A new study suggests that our universe might not expand the same way in all directions - directly questioning a key tenet of cosmology called the Cosmological Principle.&nbsp;



This principle maintains that the universe has no center, nor any preferred directions, especially when observed on sufficiently large scales. Yet, a number of puzzling observations over the past few years have hinted that the cosmos may be more complicated than once believed.



The study was led by astrophysicist James Adam at the <a href="https://www.uwc.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Western Cape</a> in South Africa.



“The cosmological principle is like an ultimate kind of statement of humility,” explained Adam. “According to it, not only are we not at the center of the universe, but a true center does not exist.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assumptions-about-universe-expansion">Assumptions about universe expansion </h2>



At present, the Standard Model of Cosmology - which describes the universe’s expansion, structure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> - rests on two assumptions: that the universe is homogeneous (the same in all places, when viewed at very large scales) and isotropic (the same in all directions).&nbsp;



However, recent cosmic measurements, including contradictory estimates of how fast the universe is expanding and anomalies in the cosmic microwave background, challenge the assumption of isotropy. If confirmed, they could mark a shift in how scientists view cosmic architecture.



Adam noted that these hints of anisotropy are not yet universally accepted because each method used to uncover them has its own limitations. Observers must collect additional data with independent techniques to verify the anomalies and rule out possible errors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signatures-of-an-anisotropic-expansion">Signatures of an anisotropic expansion</h2>



Adam and his research colleagues propose a fresh approach to determine whether the universe truly expands uniformly. Their method relies on weak gravitational lensing, in which massive objects warp the light traveling from distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, causing slight distortions in the observed galaxy shapes.



“We investigated a different method of constraining anisotropy which involved so-called weak gravitational lensing,” Adam said.



Weak lensing data can be broken down into two main components: E-mode shear - which aligns well with an isotropic and homogeneous universe - and B-mode shear, which should remain minimal on large scales if the universe truly has no preferred directions.&nbsp;



However, simply detecting B-modes wouldn’t suffice to confirm anisotropy because these signals can be extremely weak and prone to measurement artifacts.



Instead, Adam and colleagues show that if an anisotropic expansion does exist, it would cause E-modes and B-modes to correlate in a way that wouldn’t happen under an isotropic scenario.&nbsp;



The team used computer simulations of how an anisotropic universe would imprint certain signatures on Euclid data, concluding that future real-world observations should be able to detect these signals if they indeed exist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-the-euclid-space-mission">Data from the Euclid space mission</h2>



Launched by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) in 2023, Euclid is a space observatory dedicated to mapping billions of galaxies. 



Euclid’s instruments are designed to measure cosmic structures with greater precision than before, helping scientists study phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>, dark matter, and now, potential anisotropies.



Adam and his team anticipate that once Euclid’s data becomes available, they can apply their new methodology to check for these crucial E-B correlations.&nbsp;



Should the results confirm an anisotropic expansion, it would significantly challenge the assumption that the universe has no preferred directions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-frameworks-for-universe-expansion-nbsp">Alternative frameworks for universe expansion&nbsp;</h2>



If Euclid’s forthcoming data indeed supports the notion that the universe expands at different rates in different directions, cosmologists will face the task of reconciling these results with the Standard Model of Cosmology.&nbsp;



That model has proven extraordinarily successful, explaining phenomena like the cosmic microwave background fluctuations and the formation of galaxies over billions of years.



However, many existing anomalies - ranging from Hubble tension (discrepancies in expansion rate measurements) to certain cosmic microwave background irregularities - may gain fresh context if isotropy no longer holds.&nbsp;



A confirmed departure from isotropy would force scientists to consider alternative theoretical frameworks or expansions of current models to account for this newfound complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centerless-may-not-mean-symmetrical">“Centerless” may not mean “symmetrical”</h2>



The Cosmological Principle stipulates not only that no center of the universe exists, but that from a large-scale perspective, the cosmos should look the same in all directions.&nbsp;



Yet, the analogy often used is that of a balloon’s surface: as the balloon inflates, points on it recede from one another equally, lacking any focal center.&nbsp;



If observations confirm real anisotropies, this balloon analogy may need revision - or additional complexity - to explain directional differences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-cosmic-evolution-nbsp">New chapter in cosmic evolution&nbsp;</h2>



Adam emphasized the importance of verifying anomalies through multiple lines of evidence. Even if weak lensing data from Euclid indicates anisotropy, researchers must also rule out systematic errors, selection biases, or instrumental artifacts.&nbsp;



If future surveys - like the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) at the <a href="https://rubinobservatory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vera C. Rubin Observatory</a> - corroborate the same signals, scientists would have strong evidence to question isotropy as a fundamental assumption.



For now, the cosmological principle remains a cornerstone of modern cosmology, but one that may stand on increasingly shaky ground if these signals become robust.&nbsp;



Even a small deviation from isotropy would open a new chapter in understanding cosmic evolution and the underlying physics guiding our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>’s fate.



The study is published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2025/02/016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics</a>.



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Cosmic order or chaos? Universe expansion may follow a hidden pattern

A new study suggests that our universe might not expand the same way in all directions - directly questioning a key tenet of cosmology called the Cosmological Principle.&nbsp; This principle maintains that the universe has no center, nor any preferred directions, especially when observed on sufficiently large scales. Yet, a number of puzzling observations over the past few years have hinted that the cosmos may be more complicated than once believed. The study was led by astrophysicist James Adam at the University of the Western Cape in...

In a study spanning 25 years, researchers have highlighted the crucial role of connected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/">habitats</a> in the conservation of the African savanna elephant.&nbsp;



The extensive research, covering over 100 elephant populations in southern Africa, accounts for an estimated 70% of the global savanna elephant population, revealing a complex picture of population dynamics and conservation challenges.



“This is the most comprehensive analysis of growth rates for any large mammal population in the world," said Rob Guldemond, director of the Conservation Ecological Research Unit (CERU) at the University of Pretoria.



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



The study showcases a rare conservation win: the number of African savanna elephants has remained stable over the last quarter-century, despite the rapid loss of biodiversity globally.



However, this positive trend masks regional variations. Areas like south Tanzania, eastern Zambia, and northern Zimbabwe have seen severe declines due to illegal ivory poaching. Conversely, regions such as north Botswana are witnessing booming populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-stability-nbsp">Long-term stability&nbsp;</h2>



“Unchecked growth isn’t necessarily a good thing, however,” said Professor Doris Duke of <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a>. “Rapidly increasing populations can outgrow and damage their local environment and prove hard to manage - introducing a threat to their long-term stability."



The researchers went beyond documenting local growth rates of African savanna elephants. They delved into the characteristics of local populations to decipher what factors contribute to their stability.



Elephant populations in well-protected but isolated parks is a concept often referred to as “fortress conservation.” The experts noted that in these isolated environments, elephants are safe from immediate threats like poaching and can experience rapid population growth. However, this rapid growth in confined areas is not sustainable in the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connected-habitats">Connected habitats</h2>



The research team determined that the most stable elephant populations are found in large, core areas with surrounding buffer zones.&nbsp;



These core areas are well-protected and minimally impacted by human activities, while buffer zones accommodate controlled activities like sustainable farming or trophy hunting. Importantly, these core areas are connected to other parks, facilitating natural movement.



“What’s crucial is that you need a mix of areas with more stable core populations linked to more variable buffer areas,” said study lead author Ryan Huang, a postdoctoral researcher at CERU.



“These buffers absorb immigrants when core populations get too high, but also provide escape routes when elephants face poor environmental conditions or other threats such as poaching."



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



The study underscores the importance of connecting protected areas. “Calling for connecting parks isn’t something new. Many have done so,” said Huang. “But surprisingly, there has not been a lot of published evidence of its effectiveness so far. This study helps quantify why this works.”



“Connecting protected areas is essential for the survival of African savanna elephants and many other animal and plant species,” said Celesté Maré, a doctoral student at Aarhus University in Denmark. “Populations with more options for moving around are healthier and more stable, which is important given an uncertain future from climate change.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk2896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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African savannah elephants need connected habitats for stability

In a study spanning 25 years, researchers have highlighted the...

In an era where environmental concerns are escalating, an international study has redefined the importance of groundwater, classifying it as a keystone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-play-an-overlooked-role-in-ecosystem-restoration/">ecosystem</a> that is vital for sustaining biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This new perspective demands greater protection of groundwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underappreciated-role-of-groundwater">Underappreciated role of groundwater</h2>



Despite being fundamental to life on Earth, groundwater's significance in sustaining biodiversity is often overlooked.&nbsp;



The research team, including Professor Robert Reinecke of <a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/">Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz</a>, emphasizes the need to view groundwater as a critical ecosystem.



"Groundwater is not only in itself a major ecosystem but is also of critical relevance to ecosystems on the Earth's surface," explained Professor Reinecke.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-largest-unfrozen-freshwater-reserve">Largest unfrozen freshwater reserve</h2>



Groundwater is the planet's largest reservoir of unfrozen freshwater, and is essential for almost half of the global urban population's drinking water needs. Countries like Denmark rely entirely on groundwater for their drinking water.&nbsp;



"Throughout the world, some 1,000 cubic kilometers of water are pumped to the Earth's surface every year. Sadly, we consume far more than what is naturally replenished," said Professor Reinecke.&nbsp;



This overconsumption has put about a third of the largest groundwater basins at risk of depletion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-ecosystem-dependence-nbsp">Overlooked ecosystem dependence&nbsp;</h2>



Ecosystems' reliance on groundwater has been consistently ignored in global biodiversity conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Approximately 52 percent of all surface areas interact significantly with groundwater. This interaction is critical as groundwater feeds wetlands, rivers, and other surface water areas.&nbsp;



"Interaction in this context means that water from rivers and lakes enters the groundwater while groundwater, in its turn, rises to the surface and feeds wetlands, rivers, and other kinds of surface water areas."&nbsp;



Professor Reinecke added that groundwater is also a valuable habitat for thousands of different subterranean creatures, including cavefish, blind eels, and transparent shrimp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keystone-species-nbsp">Keystone species&nbsp;</h2>



"Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



"To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-protection">Groundwater protection</h2>



In Germany, as pointed out by Professor Reinecke, groundwater is not legally recognized as a habitat but merely as a resource, which limits its protection.&nbsp;



He stresses the urgent need for policy changes, citing data from the German Environment Agency that reveals poor chemical quality in about 32 percent of German groundwater bodies, primarily due to nitrate and pesticide pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-agenda">Conservation agenda</h2>



The researchers advocate for eight key themes to establish a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. They emphasize the intersection of above and below ground ecosystems and the role of groundwater in maintaining the planet's health.



"Water is indispensable to life on Earth. If we don't pay sufficient attention to the ecological integrity of the freshwater resources of our planet, we not only put the sustainability of whole ecosystems at risk but we also jeopardize our own way of life," concludes Reinecke.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17066" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>. 



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Groundwater is a keystone ecosystem vital for our planet's health

In an era where environmental concerns are escalating, an international...

The human gut, a bustling hub of microbial activity, has long fascinated scientists for its profound impact on our health. A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> has unraveled another layer of this mystery, revealing the surprisingly resourceful ways bacteria thrive in the low-oxygen environment of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consumption-of-microplastics-cant-be-avoided-and-they-damage-gut-health/">gut</a>. 



The research provides insights into the gut microbiome's complexity and its significant influence on human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-digestive-organ-nbsp">Extra digestive organ&nbsp;</h2>



Often referred to as an "extra digestive organ," the gut microbiome is made up of a vast collection of bacteria and other microorganisms essential for digesting foods and producing vital nutrients.&nbsp;



These microorganisms not only aid in breaking down food but also generate metabolites that significantly impact human health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-poor-gut-environment">Oxygen-poor gut environment</h2>



The study highlights how certain gut bacteria, through a vast arsenal of genes, efficiently produce energy in the oxygen-poor gut environment. This capability extends far beyond what is observed in their counterparts living outside the human body.



The study identified 22 metabolites utilized by three distantly related families of gut bacteria (Burkholderiaceae, Eggerthellaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae) for respiration in the gut's anaerobic environment.&nbsp;



Remarkably, these bacteria possess hundreds of genes for enzymes processing these alternate metabolites, a significant contrast to their extra-gut counterparts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resourceful-gut-bacteria">Resourceful gut bacteria</h2>



The results suggest that anaerobic gut bacteria may have the ability to produce energy from hundreds of other compounds as well.



"These are examples of some of the peculiar metabolisms that act on all these different metabolites produced by the gut microbiome,” said study senior author Dr. Sam Light. “This is interesting because one of the main ways the microbiome impacts our health is by making or modifying these small molecules that can then enter our bloodstream and act like drugs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-processes-nbsp">Metabolic processes&nbsp;</h2>



In most environments, cells use oxygen for respiration. However, the gut's anaerobic nature has led to the evolution of cells that utilize different molecules.&nbsp;



Cells can produce energy via two main metabolic processes: fermentation and respiration. While fermentation involves direct energy generation from molecule breakdown, respiration requires an electron donor and acceptor. In the gut, several known types of bacteria use carbon dioxide and sulfate as electron acceptors in their respiratory metabolisms.



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



The study's in-depth analysis of over 1,500 human gut bacteria genomes revealed a surprising distribution of genes producing reductases, enzymes critical for different respiratory electron acceptors.&nbsp;



A noteworthy observation was that while most genomes encode only a few reductases, a subset encodes more than 30 different types.&nbsp;



These bacteria, belonging to diverse and distantly related families, demonstrate a resourcefulness in utilizing various organic metabolites, likely due to the gut's constant and complex food supply.



"There is so much organic matter in the gut that comes from the food we eat. It’s chemically complex, and you need more enzymes to accommodate it in that environment,” said Dr. Light. “We think this variety of genes enables gut bacteria to use a lot of different things that come their way.”



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



Some of the metabolites have intriguing implications for human health. For instance, higher levels of the amino acid byproduct imidazole propionate are found in people with type 2 diabetes. Other metabolites like resveratrol and itaconate play roles in metabolic and immune system processes.



Dr. Light hopes that more research like this will help us understand the function of different microbes in the gut, which can be used to improve health.



“I'm hoping our understanding of these different metabolisms and how they work will enable us to come up with strategies to intervene - either through the diet or pharmacologically - to modulate the flow of metabolites through these various pathways,” said Dr. Light.&nbsp;



"So, in whatever context, like type 2 diabetes or following an infection, we could control which metabolites are being produced to have a therapeutic benefit.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01560-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.



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Gut bacteria have very clever ways of supporting human health

The human gut, a bustling hub of microbial activity, has...

In the realm of agriculture, the battle against crop damage caused by birds is a never-ending challenge, with financial repercussions running into millions of dollars annually. Researchers have now introduced a high-tech solution to this problem: laser scarecrows. 



The experts demonstrated that this innovative approach can drastically reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/">crop</a> damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-laser-scarecrows">Studying laser scarecrows</h2>



The study centers around the use of laser scarecrows to deter birds, specifically targeting the protection of sweet corn crops.&nbsp;



European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlings</a>, a common pest for farmers, were presented with fresh ears of sweet corn, and the researchers observed the impact of moving laser beams on these birds. 



Remarkably, the lasers were found to significantly mitigate damage up to a distance of 20 meters from the device.



Study co-author Kathryn Sieving, professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>, explained that more and more growers are seeking inexpensive and portable laser units, like the ones tested in the research.



"Growers need big effects for affordable prices, and if they can spend $300-$500 each for lasers to protect large fields for 1-3 weeks instead of more expensive options such as hiring people to patrol with dogs, falcons, or rifles, then lasers would be beneficial," said Professor Sieving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-window-nbsp">Vulnerability window&nbsp;</h2>



One of the key advantages of lasers lies in their effectiveness during the "vulnerability window," a critical period before harvest when crops are most susceptible to bird damage. 



This short window reduces the likelihood of birds becoming accustomed to the lasers, maintaining their efficacy. 



"Lasers are being explored widely for crops with short vulnerability windows, like sweet corn. They seem to be performing very well and especially when different non-lethal deterrents are combined (e.g., lasers with loud noises)," said Professor Sieving.



"Birds only attack sweet corn during the brief ripening phase (called the milking stage) and it lasts only 5-10 days. So, as soon as it ripens, harvest begins."&nbsp;



"Therefore, in sweet corn, the protection does not need to last very long, and lasers seem to be working well - surprising birds such that they leave fields with lasers, and this reduces damage during milking stages by far more than 20%."



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



The research involved two types of experiments: stick trials and natural trials. In stick trials, corn ears were mounted on sticks at various distances from the lasers, while natural trials involved birds foraging on ripe corn grown in a flight pen. 



These trials provided insights into the effectiveness of lasers under controlled conditions and in more natural settings. 



"We designed the stick trials to increase the sample size for more robust results. Natural corn matures over several weeks but then is only attractive to birds for two weeks – so our planted crop was not going to give us enough sample size," explained Sieving.



"With the stick corn experiments we could study small scale effects and amp up the sample sizes."



The findings revealed that while lasers reduced damage marginally in stick trials, their impact was significantly more pronounced in natural trials.&nbsp;



Professor Sieving attributed this outcome to the sturdiness of the sticks used, which allowed birds to perch and feed while avoiding the laser. 



By contrast, the natural corn stalks were more susceptible to the deterring effect of the lasers.



Distance from the laser source also played a crucial role in its effectiveness. While deterrence was effective up to 20 meters, it diminished beyond this range, with little impact observed at 30 meters.&nbsp;



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



However, Sieving pointed out that in true field settings, this effect seems to be unimportant.&nbsp;



"In open fields, birds will simply leave a field that has detectable laser protection, and they fly far out of its influence. It seems that just one laser per field can often do the trick to keep birds mostly out of a field."



"So, the fine scale spatial effects might only apply if birds were overly committed to feeding a small area – then a grower may need to add a couple of laser units with overlapping ranges."



Professor Sieving hopes that laser scarecrows can offer a sustainable solution for the protection of crops with short vulnerability windows.



"Lasers are silent, unlike acoustic deterrents (loud bangs, other noises occurring several times per hour) which can be very disturbing to neighbors and workers. Lethal deterrents require permits and time and labor to apply and the potentially toxic secondary effects on wildlife, soil and water are often unacceptable."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.7888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pest Management Science</a>



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"Laser" scarecrows could revolutionize crop protection without harming wildlife

In the realm of agriculture, the battle against crop damage...

As bird populations continue to decline worldwide, a new concern has emerged: the impact of renewable energy facilities.&nbsp;



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> analyzed feathers from deceased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a> to shed light on this pressing issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-consequence-nbsp">Unintended consequence&nbsp;</h2>



“Bird mortality has become an unintended consequence of renewable energy development,” said Professor Hannah Vander Zanden.&nbsp;



“If we want to minimize or even offset these fatalities, especially for vulnerable populations, we need to identify the geographic origin of affected birds. In other words, are the dead birds local or are they coming from other parts of North America?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy-facilities-and-bird-fatalities-nbsp">Renewable energy facilities and bird fatalities&nbsp;</h2>



Renewable energy facilities, while environmentally friendly, pose a significant risk to birds. Wind turbines, solar panels, and concentrating solar power plants have been associated with bird fatalities.&nbsp;



Birds often collide with wind turbines, mistake solar panels for water bodies, or get singed by solar power plants.&nbsp;



Although these fatalities are less common than deaths caused by domestic cats or building collisions, the need to address this issue is pressing, according to the researchers.



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



Professor Vander Zanden and her team analyzed stable hydrogen isotope data from the feathers of 871 individual birds across 24 species found dead at California's solar and wind energy facilities.&nbsp;



This analysis, based on the natural markers in feathers linked to the water the birds consumed, allowed the researchers to trace the birds' geographic origins.&nbsp;



"With these markers, we could determine whether the bird was local or if it was migrating from somewhere else," explained Vander Zanden, the principal investigator of UF’s Animal Migration and Ecology Lab.



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



The study revealed that birds killed at these facilities came from a wide geographic area across the continent, with both local and nonlocal birds represented.&nbsp;



At solar facilities, most of the deceased birds were nonlocal, with a peak in fatalities during migratory periods in April, and from September through October.&nbsp;



The percentage of migratory birds found at wind facilities nearly matched that of local birds, at 51%, noted Vander Zanden.



“This kind of data can help inform us about best strategies to use to minimize or mitigate the fatalities. For example, facilities management could work with conservationists to improve the local habitat to help protect local birds or improve other parts of the species’ range where the migratory birds originate.”



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



The study not only highlights the challenges renewable energy poses to bird populations but also underscores the value of stable isotope data in understanding and predicting future trends in bird populations.&nbsp;



This noninvasive method of studying animal remains provides crucial information for conservation efforts.



“Studying the remains of animals is a noninvasive approach to get information that is otherwise hard to track and apply to conservation,” said Professor Vander Zanden. “It’s a great way to understand the mysteries about animals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-declining-bird-populations">More about declining bird populations</h2>



The decline in bird populations globally is an increasingly urgent environmental issue. Several factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities.



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



The most significant cause of bird population decline is the loss and fragmentation of habitat. Urban development, agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use changes directly remove the natural habitats birds need to survive and reproduce.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Shifts in climate patterns affect bird migration, breeding, and food availability. Changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, making it difficult for birds to adapt quickly enough.



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



Pesticides, heavy metals, and plastic pollution harm birds directly and indirectly. Pesticides can be toxic, and birds often ingest plastics or get entangled in them. Also, oil spills and other contaminants severely impact bird populations, particularly in coastal and marine environments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities">Human activities</h3>



Wind turbines, high-rise buildings, and other structures pose significant threats to birds, mainly through collisions. Additionally, domestic cats are known to be significant predators of birds in many regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diseases">Diseases</h3>



Emerging diseases can rapidly decimate bird populations. For instance, avian malaria and West Nile virus have had significant impacts on some bird species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



The introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive species often compete with native birds for food and nesting sites or may even prey upon them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a>.



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Renewable energy is the latest threat to bird populations

As bird populations continue to decline worldwide, a new concern...

Multicolored,Fungi,On,A,Log,With,Moss

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a> has revealed a significant shift in the Arctic and boreal ecosystems. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-are-releasing-methane-from-melting-permafrost/">permafrost</a> thaws in high-latitude regions like Alaska, a microbial awakening is restructuring food webs, pushing fungi to the forefront as a primary energy source for local fauna. 



This shift highlights the profound impacts of warming climates on terrestrial ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-hotspot">Climate change hotspot</h2>



Alaska, known for its sprawling 113 million-acre interior, is witnessing some of the world's most rapid warming. The thawing of permafrost in this region is not just releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming, but is also kickstarting a significant decay process.&nbsp;



This decay infuses both above- and below-ground food webs with carbon, dramatically altering the energy flow and affecting the species reliant on these systems.



Philip Manlick, a research wildlife biologist with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, along with his team from the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas at Austin, explored this phenomenon. The focus was on four Arctic and boreal forest animals, including the tundra vole.



The core of the study involved a novel technique: analyzing carbon isotope "fingerprints" in essential amino acids produced only by plants, bacteria, and fungi. These biomarkers allowed researchers to trace how carbon moved between "green" plant-supported and "brown" microbe-driven food webs.



“Understanding how energy moves through food webs helps us understand how ecosystems function and how animals might respond to stressors like climate change,” said Manlick. 



“In Arctic and boreal ecosystems, it’s well known that the climate is warming, permafrost is melting, and microbes are flourishing. But we know very little about the impacts of this process on terrestrial food webs and the animals they support.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-observations">Long-term observations</h2>



The study's analysis included bone collagen from museum specimens of tundra and red-backed voles and masked shrews, as well as Arctic wolf spiders from different warming scenarios.&nbsp;



“Scientists often argue about the importance of animals to ecosystem processes like carbon cycling, but when they eat resources from different food webs, they move carbon between storage pools,” said Manlick. 



“In the future, we think this tool can be used to trace the fate of carbon through food webs to understand the functional roles of animals in ecosystem functions, like nutrient cycling.”



The team observed a significant shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs. For example, shrews assimilated up to 90 percent of their carbon intake from fungal sources, marking a more than 40-percent increase compared to historical specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-a-shifting-diet">Implications of a shifting diet</h2>



The shift to fungal-based food sources among these animals is believed to stem from increased decomposition, fueled by warming climates. 



This decomposition feeds fungi, which are then consumed by various small animals, transferring brown carbon up the food web.



Arctic wolf spiders were also found to shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs as the main source of their energy, assimilating more than 50 percent brown carbon under warming conditions, compared to 26 percent at control sites.



“Our study presents clear evidence that climate warming alters carbon flow and food web dynamics among aboveground consumers in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems - across species, ecosystems, and long- and short-term warming scenarios,” explained Manlick. 



“And we show that these changes are the consequence of a change from predominantly green, plant-based food webs to brown, microbe-based food webs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trophic-pathways-nbsp">Trophic pathways&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists suspect brown carbon is being transferred to aboveground consumers, like the mammals and spiders, in a series of predation events known as trophic pathways.&nbsp;



Increased warming results in increased decomposition in both permafrost on the tundra and in boreal forests. 



Fungi feed on this decomposing plant matter and are, in turn, consumed by arthropods, mites, and earthworms that transfer the fungal carbon upward in the food web where they are consumed by the voles, shrews, and spiders, noted the researchers.



“Climate warming significantly alters the flow of energy through food webs, such that animals who were historically supported by plant-based food webs are now supported by fungal-based food webs derived from belowground decomposition,” said Manlick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-ecological-impact">Broader ecological impact</h2>



The findings not only highlight the crucial role animals play in linking green and brown food webs, but also how climate change is modifying these links. 



These alterations could have far-reaching implications for nutrient cycling and ecosystem functionality.



For instance, the dietary shift in voles towards more subterranean sources may result in reduced plant consumption, potentially increasing carbon storage in aboveground ecosystems. 



This challenges the prevailing notion of "Arctic greening" and suggests a trend towards "browning" of food webs.



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



With these insights, Manlick and his team plan to delve deeper into the contrasting patterns observed in plants and animals and their implications for the future of these rapidly evolving ecosystems.&nbsp;



The study not only opens a new window into understanding the complex dynamics of high-latitude food webs but also underscores the urgent need to comprehend and mitigate the impacts of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01893-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Microbial awakening: Arctic food webs are transforming from green to brown

A new study led by the USDA Forest Service has...

The greater blue-ringed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-tale-of-an-antarctic-octopus-and-the-vulnerable-west-antarctic-ice-sheet/">octopus</a>, known for its rapid skin changes, has inspired researchers at the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> (UCI) to develop a new technological platform that mimics the octopus’s dynamic skin patterns. 



This innovation has potential applications in various fields, including military, medicine, robotics, and sustainable energy. It is detailed in a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40163-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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



“Multifunctional platforms that can dynamically modulate their color and appearance have attracted attention for applications as varied as displays, signaling, camouflage, anti-counterfeiting, sensing, biomedical imaging, energy conservation, and robotics,” the authors explained.&nbsp;



“Within this context, the development of camouflage systems with tunable spectroscopic and fluorescent properties that span the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions has remained exceedingly challenging because of frequently competing materials and device design requirements.”



The team's invention is expected to benefit from adjustable fluorescent and spectroscopic properties, ease of manufacturing, and scalability to large areas, potentially covering vehicles, billboards, and buildings.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-blue-ringed-octopus">Greater blue-ringed octopus</h2>



The greater blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata), native to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, uses its distinct skin patterns for defense and communication.&nbsp;



With a flash of its blue rings, the octopus can ward off predators. These sparkling blue rings, which stand out against the brown background of the creature’s skin, caught the attention of the researchers.



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



Senior co-author Alon Gorodetsky, a UCI professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, expressed his fascination with the octopus's skin-changing abilities.&nbsp;



“We are fascinated by the mechanisms underpinning the blue-ringed octopus’ ability to rapidly switch its skin markings between hidden and exposed states,” he said.&nbsp;



“For this project, we worked to mimic the octopus’ natural abilities with devices from unique materials we synthesized in our laboratory, and the result is an octopus-inspired deception and signaling system that is straightforward to fabricate, functions for a long time when operated continuously, and can even repair itself when damaged.”



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



The design of their creation involves a thin film with blue and brown circles resembling the octopus's skin, sandwiched between a transparent proton-conducting electrode and an acrylic membrane, with another electrode beneath it.



The researchers employed acenes, organic compounds made of linearly fused benzene rings, in their molecular-level innovation.&nbsp;



Co-lead author Preeta Pratakshya, a recent Ph.D. graduate from UCI’s Department of Chemistry, elaborated on the significance of these compounds.



“Our nonacene-like molecules are exceptional among acenes because they can survive years of storage in air and over a day of continuous irradiation with bright light in air. No other expanded acene displays this combined long-term stability under such harsh conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-performance-nbsp">Remarkable performance&nbsp;</h2>



Gorodetsky highlighted the importance of the molecules used in the colored layer, contributing to the device's adjustable spectroscopic properties and ease of manufacturing. He also mentioned the collaboration with Sahar Sharifzadeh, a Boston University professor, who demonstrated that the properties of these molecules can be computationally predicted, paving the way for designing other camouflage technologies.



In laboratory tests, the bioinspired devices showed they could change appearance over 500 times with minimal degradation and self-repair capabilities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-applications-nbsp">Exciting applications&nbsp;</h2>



Gorodetsky noted the invention's effectiveness across the ultraviolet, visible light, and near-infrared spectrum, which could be used for camouflage or signaling purposes.



“The photophysical robustness and general processability of our nonacene-like molecule – and presumably its variants – opens opportunities for future investigation of these compounds within the context of traditional optoelectronic systems such as light-emitting diodes and solar cells,” he concluded, highlighting the potential of this bio-inspired technology to revolutionize various industries and applications.



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Blue-ringed octopus, a master of deception, inspires new technology

The greater blue-ringed octopus, known for its rapid skin changes,...

In a study from <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>, researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between the proximity of older adults to green and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-and-green-spaces-are-beneficial-in-all-stages-of-life/">blue spaces</a> and their mental and physical well-being. 



The study offers compelling evidence that even small increases in access to nature can markedly improve the health outcomes of older adults.



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



A mere 10% increase in forest space within a person’s ZIP code is linked to a noticeable decrease in serious psychological distress. This type of distress encompasses mental health challenges that necessitate treatment and hinder normal social, occupational, or educational functioning.



Similarly, enhancing green spaces, tree coverage, water bodies, or trail lengths by 10% appears to lower the likelihood of older individuals reporting their overall health as poor or fair.



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



The researchers analyzed health survey data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and above residing in urban areas of Washington state, spanning the years 2011 to 2019.



The experts related the health outcomes of these individuals to various measures quantifying their access to nature within their residential areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-analysis-nbsp">Comprehensive analysis&nbsp;</h2>



Initially presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in April 2023, the research focused solely on the link between psychological distress and proximity to natural spaces.



The final study expanded to include additional metrics such as green space percentage and trail length, also taking into account demographic variables like race and education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications-nbsp">Public health implications&nbsp;</h2>



“Our findings suggest that loss of our urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization may not just have an environmental impact but could have a public health impact as well,” said study first study author Adithya Vegaraju, a medical student in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.



Vegaraju said this research is among the first in the U.S. to specifically investigate the relationship between access to nature and health in the older population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-prescriptions-nbsp">Nature prescriptions&nbsp;</h2>



“Older adults with depression, anxiety or mental health issues are known to be more resistant to medical interventions or talk therapy, which are the go-to treatments for these conditions,” said Vegaraju.&nbsp;



“If exposure to green or blue spaces could help prevent, delay or even treat poor mental health in older adults, we need to look at that more closely as a way to improve mental health outcomes in this population.”



According to Vegaraju, one potential solution could involve "nature prescriptions," a growing trend that involves healthcare providers giving patients written recommendations to spend time outdoors.



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



Senior study author Solmaz Amiri, a research assistant professor in the WSU College of Medicine, said further studies are needed to know exactly how exposure to green and blue spaces may lead to better mental and general health. She plans to study the possible link between nature exposure and cognitive decline, which can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.



“It is thought that exposure to green and blue spaces could help slow cognitive decline,” said Amiri. “What we would like to know is if green and blue space exposure can influence dementia directly or whether it can do so by reducing mental health issues that may lead to cognitive decline.”



Amiri hopes this research will help resolve health inequities among older adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, which may be tied to unequal access to green and blue spaces in the urban areas where they live.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health &amp; Place</a>.



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Access to nature improves the mental health of older adults

In a study from Washington State University, researchers have uncovered...

The discovery that early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a> likely lived in pairs significantly alters our understanding of primate evolution and social behavior. This revelation comes from a study led by the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>. 



The research challenges the long-held belief that primates, particularly Strepsirrhines or "wet-nosed" primates, were primarily solitary creatures.



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



"Was the ancestor of all primates a solitary-living species? Did more social forms of primate societies evolve from this basic and simple society? Until now, the dogmatic answer was yes," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"We used a modern statistical analysis, including variations within species, to show that the ancestral primate social organization was most likely variable. Most lived in pairs, and only 10 to 20% of individuals were solitary."&nbsp;



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



Charlotte Olivier from the Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute collected detailed information on the social structures of primate populations in the wild.&nbsp;



Over several years, the researchers created a database which included hundreds of populations from over 200 primate species. This extensive database, built from primary field studies, revealed a surprising diversity in primate social organizations.



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



According to the researchers, over half of the primate species recorded in the database exhibited more than one form of social organization.&nbsp;



“The most common social organization were groups in which multiple females and multiple males lived together, for example chimpanzees or macaques, followed by groups with only one male and multiple females - such as in gorillas or langurs. But one-quarter of all species lived in pairs," explained study co-author Adrian Jaeggi.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-statistical-analysis-nbsp">Complex statistical analysis&nbsp;</h2>



The experts calculated the probability of different forms of social organization, including for our ancestors who lived some 70 million years ago. They accounted for variables such as body size, diet, and habitat.&nbsp;



The calculations were based on complex statistical models developed by Jordan Martin at UZH’s Institute of Evolutionary Medicine. Fossil evidence, indicating that ancestral primates were small-bodied and arboreal, strongly supported the pair-living hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-organization-of-primates">Social organization of primates</h2>



“Our model shows that the ancestral social organization of primates was variable and that pair-living was by far the most likely form,” said Martin. He noted that only about 15% of our ancestors were solitary, suggesting that living in larger groups is a relatively recent development in primate history.



The significance of this finding extends to our understanding of human social structures. “Many, but by no means all of us, live in pairs while also being a part of extended families and larger groups and societies,” said Jaeggi.&nbsp;



However, pair-living among early primates did not equate to sexual monogamy or cooperative infant care, noted Jaeggi.&nbsp;



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



“It is more likely that a specific female and a specific male would be seen together for most of the time and share the same home range and sleeping site, which was more advantageous to them than solitary living,” said study co-author Carsten Schradin from the University of Strasbourg. For example, pair-living enabled them to fend off competitors or keep each other warm.



"Our results suggest that solitary living is a derived state and as such an adaptation to specific environmental conditions," wrote the researchers. "Future studies will have to determine costs and benefits of solitary living as has been done for pair- and group-living."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2215401120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



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Most early primates lived in pairs and were not solitary creatures 

The discovery that early primates likely lived in pairs significantly...

Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable decline since the 1990s, a trend that has puzzled both honey producers and scientists.&nbsp;



A new study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> has shed light on this mystery, revealing key insights drawn from an extensive analysis of data spanning five decades.



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



The researchers used a wealth of data sources, including those maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service and USDA Farm Service Agency.&nbsp;



The team meticulously examined a range of variables, such as average honey yield per colony, land use patterns, herbicide application, climatic conditions, weather anomalies, and soil productivity across the continental U.S.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-contributing-factors">Multiple contributing factors</h2>



The analysis revealed a complex interplay of factors impacting honey yields. Notably, the study highlighted the significant influence of land use changes, including the reduction of land conservation programs that are crucial for pollinators, and the widespread application of herbicides. These factors, along with varying annual weather patterns, were linked to fluctuations in honey production.



The role of soil productivity emerged as a particularly important factor. The study found that both warmer and cooler regions in the U.S. reported higher honey yields when their soils were more productive. This underscores the significance of soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties in supporting not only crop growth but also the floral resources vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">honey bees</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impact-of-climate">Growing impact of climate</h2>



Study lead author Gabriela Quinlan, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at Penn State’s Department of Entomology and Center for Pollinator Research, said she was inspired to conduct the study after attending beekeeper meetings and conferences and repeatedly hearing the same comment: "You just can’t make honey like you used to."



Quinlan's analysis revealed an increasing correlation between climate and honey yields post-1992, indicating the growing impact of climate change on honey production.



“It’s unclear how climate change will continue to affect honey production, but our findings may help to predict these changes,” said Quinlan. “For example, pollinator resources may decline in the Great Plains as the climate warms and becomes more moderate, while resources may increase in the mid-Atlantic as conditions become hotter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-data-analysis-nbsp">Extensive data analysis&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Christina Grozinger said that while scientists previously knew that many factors influence flowering plant abundance and flower production, prior studies were conducted in only one region of the U.S.



“What’s really unique about this study is that we were able to take advantage of 50 years of data from across the continental U.S.,” said Professor Grozinger. “This allowed us to really investigate the role of soil, eco-regional climate conditions, annual weather variation, land use and land management practices on the availability of nectar for honey bees and other pollinators.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-availability">Flower availability</h2>



The study also sheds light on the critical issue of floral resource availability. Different regions support diverse flowering plants based on their unique climate and soil characteristics. Identifying areas with abundant flowers is becoming increasingly important for creating bee-friendly landscapes.&nbsp;



“A lot of factors affect honey production, but a main one is the availability of flowers,” said Quinlan. “Honey bees are really good foragers, collecting nectar from a variety of flowering plants and turning that nectar into honey. I was curious that if beekeepers are seeing less honey, does that mean there are fewer floral resources available to pollinators overall? And if so, what environmental factors were causing this change?”



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



The investigation into the decline of honey production led to an exciting discovery about the importance of soil productivity, a relatively underexplored factor in determining the suitability of landscapes for pollinators.



Furthermore, the researchers found that changes in land use, such as decreases in soybean land and increases in Conservation Reserve Program land, positively impacted honey yields. The application rates of herbicides also played a crucial role, as eliminating flowering weeds can deprive bees of essential nutritional sources.



“Our findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to improve models and design experiments to enable beekeepers to predict honey yields, growers to understand pollination services, and land managers to support plant–pollinator communities and ecosystem services,” concluded Quinlan.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acff0c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Bees are making less honey, and five decades of data reveals why

Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable...

For nearly two decades, the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>'s Stay Strong Stay Healthy (SSSH) program has been pivotal in promoting physical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-proves-that-you-really-are-what-you-eat/">fitness</a> among older adults. Since its inception in 2005, the program has transcended state boundaries, benefiting over 20,000 seniors across five states.



Designed for individuals aged 60 and above, SSSH offers an eight-week strength training curriculum, emphasizing exercises like squats, bicep curls, and lunges. It's not just about the physical aspect; the program thrives in creating a warm, welcoming environment where seniors can exercise safely and socially.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-older-adults-stay-independent-nbsp">Helping older adults stay independent&nbsp;</h2>



Stay Strong Stay Healthy is led by Professor Stephen Ball from the MU College of Health Sciences. “One thing I always preach when it comes to physical activity is: some is better than none, more is better than some, and too much is difficult to get.”&nbsp;



“As the United States population is aging, I want to make a difference by helping older adults stay independent as they age and send the message that you don’t need an expensive gym membership with a personal trainer to stay active. We created a community-based program so older adults can exercise with others who look like them in a more comfortable, social environment," said Professor Ball.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-benefits-nbsp">Enormous benefits&nbsp;</h2>



Participants in the MU Extension program consistently report an increase in physical energy and self-confidence. Furthermore, multiple peer-reviewed studies show that the program improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility and sleep. Notably, the training has been proven to reduce participants’ risk for falling - a big concern for aging adults.&nbsp;



“Another benefit we often hear about is the social enjoyment participants have spending time with other older adults,” said Professor Ball. “While it is certainly not expected, participants sometimes take the instructors out for lunch or ice cream after class as a sign of gratitude, appreciation and friendship.”



The program comprises two levels, each spanning eight weeks. A recent study attesting to the success of the Level 2 class found that participants not only maintained but also improved their health gains from Level 1. This advancement is a testament to the program's structured and effective approach.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-opportunities-nbsp">Invaluable opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



The benefits of Stay Strong Stay Healthy extend to MU students as well, offering them invaluable opportunities to lead classes and hone essential skills like relationship-building and leadership.&nbsp;



“I learned the importance of making the participants feel comfortable - a skill you can only really learn through experience - and I feel like I learned as much from the participants as they learned from me,” said Audrey Guess, an undergraduate student instructor majoring in Health Sciences. “I was originally thinking about a career in pediatrics, but now I think I want to continue to help older adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Professor Ball aims to secure evidence-based status from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a move that could propel the program to a national platform. Such recognition would not only enhance funding opportunities but also reinforce the program's commitment to reducing fall risks among older adults, thus promoting their independence and quality of life.



MU's Stay Strong Stay Healthy program is more than just a fitness initiative. It's a movement championing the health and independence of older adults, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and healthy.



“We are proud of our impact so far, and we’re just getting started,” said Professor Ball. “Because of the popularity and success of our program, we’re piloting a Level 3 class to help participants continue their forward momentum. Not only are we changing the lives of the participants by improving their health as they age, we are also providing professional development opportunities for our students at MU as well.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/07334648231199996" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Gerontology</a>.



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Stay Strong Stay Healthy program shows that fitness has no age limit

For nearly two decades, the University of Missouri's Stay Strong...

The rise in popularity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-demand-for-avocados-linked-to-escalating-crisis-in-mexico/">avocado</a>, a staple on the tables of health enthusiasts and toast aficionados alike, has brought with it a range of overlooked consequences.&nbsp;



This multifaceted issue is eloquently explored by Honor May Eldridge, a seasoned food policy expert, in her latest work, "<a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003371915/avocado-debate-honor-may-eldridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Avocado Debate</a>." Eldridge's book delves into the complexities surrounding this iconic fruit, which has become a symbol of much more than mere healthy eating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-globally-celebrated-superfood-nbsp">Globally celebrated superfood&nbsp;</h2>



Eldridge's expertise in sustainable agriculture shines through as she discusses the avocado's journey from a humble fruit to a globally celebrated superfood.&nbsp;



"The avocado has come to represent so much more than just a fruit. It’s wrapped up with ideas of generational conflict, environmental chaos and social injustice. Over the last century, through careful marketing, it has evolved into a commodity crop with a huge social media following,” Eldridge explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informed-choices-nbsp">Informed choices&nbsp;</h2>



"The Avocado Debate" is not an indictment of the fruit or its fans; instead, it aims to illuminate the hidden impacts of our food choices. Eldridge's approach is educational, not accusatory. She believes in informed choices.&nbsp;



“Everything we eat has an impact – good and bad. We all just need to be more knowledgeable about those consequences so we can make more informed choices. We shouldn’t demonize the avocado,” said Eldridge.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-impacts">Environmental and social impacts</h2>



In the past 30 years, avocados have transformed from a regional specialty to a global sensation. Eldridge traces this evolution, highlighting the pivotal role of historical and contemporary marketing strategies in its rise to fame. She critically examines the polarizing narratives surrounding avocados, urging a more balanced view of their environmental and social impacts.



The book also tackles the ethical and environmental challenges posed by avocado farming. From the strain on water resources to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, Eldridge doesn't shy away from the difficult questions. She examines the broader implications of avocado production, such as land use changes that threaten ecosystems and local communities, and the complex dynamics between the Global North and South.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-our-food-choices">Broader implications of our food choices</h2>



Eldridge also sheds light on certification schemes like Fairtrade and Organic. While acknowledging their benefits, she also points out their limitations, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to food choices that takes into account affordability and sustainability.



"The Avocado Debate" transcends its subject, serving as a lens to view the broader implications of our food choices. Eldridge encourages readers to look beyond black-and-white narratives, recognizing the nuances in our food system. She hopes to inspire a more informed and responsible approach to food consumption.&nbsp;



As she puts it, “my goal is to encourage readers to recognize the complexity of our food system and understand that no food is inherently 'good' or 'bad.’ The debate needs to move beyond simplistic portrayals and embrace the intricate reality of our choices.”



The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the implications of their dietary decisions, offering insights into the ethical and environmental aspects of food production and consumption.



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The Avocado Debate: Understanding the impacts of our food choices

The rise in popularity of the avocado, a staple on...

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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

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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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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.

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

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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



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 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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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