthermore, the study's expansive genetic data analysis of 5,971 individuals from regions across South America revealed a higher prevalence of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-insights-into-the-lives-of-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal</a> variants in populations with a significant proportion of Native American lineage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-implications">Theoretical implications</h2>



The authors propose that these Neanderthal-derived gene variants might amplify the sensitivity of sensory neurons by tweaking the nerve impulse generation threshold. Intriguingly, the team hypothesizes that such variants might be predominant in populations with pronounced Native American ancestry due to chance occurrences and genetic bottlenecks during the initial human settlement of the Americas.



It's crucial to consider the evolutionary advantages or disadvantages of these variants. While short-lived, intense pain can guide behavior, steering individuals away from further injury, it remains a mystery whether higher pain sensitivity offered any evolutionary benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-sensitivity-as-a-survival-trait">Pain sensitivity as a survival trait</h2>



Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, co-corresponding author from UCL Genetics, Evolution &amp; Environment and The Open University, had earlier highlighted how Neanderthals have impacted the shape of the modern human nose. Commenting on the study, Dr. Adhikari remarked, "Pain sensitivity, a paramount survival trait, allows us to eschew harmful stimuli. The data suggests Neanderthals might have been more attuned to specific pain types. Further exploration is needed to grasp its evolutionary implications."



Dr. Pierre Faux from Aix-Marseille University and <a href="https://en.univ-toulouse.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toulouse</a>, the study's first author, emphasized the multifaceted nature of pain perception, which is influenced by a plethora of factors, ranging from genetics to environmental conditions.



As humanity endeavors to understand its complex genetic past, the revelation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-have-co-existed-for-many-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal contributions</a> to pain sensitivity offers a fascinating glimpse into our shared history. Further research in this direction can unlock more secrets about the role of these ancient genes in the fabric of modern human evolution.



The full study was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05286-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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If you feel more pain sensitivity than others, blame your Neanderthal genes

The genetic blueprint of modern humans is an amalgamation of...

New research unveiled at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (<a href="https://www.eadv.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EADV</a>) Congress 2023 has brought forth a surprising revelation. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is now responsible for a higher number of global deaths compared to melanoma, despite melanoma being regarded as the more severe form of skin cancer. 



The data, collected from the World Health Organization <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Agency for Research on Cancer</a>, further implies that the true impact of NMSC might be even graver than previously thought, as the condition often goes underreported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-cases-equals-more-deaths">More cases equals more deaths</h2>



Professor Thierry Passeron, who spearheaded the research, shared, “Although NMSC is less likely to be fatal than melanoma skin cancer, its prevalence is strikingly higher. In 2020, NMSC accounted for 78% of all skin cancer cases, resulting in over 63,700 deaths. In contrast, melanoma caused an estimated 57,000 fatalities in the same year.” 



This illustrates that despite the lesser individual fatality rate of NMSC compared to melanoma, the sheer number of NMSC cases contributes to a greater overall death toll.



Delving deeper into the figures, Professor Passeron cautioned that these numbers might only be the tip of the iceberg. “As alarming as these figures are, they may, in fact, be underestimated. NMSC is often underreported in cancer registries, making it challenging to understand the true burden.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cancer-demographics">Skin cancer demographics</h2>



In their comprehensive study, the researchers also pinpointed specific demographics that appeared more vulnerable to NMSC. These include outdoor workers exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, organ transplant recipients, and individuals diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum—a genetic disorder characterized by extreme sensitivity to sunlight.



Skin cancer’s reach is not limited by geographical or ethnic boundaries. While a significant incidence was found among fair-skinned and elderly populations in countries like the USA, Germany, UK, France, Australia, and Italy, countries with a predominantly darker-skinned populace are not spared. Evidence for this is the 11,281 recorded skin cancer deaths in Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-nmsc">Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)</h2>



In 2020 alone, a staggering 1.2 million cases of NMSC were reported globally, in contrast to the 324,635 cases of melanoma. It's important to highlight that most skin cancer diagnoses are non-melanoma. 



These cancers typically manifest in the skin's upper layers and are broadly categorized into types such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golfers-have-more-than-double-the-risk-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melanoma</a> -- which originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells -- NMSC is less aggressive, as it is less likely to metastasize to other body parts and can often be treated more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-effective-messaging-needed">More effective messaging needed</h2>



Professor Passeron comments, “We have to get the message out that not only melanoma can be fatal, but NMSC also. It's crucial to note that individuals with melanin rich skin are also at risk and are dying from skin cancer. There is a need to implement effective strategies to reduce the fatalities associated with all kinds of skin cancers.”



“Our study did not find consistent evidence to suggest that having more dermatologists per capita could reduce mortality rates. Surprisingly, countries like Australia, the UK and Canada, with fewer dermatologists, exhibited low mortality-to-incidence ratios. We therefore need to explore what strategies these countries are employing to reduce the impact of skin cancer in further depth. The involvement of other healthcare practitioners, such as GPs, in the identification and management of this disease may partly explain their success. There remains huge opportunity worldwide to elevate the role of GPs and other healthcare professionals in this process and train them to recognise suspicious lesions early.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cancers-are-preventable">Skin cancers are preventable</h2>



“In alignment with this, there is an ongoing need to develop awareness campaigns that educate the general public about the risks of sun exposure and other relevant risk factors. These campaigns should be tailored to at-risk populations, including those with fair skin, outdoor workers, the elderly and individuals who are immunosuppressed. Importantly, these efforts should also extend to populations that may not typically be considered at high risk, such as darker-skinned populations.”



Professor Passeron concludes, “Skin cancers are preventable and treatable, so we need to do more to ensure we are stopping the progression of this disease as early as possible to save lives.”



In light of these findings, it is crucial for global health organizations and governments to recognize the extensive reach and impact of NMSC, ensuring that preventative measures, accurate reporting, and effective treatments are prioritized.



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Melanoma has been replaced as the deadliest form of skin cancer

New research unveiled at the European Academy of Dermatology and...

In the largest study ever conducted on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/">mental health</a> impacts of light exposure, researchers have found that artificial light elevates the risk for psychiatric disorders.



The investigation involved nearly 87,000 participants and was led by Professor Sean Cain of the <a href="https://www.monash.edu/medicine/psych" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash School of Psychological Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



"Circadian rhythm disturbance is a common feature of many psychiatric disorders. Light is the primary input to the circadian clock, with daytime light strengthening rhythms and night-time light disrupting them," wrote the study authors.



"Therefore, habitual light exposure may represent an environmental risk factor for susceptibility to psychiatric disorders."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-exposure">Artificial light exposure</h2>



The comprehensive research demonstrates that artificial light exposure, particularly at night, is linked with a greater chance of conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and an increased risk of self-harm.&nbsp;



The study also revealed a 30% increase in the risk of depression for individuals with high nighttime light exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daytime-light-exposure-nbsp">Daytime light exposure&nbsp;</h2>



Conversely, the study also sheds light on the positive effects of substantial daytime light exposure.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that ample daylight exposure can reduce the risk of depression by 20 percent, and is also associated with a diminished risk of other mental health issues.&nbsp;



In other words, exposure to daylight is a simple, non-medicinal way to help protect yourself from mental health challenges.&nbsp;



“Our findings will have a potentially huge societal impact,” said Professor Cain. “Once people understand that their light exposure patterns have a powerful influence on their mental health, they can take some simple steps to optimize their wellbeing. It’s about getting bright light in the day and darkness at night.”



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



The research was focused on 86,772 participants from the UK Biobank.&nbsp;



Among the data collected from these individuals, the experts analyzed their exposure to light, sleep patterns, levels of physical activity, and mental health status.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-impacts">Consistent impacts</h2>



It is crucial to note that the observed impact of nighttime light exposure on mental health remained consistent across various demographics and was not influenced by physical activity levels, season, or employment status.&nbsp;



“Our findings were consistent when accounting for shiftwork, sleep, urban versus rural living and cardio-metabolic health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-lifestyles">Modern lifestyles</h2>



Professor Cain pointed out the disjunction between modern human lifestyles and our biological systems, suggesting that contemporary living conditions might be detrimental to our mental health.&nbsp;



He noted that human brains evolved under conditions of bright daylight exposure followed by almost complete darkness at night.



“Humans today challenge this biology, spending around 90 percent of the day indoors under electric lighting which is too dim during the day and too bright at night compared to natural light and dark cycles. It is confusing our bodies and making us unwell."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00135-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Mental Health</a>.



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Artificial light exposure is extremely harmful to our mental health

In the largest study ever conducted on the mental health...

A team of researchers including extreme sports enthusiast Ciara Burns embarked on a 42-day Atlantic rowing adventure in 2021 with a team of twelve. The goal of the expedition was to explore the connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/">physical exertion</a> and mental strain under extreme conditions.



"Unassisted rowing across the Atlantic Ocean is an extreme undertaking challenging the human body in every possible way. The reported rowing journey lasted for 42 days in a small vessel with 12 rowers, each rowing for 12 hours a day, broken into 3 hour shifts," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



"This schedule disrupts the natural circadian cycle and autonomic balance, affecting subjective and objective wellbeing and sleep quality, that lack continuous empirical quantification."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomedical-sensing-nbsp">Biomedical sensing&nbsp;</h2>



Over the course of the expedition, Burns recorded her heart rate variations with specialized sensors and documenting her subjective well-being.&nbsp;



Professor Eugenijus Kaniusas heads the Biomedical Sensing and Therapy research group at <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Wien</a> and provided scientific support for the project.&nbsp;



"You can derive a lot of interesting findings from the heart rate recordings," said Professor Kaniusas. "The variability of the heart rate is particularly important for us. From it, you can infer the general state of fitness, sleep quality and how well someone can regenerate during sleep."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strenuous-routine-nbsp">Strenuous routine&nbsp;</h2>



However, Burns and her team adopted an unconventional sleep routine throughout their Atlantic endeavor, with members alternating between three hours of rowing and three hours of rest around the clock.&nbsp;



Burns highlighted three strenuous phases within this regime: the initial adjustment period, the mid-journey realization of the immense distance remaining, and the tantalizing final stretch where the destination was in sight but not yet reachable.&nbsp;



These periods corresponded with measurable dips in sleep quality, emphasizing the strong link between psychological states and physiological parameters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-mode-nbsp">Protective mode&nbsp;</h2>



In addition to these observations, data revealed a progressive decline in the body’s ability to toggle efficiently between sleep and wakefulness as the journey unfolded.&nbsp;



Despite this, the body seemed to instinctively adopt protective measures to prevent heart overload.



"At the same time, the body seems to enter a kind of protective mode to protect the heart from overload," explained Professor Kaniusas. "The average heartbeat slows down, and the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays an important role in controlling the internal organs, increases."



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



Studies like this are rare, and collecting scientific data amid the challenging oceanic conditions makes them even more unprecedented.&nbsp;



"Ciara Burns has done highly precise work here with unprecedented dedication," said Kaniusas. "The project was also reviewed by the ethics committee of TU Wien and supported in an exemplary way."



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



Following rigorous analysis of the gathered data, the researchers suggest future extreme athletes might benefit from a gradual transition into intensive rhythms instead of abrupt changes.&nbsp;



In addition, introducing rewards or enjoyable activities at the mid-point of similar extreme endeavors might provide much-needed morale boosts for participants bracing for the journey's second half.



"Maybe some special, enjoyable activity that lets you celebrate that you're halfway through the effort and comfort yourself over the realization that there is still a long way to go," said Professor Kaniusas.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1244438" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Physiology</a>.&nbsp;



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What happens to the body and mind during extreme sports?

A team of researchers including extreme sports enthusiast Ciara Burns...

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Africa's Copperbelt, spanning Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is no stranger to the world of mineral extraction. This region alone generated an impressive 73% of the global cobalt supply in 2022, as reported by the Cobalt Institute. 



This intense mining activity, driven in part by the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, which are a mainstay in modern electric vehicles, laptops, and smartphones, has raised concerns about the environmental and health impacts on nearby communities.



A recent study by the <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a> (NCAR) offers a new way to monitor these impacts remotely. This research reveals that satellites can detect and quantify the emissions from mining operations in this region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-satellite-data-for-emissions">Mining satellite data for emissions</h2>



The Copperbelt's mining surge presents challenges in monitoring. Ground-based monitoring in the region is sporadic, and reports from mine operators are often inconsistent, if not entirely missing. This backdrop set the stage for NCAR's research, aimed at identifying an alternative way to gauge the mining industry's ecological footprint.



Leveraging data from the <a href="https://www.tropomi.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument</a> (TROPOMI) aboard the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite (S-5P), researchers honed in on nitrogen dioxide emissions, a primary component of smog. 



Nitrogen dioxide is generated from various sources, including biomass burning, urban activities, and certain natural processes. However, a significant proportion in the Copperbelt comes from the burning of diesel fuel, a mainstay in copper and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cobalt mining</a> operations.



The satellite data showed distinct patterns of emissions corresponding to individual copper and cobalt mines. Interestingly, these emission levels had a strong correlation with the annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-million-people-are-exposed-to-toxic-waste-from-mining-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal production of the mines</a>, validating the satellite's accuracy in monitoring activities on the ground.



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



The potential implications of this research extend beyond the Copperbelt. "Mining operations can profoundly impact the quality of life for adjacent communities," explains Pieternel Levelt, the senior author of the paper. 



Using satellite technology to monitor such regions can yield insights into the environmental consequences of mining and also serve as a tool for estimating the growth of such activities in remote regions, which might otherwise be underreported or unmonitored.



In the context of the Copperbelt, understanding emissions is crucial, especially given the proximity of mining activities to populated centers. As NCAR scientist and study lead author Sara Martínez-Alonso notes, the satellite observations enabled researchers to not only quantify emissions but also put them in context for the affected regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-monitoring-emissions-from-satellites">Future of monitoring emissions from satellites</h2>



While the S-5P satellite's once-a-day pass over the Copperbelt provided invaluable data, more comprehensive monitoring is possible. A geostationary satellite, which remains fixed over a specific location, could offer hourly updates on emission levels, thereby painting a much clearer picture of pollution patterns and sources.



Currently, such satellites do not cover Africa or any other region in the global South. Yet, the implementation of such satellites could revolutionize air quality forecasting and provide vital information to local regulatory agencies, according to Levelt.



The intersection of technology and environmental monitoring is proving to be a potent tool in the quest to understand and mitigate the impacts of human activities on the planet. As the global demand for resources like cobalt continues to rise, utilizing advanced methods like satellite monitoring becomes not just advantageous, but imperative. 



The findings from NCAR's research in Africa's Copperbelt serve as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/acf82e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.



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Monitoring mining emissions with satellites: New era of remote environmental surveillance

Africa's Copperbelt, spanning Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo,...

Global water security is under threat due to a combination of extreme weather events and increased demand from booming populations. A recent study from the <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> has investigated the relationship between water use by various sectors and the prevalence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-made-droughts-20-times-more-likely/">droughts</a> and heatwaves.



"Water use for various sectors (e.g. irrigation, livestock, domestic, energy and manufacturing) is increasing due to a growing global population and economic development," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Additionally, increases in frequency and severity of droughts, heatwaves and compound drought-heatwave events, also lead to responses in sectoral water use and a reduction in water availability, intensifying water scarcity. However, limited knowledge exists on the responses in sectoral water use during these hydroclimatic extremes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-use-under-extreme-conditions">Water use under extreme conditions</h2>



The research stands out as the first-ever global investigation focused on the complex issue of water use under extreme conditions.



Study lead author Gabriel Cardenas Belleza defines "sectoral water use responses" as the modifications or stability in water consumption practices by different sectors under the influence of droughts, heatwaves, or a combination of these extreme events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-water-security">Studying water security</h2>



The comprehensive analysis was focused on sectoral water use data from the last three decades, including usage at global, national, and local scales.



“We focused on the water used by various sectors, namely irrigation, livestock, domestic, energy and manufacturing, because we expected particular responses to the occurrence of different extreme events, ” explained Belleza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-observations">Crucial observations</h2>



The study revealed that extreme weather events have substantially altered water consumption habits worldwide over the last thirty years. However, these alterations are not uniform across sectors or regions.



“Socio-economic factors and public water management plans strongly influence water use responses, and even more so during extreme events. For instance, while Western continental United States decreases its water use during extremes, the central US increases it," said Belleza.



Among the sectors analyzed, the domestic and irrigation sectors often get prioritized when it comes to water utilization. However, the findings indicate a shift in favor of the domestic sector when water usage is restricted during extreme events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compound-weather-events">Compound weather events</h2>



Heatwaves and combined drought-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwave events</a> were found to exert a greater influence on water consumption than droughts alone.



“Heatwaves and compound events can lead to higher water use as a consequence of the temporary increase in water demand under high temperatures, which can still be satisfied due to the short duration of such extremes, compared to longer-lasting events like droughts," said Belleza.



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



The study sheds light on the relationship between extreme weather patterns and global water consumption practices.&nbsp;



The researchers noted that given the future threats to water availability and the limited accessible information of water use, there is an urgency to collect more data of sectoral water use for improved assessments of water scarcity under these extremes.



“Our research provides a first step to evaluate multi-sectoral water use behavior during extremes," said Belleza. "However, more local-scale information from data-scarce areas, like Africa and parts of Asia and South America, is needed to better understand sectoral water use behavior and improve water management strategies."



The research is published in the respected journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/acf82e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Is the Earth running out of water? Global water security is complicated

Global water security is under threat due to a combination...

The cataclysmic event that occurred 66 million years ago, when an asteroid struck the Earth, is infamous for leading to the demise of the dinosaurs. But what is perhaps less known is that this mass extinction event also marked the rise of a new class of mammals, our own distant relatives. 



The last mass extinction set the stage for the dominance of mammals on Earth. However, the commonly held beliefs about which types of mammals survived these challenging times are being rewritten.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-unspecialized">Survival of the unspecialized</h2>



For many years, the widely accepted theory among scientists was that mammals and their kin, which persevered through hard times like the mass extinctions, were generalists. In layman’s terms, these creatures could eat a variety of foods and adapt to diverse living conditions. 



This theory, known as the "survival of the unspecialized", has been prevalent since the 1800s. However, a new study delving into the family tree of mammals through several mass extinctions suggests that this might not be the complete picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-of-mammals-that-survive-mass-extinctions">Traits of mammals that survive mass extinctions</h2>



Ken Angielczyk, the MacArthur Curator of Paleomammalogy at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> and the senior author of this revolutionary study, challenges the old paradigm. 



He explains, “The conventional wisdom is that generalized animals are the least likely to go extinct. But we found that the ones that survived more often only seemed generalized in hindsight, when compared with their later descendants.” 



These survivors, he points out, were fairly sophisticated for their era, possessing traits that not only aided their survival but also gave them an evolutionary edge.



This shattering of conventional wisdom comes as a result of rigorous research. Spencer Hellert, an Assistant Professor at <a href="https://www.colum.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia College Chicago</a> and a co-lead author of the study, paints a clearer picture of the preconceived notions. 



“What’s been thought previously is that every time a new group of mammals evolves, you start out with a small generalist animal,” he explains. He contrasts this with the case of a panda bear, a specialist which primarily feeds on bamboo, suggesting that such specialists were not the typical survivors of mass extinctions.



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



The research undertaking was monumental. Hellert curated one of the most comprehensive family trees of synapsids – a group which encompasses all mammals and their extinct kin. This meticulous family tree, which encompasses numerous fossil records, was designed to summarize and amalgamate previous family trees in a more systematic manner. As Angielczyk pointed out, a colossal family tree was integral for testing their hypotheses.



David Grossnickle, another co-lead author and an Assistant Professor at the <a href="https://www.oit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon Institute of Technology</a>, earlier highlighted that small, insect-eating mammals were the ones often surviving challenging epochs. This current study was an attempt to check if such trends persisted among ancestral mammals.



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



However, the discoveries were astounding. The team, which included co-authors Graeme Lloyd and Christian Kammerer, found that synapsid evolution was not merely a story of "survival of the small and unspecialized". At various junctures, it was the larger synapsids that prevailed, and they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weren’t confined to insect-eating</a>.



Grossnickle elucidates on the surprise: “We were pretty surprised— it’s pretty well-established that those mammal radiations go from these small insectivores into the bigger taxa repeatedly.” This pattern, however, began to vanish as the researchers delved deeper into synapsid history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals-that-survived-the-dinosaur-mass-extinction">Mammals that survived the dinosaur mass extinction</h2>



A closer examination of the survivors showcased that these animals were more specialized than previously believed. A pertinent example lies in the dental adaptations of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Thrinaxodon_mammal_Credit-April-Neander_1medium.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals from the dinosaur era</a>. 



While most had teeth suited for tearing into prey, a select few possessed a more evolved tooth structure reminiscent of a mortar and pestle. This nuanced tooth design could have been crucial during times of scarce food, allowing these mammals to consume a diverse array of foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mass-extinction-survivors-aren-t-generic">Mass extinction survivors aren't generic</h2>



The study's findings bring to light that the survivors of mass extinctions may not always be generic or unspecialized creatures. Grossnickle concludes, “You often need an extinction event like the one that killed the dinosaurs to knock out some of those older groups, and then it allows those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fancier animals</a> to persist and diversify.”



The broader implications of this study shed light on our understanding of evolution. As Angielczyk aptly summarizes, "The fact that we see this complexity in the diversifications of mammals and their ancient relatives means we need to examine other groups to see if the situation in mammals is an exception, or business as usual."



In essence, this study not only challenges long-held beliefs but also paves the way for fresh inquiries into the annals of evolution. And as with all groundbreaking research, it leaves us with more questions than answers, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding.



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Mammals that survive mass extinctions aren’t always boring

The cataclysmic event that occurred 66 million years ago, when...

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With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) offering potential improvements across various sectors from coding to driving, there is also an increasing concern regarding its environmental impact and the amount of energy consumed by AI applications.



In a recent commentary published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(23)00365-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Joule</a>, Alex de Vries, the founder of <a href="https://twitter.com/DigiEconomist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digiconomist</a>, shed light on the significant energy footprint of widespread AI adoption, which could potentially surpass the power demands of entire nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-used-to-train-ai-services">Energy used to train AI services</h2>



The commentary underscores the startling revelation that the surge in demand for artificial intelligence services might result in a noteworthy escalation in energy consumption. Alex de Vries, also a Ph.D. candidate at <a href="https://vu.nl/nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam</a>, mentioned, “Looking at the growing demand for AI service, it’s very likely that energy consumption related to AI will significantly increase in the coming years.”



The past year has witnessed a rapid surge in the popularity and application of generative AI. These are tools capable of generating varied forms of data, be it text or images. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a notable example of such advancements. 



However, the training phase for these tools, which involves processing vast amounts of data, is exceptionally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy-intensive</a>. An illustration of this is Hugging Face's revelation. The New York-based AI firm reported that their multilingual text-generating tool guzzled approximately 433 megawatt-hours (MWH) during its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tech-breakthrough-cuts-carbon-footprint-of-ai-training-by-75-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training phase</a>. This amount is sufficient to provide electricity to 40 average American homes for an entire year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jevons-paradox">Jevons’ Paradox</h2>



Yet, the energy concerns surrounding AI are not just limited to its training phase. As de Vries pointed out, when these AI tools operate -- such as generating responses based on prompts -- each operation demands a significant chunk of computing power and consequently, energy. A prime example of this is ChatGPT, which, if used consistently, could require a staggering 564 MWh of electricity every day.



There's a global push to enhance the efficiencies of AI tools, both in terms of hardware and software. The aim is to lower the energy costs. However, de Vries introduced an interesting perspective, citing the <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2018.00026/full#:~:text=The%20Jevons%20Paradox%20states%20that,consumption%20rather%20than%20a%20decrease." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jevons’ Paradox</a>, which posits that as technology becomes more efficient, its demand increases, leading to a net rise in resource consumption. “The result of making these tools more efficient and accessible can be that we just allow more applications of it and more people to use it,” de Vries explains.



Highlighting the potential scale of this issue, de Vries points to tech giant Google. The company is integrating generative AI in its email services and even experimenting with AI-powered search engine functionalities. Given that Google processes a colossal 9 billion searches daily, de Vries' calculations suggest that if every Google search incorporated AI, the annual power requirement could shoot up to 29.2 TWh, equating to Ireland's yearly electricity consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-energy-projections-are-mind-boggling">AI energy projections are mind-boggling</h2>



While such a scenario seems far-fetched presently due to the financial constraints and AI server supply chain bottlenecks, projections indicate a rapid expansion in AI server production. By 2027, global AI-related electricity consumption might rise by a massive 85 to 134 TWh annually. This figure is on par with the electricity consumption of countries such as the Netherlands, Argentina, and Sweden.



Moreover, the quest for improved AI efficiency might allow developers to adapt certain computer processing chips exclusively for AI, adding further to its electricity consumption.



In his concluding remarks, de Vries emphasized the importance of a mindful approach to AI application. “The potential growth highlights that we need to be very mindful about what we use AI for. It’s energy intensive, so we don't want to put it in all kinds of things where we don’t actually need it.”



As AI continues its onward march, ensuring its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a> and responsible growth will undoubtedly remain a topic of intense debate and discussion.



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Artificial intelligence applications can use as much power as entire nations

With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) offering potential improvements across...

A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16208" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a> reveals that the world’s oceans are becoming increasingly noisy due to the changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a>.&nbsp;



Study lead author and <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIOZ</a> oceanographer Luca Possenti noted that in some places, by the end of this century, the sound of ships, for example, will be five times as loud. "That will interfere with the behavior of many species of fish and marine mammals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-noise-propagation">Ocean noise propagation </h2>



"Since the industrial revolution, oceans have become substantially noisier. The noise increase is mainly caused by increased shipping, resource exploration, and infrastructure development affecting marine life at multiple levels, including behavior and physiology," wrote the researchers.



"Together with increasing anthropogenic noise, climate change is altering the thermal structure of the oceans, which in turn might affect noise propagation."



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



The study was based on mathematical modeling conducted in collaboration with Utrecht University. The researchers used moderate to extreme climate scenarios provided by the UN climate panel IPCC, exploring the effects of water temperature and acidity on underwater sound propagation.&nbsp;



The ongoing release of greenhouse gases is causing seawater to become more acidic. When combined with rising ocean temperatures, these factors are anticipated to allow underwater sounds to travel farther in the majority of ocean regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-temperature-layers-nbsp">Changes in temperature layers&nbsp;</h2>



Possenti explained that as warmer surface water supply to the northern Atlantic Ocean decreases, this will cause changes in temperature layers throughout the ocean.&nbsp;



“As a result of this, a separated ‘sound channel’ in the upper part of the North Atlantic may be formed. This will act as a kind of tunnel, which will carry sounds much further,” said Possenti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-noise">Underwater noise</h2>



Consequently, under a moderate climate scenario, the underwater sound level in this part of the oceans is expected to increase by seven decibels by the end of the century.



Although a 7 dB increase may seem minimal, it represents nearly a fivefold increase in underwater noise energy. Sounds from marine traffic and other sources, such as air guns utilized for seismic surveys, will be significantly amplified.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-impacts-of-ocean-noise">Profound impacts of ocean noise</h2>



With an expected increase in marine traffic contributing to the total underwater noise, the impact of these changes is poised to be substantial, even under moderate climate scenarios.



The implications of this noise increase are profound for marine life, which relies heavily on sound for communication due to limited underwater visibility.&nbsp;



Possenti emphasized the critical importance of sound for these species, noting that increased human-generated noise will undoubtedly affect marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



"In the absence of good visibility underwater, fish and also marine mammals communicate mainly through sounds," said Possenti. "If fish can no longer hear their predators, or if whales have a harder time communicating with each other, this will affect the entire ecosystem."



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



Possenti and his colleagues from TNO and MARIN are actively measuring underwater sounds. Using glass spheres that break at great depths, they generate and record sounds used by marine mammals, capturing these noises from tens to hundreds of kilometers away.&nbsp;



This combination of theoretical and experimental research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by increased underwater noise, offering crucial insights for the protection of marine life.



"Much is still unknown about the exact effects of underwater conditions on the speed of sound. But because of the potentially profound effects on the ecosystem, that knowledge is essential if we want to understand what the changing climate may do to marine life," said Possenti.



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Ocean noise is getting louder: What does this mean for animals?

A recent study published in the journal PeerJ reveals that...

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It turns out our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/">galaxy</a> is not as heavy as we previously believed. A new study indicates that we may be missing a fifth of the Milky Way's weight, suggesting the disappearance of a considerable amount of dark matter.



The research is scheduled for publishing in the<a href="https://www.aanda.org/component/article?access=doi&amp;doi=10.1051/0004-6361/202347513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Astronomy and Astrophysics</a> journal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-dark-matter">What is dark matter?</h2>



Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter believed to make up a significant portion of the total mass of the universe.&nbsp;



Unlike ordinary matter - including atoms and particles making up the stars, planets, and other things we see and touch - dark matter is invisible and undetectable. It does not interact with the electromagnetic field.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-of-the-milky-way-nbsp">Weight of the Milky Way&nbsp;</h2>



Based on data from the Gaia telescope, the researchers determined that the Milky Way is 200 billion times heavier than the sun. This challenges existing estimates, which put the previous mass at between 890 billion and a little above one trillion solar masses.



The discovery also challenges previous assumptions that dark matter has six times more abundance than ordinary matter.&nbsp;



This could mean that ordinary matter makes up a third of all the matter in the galaxy. After all, the popular opinion is that ordinary matter is equivalent to the mass of around 600 million suns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



The findings are profound, no doubt. But they are very different from everything we have known about the matter content of the galaxy. This has led to skepticism among scientists.



Professor Andrew Pontzen of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">University College London</a> believes that the study needs to provide more evidence to firmly establish the results.



Professor Andrew told The Times: "If our galaxy really has as little mass as this work suggests, one would have to explain why previous works based on different techniques all came up with a higher number."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-findings">Exceptional findings</h2>



In their defense, the researchers acknowledge that their findings are "quite exceptional."&nbsp;



Their conclusion was made possible through the study of the Milky Way's rotational curve.



The team explained that the difference in the Milky Way's rotational curve compared to other spiral galaxies "could be due to the extraordinarily quiet history of our galaxy."&nbsp;



For example, it's been nine billion years since the Milky Way's last major merger. The time frame is six billion years for its counterparts.&nbsp;



This new discovery is set to reshape how we have perceived our galaxy in the last 13 billion years.



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



As discussed above, dark matter is the elusive cosmic enigma that continues to baffle scientists and astronomers alike. While it doesn't emit, absorb, or reflect light, its profound influence on the universe is undeniable.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-dark-matter">Defining dark matter</h3>



Unlike ordinary matter, which comprises atoms and everything we can see and touch, dark matter remains hidden from our senses. Scientists have known of its existence for decades, primarily through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-dark-matter-matters">Why dark matter matters</h3>



The significance of dark matter lies in its gravitational pull. While it may not emit or interact with light, it exerts a gravitational force that affects the motion of galaxies and galaxy clusters. 



Without dark matter, galaxies would not have enough gravitational pull to hold their stars together, and the universe would be vastly different from what we observe today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hunt-for-dark-matter">The hunt for dark matter</h3>



Unraveling the mysteries of dark matter is a scientific frontier that has captivated researchers for years. Various experiments and observations are underway to detect and understand this enigmatic substance.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particle-physics-experiments">Particle physics experiments</h4>



Some scientists believe that dark matter could consist of yet-undiscovered particles. Experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN are searching for these elusive particles, aiming to recreate conditions present in the early universe when dark matter may have been formed.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-detection-experiments">Direct detection experiments</h4>



Deep underground laboratories house experiments designed to directly detect dark matter particles as they pass through Earth. These detectors are highly sensitive and aim to capture the faintest signals of dark matter interactions.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-microwave-background">Cosmic microwave background</h4>



The cosmic microwave background radiation, a relic of the early universe, is another tool in the quest for dark matter. Precise measurements of this radiation can provide clues about the distribution and properties of dark matter.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lensing">Gravitational lensing</h4>



Astronomers use gravitational lensing, a phenomenon where the gravitational pull of dark matter bends and distorts light from distant objects, to map the distribution of dark matter in the universe.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unfinished-puzzle">Unfinished puzzle</h4>



Despite decades of research and numerous experiments, dark matter remains an unsolved puzzle. While we have strong evidence for its existence, we have yet to directly observe or identify its constituents. Understanding dark matter is crucial not only for piecing together the universe's history but also for shedding light on fundamental questions about the nature of the cosmos.



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Large amount of dark matter may be missing from the Milky Way

It turns out our galaxy is not as heavy as...

Playing music for your plants may seem unusual, but now you may have a reason to. Scientists have discovered that music could help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-clues-about-how-plants-respond-to-touch/">plants</a> grow better and produce more food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acoustic-farming">Acoustic farming</h2>



In what could be an unusual breakthrough in agriculture, researchers in China have discovered that music can significantly improve plant growth.



The study further establishes that plants that "listen" to music have been found to grow an impressive 10 percent more leaves, take in more sunlight, and produce more food. They call this groundbreaking concept "acoustic farming."



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



The research team from<a href="http://www.tju.edu.cn/english/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Tianjin Normal University</a>, conducted extensive rounds of experiments with duckweed (Lemna turionifera).&nbsp;



Duckweed or water lentils are perennial plants that float on or just underneath the water's surface. They are usually found in slow-moving bodies of fresh water and wetlands.



The choice of duckweed was based on the plant's protein and amino acid content richness.&nbsp;



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



For the experiment, scientists played the soothing sound of Bandri's "The Purple Butterfly." The plants were exposed to the soft music for a duration of five hours for seven consecutive days.



The researchers also maintained a 60-70 decibel sound level, equivalent to the loudness of a typical conversation.



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



At the end of the experiment, the researchers compared the growth of the duckweed plants that listened to the music (musical plants) to those that did not (silent plants).&nbsp;



The experts found that the music had considerable and immediate positive effects on the growth of the Duckweed plants.&nbsp;



The musical plants performed better, recording about 10 percent higher leaf growth than the silent plants. The experts also found that the musical plants had significantly higher average protein content (8.89mg/g FW) than the silent plants (5.49 mg/g FW).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-photosynthesis-nbsp">Improved photosynthesis&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers observed that the duckweed exposed to the music processed light better. This prompted them to conclude that "music stimulation promoted photosynthesis by increasing the expression of photosynthesis-related genes with music treatment."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-mechanisms">Unknown mechanisms</h2>



Scientists have not yet determined the exact reasons for the positive impact of music on plant growth, but they uncovered a crucial clue.&nbsp;



The sound vibrations from the music appeared to affect the functioning of the 1,298 genes in the plants. These include the genes controlling photosynthesis and hormonal regulation.&nbsp;



"Our results provided reasonable evidence for elevated photosynthesis during music treatment. The results suggest music enhanced the ability to use light energy and provided new ideas for the research of plant acoustics,” the researchers noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-acoustic-farming-the-future">Is acoustic farming the future?</h2>



The possibility of acoustic farming is fascinating. It could potentially revolutionize how we practice agriculture.&nbsp;However, this will depend on the success of future research to determine the exact mechanisms behind the observations in this study.



It may seem that King Charles saw the future when he admitted to talking to his plants during an interview in 1986. But unlike King Charles, we may have to do more than talking.&nbsp;



Perhaps the right melody will help our plants do better and bring us more agricultural success.



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Plants that listen to music grow faster and healthier

Playing music for your plants may seem unusual, but now...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...