Astronomers have identified a new cosmic structure that stretches over 1.3 billion light-years, making it the largest single formation ever observed. Named Quipu, it holds about 200 quadrillion solar masses in its boundless interior.



Scientists suggest that understanding a superstructure of this magnitude is essential for grasping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/threads-of-the-universe-cosmic-web-revealed-in-unprecedented-detail/">Universe’s cosmic web</a> on a broader level, because enormous objects can skew measurements of cosmic expansion. 



This new development was announced on February 6, 2025, to highlight how these findings could reshape our methods of studying deep space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-structure-of-quipu">Cosmic structure of Quipu</h2>



This breakthrough was led by Hans Bohringer from the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/institutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a>, who collaborated with other researchers to map dense regions of galaxies using X-ray observations. Their efforts pinpointed clusters, providing the blueprint for finding Quipu’s hidden mass.



The experts relied on the <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2021/07/aa40864-21/aa40864-21.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLASSIX</a> survey to track the brightest X-ray galaxy clusters, which are groupings of hundreds or even thousands of galaxies. That approach uncovered the wide layout of Quipu, revealing how matter is distributed across a vast cosmic distance.



Quipu is named after an ancient Incan measuring system that used knotted cords to record numbers and important information. The structure’s central spine is reminiscent of a primary cord with branching side strands, symbolizing its enormous filaments in space.



Researchers also note that Quipu’s elongated shape, with smaller offshoots branching out, provides a new perspective on how superstructures might form. Many cosmic filaments appear straightforward, but Quipu’s segmented design opens questions about the variety of ways matter can assemble on colossal scales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-size-matters-for-our-measurements">Why size matters for our measurements</h2>



Experts emphasize that the cosmic microwave background is shaped by everything it encounters on its journey, including behemoths like Quipu. This entity can produce slight changes to that ancient light through a phenomenon called the <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2016/10/aa25831-15/aa25831-15.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect</a>, causing mild shifts in temperature readings.



This makes it harder to extract clear data when analyzing the aftermath of the Big Bang, since any irregularities introduced by superstructures can confuse scientists trying to study the Universe’s early conditions. By accounting for these influences, future measurements could become more precise.



Our ongoing quest to pin down the Hubble constant also depends on accurate readings of cosmic expansion. Gargantuan structures can trigger peculiar velocities in galaxies, shifting their motion beyond simple uniform expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulations-of-cosmic-structures">Simulations of cosmic structures </h2>



Researchers note that Lambda CDM models already predict the existence of objects on such huge scales. By comparing observations with theoretical forecasts, scientists confirm that cosmic structures like Quipu fit well into current ideas of how matter clumps over time.



Simulations of large-scale structures propose that galaxies and galaxy clusters form along filaments, creating webs that stretch across unimaginable spans. The discovery of Quipu underlines how real data can validate these models and guide updates as fresh details emerge.



In some scenarios, smaller clusters merge over billions of years, weaving into these gigantic strands. These merges can release bursts of energy that heat surrounding gas and spark waves of star formation, giving each superstructure its unique character.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abrupt-changes-in-galaxies">Abrupt changes in galaxies </h2>



Scientists often compare field clusters, which lie in less crowded areas, with clusters in dense superstructures. They find noticeable differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-discovers-dark-matter-clump-center-draco-dwarf-galaxy/">galaxy distribution</a>, suggesting that environment plays a role in how these star cities evolve.



Observations reveal that clusters within a mammoth formation can be more massive and can spark varied interactions among galaxies. This pattern might help us see how location shapes the birth, growth, and transformation of countless star systems.



Such contrasts in density might explain why certain galaxies abruptly stop forming stars, while others shine with fresh stellar production. By tracking these changes, astronomers hope to grasp how cosmic neighborhoods regulate the life cycles of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lensing-and-sky-distortions">Gravitational lensing and sky distortions</h2>



The colossal gravitational fields of cosmic structures like Quipu can warp background light through gravitational lensing. That can introduce subtle errors into observations when astronomers try to map distant objects.



Future sky surveys may need to factor in these distortions to avoid mixing genuine signals with artifacts. Cutting-edge instruments will aim to reduce confusion and sharpen the clarity of cosmic snapshots.



Researchers suspect that a single misinterpretation of lensing effects can skew entire catalogs of distant objects. Getting it right will be a key test of upcoming missions designed to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timescape-dark-energy-doesnt-exist-causing-lumpy-universe-expansion-cmbr/">dark energy</a> and the large-scale expansion rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transient-but-important">Transient but important</h2>



The Quipu superstructure is not expected to stay intact forever, as its parts will likely split into several self-gravitating zones over cosmic time. For now, though, it stands out as a unique target for learning how large-scale groupings behave and affect their surroundings.



Experts confirm it carries enough heft to exert powerful forces on nearby matter. They see it as a rare chance to measure how these massive networks develop and then disperse.



They stress that each segment likely holds pockets of gas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-true-nature-of-dark-matter-may-be-revealed-in-a-supernova/">dark matter</a> that will eventually move at different speeds. Over time, those pockets could either fragment or collapse together, shaping cosmic terrain in unpredictable ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quipu-as-a-model">Quipu as a model</h2>



Scientists plan to study how membership in a colossal formation influences the evolution of galaxies over time. They hope to link cluster density with star formation rates, chemical composition, and other traits that might differ in or out of these crowded arenas.



“They are thus transient configurations. They are special physical entities with characteristic properties and special cosmic environments deserving special attention,” wrote Bohringer, the study's lead author.



Astronomers see Quipu as a model for how the largest creations in the cosmos can shape our future surveys. Further exploration may reveal fresh surprises lurking in the cosmic tapestry.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



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This monstrous cosmic structure may warp our universe

Astronomers have identified a new cosmic structure that stretches over 1.3 billion light-years, making it the largest single formation ever observed. Named Quipu, it holds about 200 quadrillion solar masses in its boundless interior. Scientists suggest that understanding a superstructure of this magnitude is essential for grasping the Universe’s cosmic web on a broader level, because enormous objects can skew measurements of cosmic expansion. This new development was announced on February 6, 2025, to highlight how these findings could reshape our methods of studying deep space. Cosmic...

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding brain activity during daydreaming. The study, conducted on mice, offers insights that could illuminate similar processes in humans.



The research was led by Nghia Nguyen, a PhD student in Neurobiology at the Blavatnik Institute at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>. The team tracked the activity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-brain-how-neurons-get-rewired-to-prepare-for-motherhood/">neurons</a> in the visual cortex of mice while they were in a relaxed waking state.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moments-of-quiet-reflection-nbsp">Moments of quiet reflection&nbsp;</h2>



The experts discovered that these neurons occasionally fired in patterns resembling those observed when the mice viewed actual images.&nbsp;



“We wanted to know how this daydreaming process occurred on a neurobiological level, and whether these moments of quiet reflection could be important for learning and memory,” Nguyen explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-the-visual-cortex-nbsp">The role of the visual cortex&nbsp;</h2>



This study ventured beyond the hippocampus, a region extensively studied for memory and spatial navigation, to focus on the visual cortex’s role in forming visual memories.



”My lab became interested in whether we could record from enough neurons in the visual cortex to understand what exactly the mouse is remembering - and then connect that information to brain plasticity,” said senior author Mark Andermann, a professor of Medicine at <a href="https://www.bidmc.org/">Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center</a> and of Neurobiology at HMS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-neural-patterns-nbsp">Distinct neural patterns&nbsp;</h2>



In their experiments, the researchers showed mice two different checkerboard images and recorded neural activity from around 7,000 neurons in the visual cortex.&nbsp;



The experts found distinct neural patterns for each image and similar but not identical patterns when the mice viewed a gray screen, suggesting the mice were daydreaming about the images. The daydreams correlated with a state of relaxation, indicated by calm behavior and small pupils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-representational-drift-nbsp">Representational drift&nbsp;</h2>



Surprisingly, the study revealed that the daydreams could predict future changes in the brain’s response to images, a phenomenon known as “representational drift.”&nbsp;



“There’s drift in how the brain responds to the same image over time, and these early daydreams can predict where the drift is going,” Andermann said.



The team also observed that these daydreams in the visual cortex coincided with replay activity in the hippocampus, hinting at communication between these two brain regions.



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



The findings suggest that daydreaming may play a role in brain plasticity, aiding in distinguishing between different experiences. “Our findings suggest that daydreaming may guide this process by steering the neural patterns associated with the two images away from each other,” Nguyen explained.



The researchers plan to further explore the connections between individual neurons in the visual cortex and how these connections evolve. Andermann reflects on the broader implications of their work: “We were chasing this 99 percent of unexplored brain activity and discovered that there’s so much richness in the visual cortex that nobody knew anything about.”



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



While it remains to be confirmed if similar patterns occur in human daydreaming, preliminary evidence suggests an analogous process. Studies have shown increased brain activity in the visual cortex when people recall images, aligning with these recent findings in mice.



The study underscores the potential importance of quiet wakefulness and daydreaming in both humans and animals for learning and memory. “If you never give yourself any awake downtime, you’re not going to have as many of these daydream events, which may be important for brain plasticity,” Andermann concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06810-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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What happens in the brain while we are daydreaming?

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding brain activity during...

Get ready for a celestial treat this Christmas! As the year winds down, the final full moon of the year, aptly named the Christmas Cold Moon, is set to light up the night sky, promising a beautiful addition to your holiday festivities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-christmas-cold-moon">What is the Christmas Cold Moon?</h2>



The Christmas Cold Moon, the full moon closest to the winter solstice, graces our skies during the last week of December. 



This year, it will peak at 7:33 pm EDT on Tuesday, following its rise near sunset from Monday through Wednesday. 



Not only does it enhance the holiday spirit by illuminating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-christmas-trees-produce-that-fresh-festive-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas</a> night, but it also carries deep astronomical and cultural significance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astronomical-and-cultural-significance">Astronomical and cultural significance</h2>



Astronomically, the Christmas Cold Moon is remarkable for its high trajectory across the sky, resulting in extended visibility. 



This phenomenon occurs due to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axial_tilt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's axis tilting</a> away from the sun during this time of year, allowing the moon to follow a higher path.



Culturally, this full moon has been revered for centuries across various traditions. It symbolizes the return of the sun and longer days post the winter solstice. 



Many cultures view it as a beacon of hope and a sign of renewal, adding to its mystique and allure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-christmas-cold-moon-is-a-visual-spectacle">The Christmas Cold Moon is a visual spectacle</h2>



For skywatchers, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-christmas-tree-captured-by-nasas-chandra-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas</a> Cold Moon is a sheer delight. Its bright and crisp light, particularly striking against snowy landscapes, creates a magical winter scene. To fully enjoy this spectacle, find a location far from city lights and allow your eyes time to adjust to the dark.



Photographers will find this moon to be a fantastic subject. Using a tripod and a long lens can help capture intricate lunar details. Experiment with various exposures to reveal the lunar surface's features in all their glory.



In summary, the Christmas Cold Moon embodies the festive season's spirit, intertwining astronomical wonders with rich cultural heritage. Its annual appearance is a reminder of the night sky's enduring magic during the holidays.



Mark your calendars for the next full moon, the Wolf Moon, set to appear on January 25.



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The "Christmas Cold Moon" -- Last full moon of 2023 peaks tonight

Get ready for a celestial treat this Christmas! As the...

California has taken a monumental step in water conservation and management by approving new regulations that allow the conversion and recycling of wastewater into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheap-and-drinkable-water-from-desalination-is-finally-a-reality/">drinking water</a>. 



The measure is a critical response to the severe drought conditions that have plagued the state in recent years.



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



This decision by the <a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/">California State Water Resources Control Board</a> marks a significant shift in water resource management, setting a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.&nbsp;



The new rules permit water agencies to treat wastewater and reintroduce it into the drinking water supply. This process, known as direct potable reuse, positions California as a leader in advanced water recycling standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-in-the-making">Decades in the making</h2>



The journey to this decision has spanned over a decade, involving rigorous scientific reviews and the development of stringent safety standards. The approval of these regulations arrives just before the state-mandated deadline of December 31.



"This is an exciting development in the state's ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions to the challenges of extreme weather driven by climate change," said E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the Water Resources Control Board.



"On top of helping us build drought-resilient water supplies, direct potable reuse offers energy savings and environmental benefits. And most importantly, these regulations ensure that the water produced is not only safe, but purer than many drinking water sources we now rely on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-climate-change-nbsp">Addressing climate change&nbsp;</h2>



California is now the second state, following Colorado, to permit this form of water recycling. The process aims to add millions of gallons of drinking water to the state's supply, offering a sustainable solution to the pressing issue of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.&nbsp;



The state has experienced its driest period in recent history, with occasional heavy rainfall providing only temporary relief. 



These new regulations are part of California's broader strategy to build drought-resilient water supplies and address the ongoing climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toilet-to-tap-recycling-wastewater">Toilet to tap -- recycling wastewater</h2>



Other states have already begun exploring similar measures. Texas initiated wastewater conversion in 2013, and a brewery in California's Half Moon Bay recently adopted recycled wastewater. Colorado's water board approved the process last year.



California's water board reported that water systems can start submitting plans to begin purifying wastewater once the new regulations are finalized by the Office of Administrative Law next year.



Esquivel pointed out that many Californians are already consuming recycled water, as most wastewater treatment plants discharge treated water back into rivers and streams.&nbsp;



“Anyone out there taking drinking water downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge - which, I promise you, you’re all doing - is already drinking toilet to tap,” said Esquivel. 



“All water is recycled. What we have here are standards, science and - importantly - monitoring that allow us to have the faith that it is pure water.”



In summary, California's move to recycle wastewater into drinking water reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative, sustainable solutions to water scarcity. 



These regulations not only address immediate drought concerns but also set a benchmark for future water management strategies in the face of climate change.



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Toilet to tap: California approves wastewater recycling amid drought crisis

California has taken a monumental step in water conservation and...

Soccer,Players,Chasing,Ball,On,Field

A recent study led by Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with <a href="https://shirazu.ac.ir/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiraz University</a> in Iran, has revealed intriguing insights into the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-caffeine-levels-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes/">caffeine</a> on athletes, particularly football (soccer) players. 



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114732" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavioural Brain Research</a>, suggests that while caffeine can enhance certain physical aspects of performance, it may also impair more complex cognitive functions like decision-making and problem-solving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-popular-dietary-supplement">Popular dietary supplement</h2>



Dr. Pooya Soltani, a senior lecturer in games technology at <a href="https://www.staffs.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staffordshire University</a>, explains the basis of the study. 



“Caffeine is one of the most popular dietary supplements which has been shown to provide benefits during exercise, including football," Soltani said.



"Studies have shown that caffeine can enhance attention, accuracy, and speed, as well as self-reported measures of energy and mood.”&nbsp;



However, notes Dr. Soltani, “the effects of caffeine on ‘higher’ cognitive functions such as problem-solving and decision-making are often debated, so we decided to investigate this."



The study involved 12 young football players aged 16-17 who underwent a series of tasks to assess the impact of caffeine on decision-making and passing accuracy.&nbsp;



The tasks included performing short and long passes, as well as completing the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, which measures skills like passing, dribbling, control, and decision-making. Additionally, a computer task was used to assess decision-making in various gameplay scenarios.



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



Each participant completed these tasks twice: once after consuming three mg/kg body mass of caffeine and once after a placebo. 



The findings indicated a notable improvement in passing accuracy with caffeine intake -- 1.67 percent better in short passes and 13.48 percent in long passes compared to the placebo. 



However, Negar Jafari from Shiraz University highlights a concern. “While the short pass accuracy remained consistent among almost all participants before and after caffeine consumption, the performance varied in the case of long passes. Moreover, most of the participants scored lower on decision-making and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test after consuming caffeine.”



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



While the researchers emphasize that they are not advocating for athletes to completely avoid caffeine, they acknowledge the need for further research on caffeine’s impact on in-game decision-making.&nbsp;



“Our findings show that this can be affected by caffeine intake and coaches may find these performance metrics useful to explore in training,” Soltani said.&nbsp;



He also points out that various factors, such as the dosage of caffeine relative to body weight, frequency of intake, and the players’ positions or playing styles, can influence the outcomes. 



For instance, a slight decrease in pass accuracy might have different implications for a midfielder compared to a goalkeeper.



This study sheds light on the complex effects of caffeine on athletes, balancing its physical benefits against potential cognitive drawbacks, and underscores the importance of tailored approaches in sports training and nutrition.



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Caffeine can reduce athletes’ decision-making abilities

A recent study led by Staffordshire University in the United...

In our increasingly digital world, children encounter a vast array of information online, much of it unverified and generated by robots and artificial intelligence (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-human-life-events-including-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a>) sources. 



A pivotal skill for children in this environment is discerning the reliability of these sources, a key component in developing critical thinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-robots-and-trust">Children, robots and trust</h2>



A recent study sheds light on this issue. Titled ‘Younger, not older, children trust an inaccurate human informant more than an inaccurate robot informant,’ the research explores how children aged three to five gauge trustworthiness in both human and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-robots-marketing-and-the-power-of-persuasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> informants.



Dr. Li Xiaoqian is a research scholar at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (<a href="https://www.sutd.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUTD</a>). 



She, along with her PhD supervisor, Professor Yow Wei Quin, head of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at SUTD, co-authored the study. They found that children’s trust is influenced by an informant's past accuracy. 



“Children do not just trust anyone to teach them labels, they trust those who were reliable in the past. We believe that this selectivity in social learning reflects young children’s emerging understanding of what makes a good (reliable) source of information,” explained Li Xiaoqian. 



“The question at stake is how young children use their intelligence to decide when to learn and whom to trust.”



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



The study involved participants from Singapore preschools, such as ChildFirst, Red SchoolHouse, and Safari House. 



Divided into ‘younger’ and ‘older’ groups based on the median age of 4.58 years, these children interacted with either a human or robot informant. These informants provided either accurate or inaccurate labels for objects like ‘ball’ or ‘book’.



To measure trust, the researchers observed if the children accepted new information from these informants. The robot used was NAO by <a href="https://www.softbankrobotics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoftBank Robotics</a>, a humanoid robot with a human-like but robotic voice. 



To ensure consistency, the human informant mirrored the robot's movements. An experimenter was also present to facilitate the process and ensure the child was comfortable.



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



The findings revealed that children trusted informants -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-engage-in-social-loafing-when-they-have-robot-team-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human or robot</a> -- who had previously provided accurate information. However, they were hesitant to trust informants with a history of inaccuracies, particularly if the informant was a robot. 



Additionally, younger children were more likely to trust an unreliable human over an unreliable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-robots-with-charismatic-voices-get-better-results-from-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a>, while older children tended to distrust unreliable informants, regardless of their nature.



“These results implicate that younger and older children may have different selective trust strategies, especially the way they use informants’ reliability and identity cues when deciding who to trust," said Dr. Li. 



"Together with other research on children’s selective trust, we show that as children get older, they may increasingly rely on reliability cues to guide their trust behavior.”



Previous studies indicate that children consider various factors, like age, familiarity, and language, to assess an informant's reliability. 



Younger children might emphasize identity cues more, while older children focus more on the substance of the information provided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-children-and-robots">Future research on children and robots</h2>



This study is unique in its exploration of children's perceptions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-robots-lie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> compared to humans and their corresponding trust behaviors. 



“Addressing these questions will provide a unique perspective on the development of trust and social learning among children who are growing up alongside various sources of information, including social robots,” described Prof Yow.



The research has significant implications for educational methods, especially as robots and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI tools</a> become more common in classrooms. Children's perceptions of robots as trustworthy sources could evolve with increased exposure to smart machines.



“Designers should consider the impact of perceived competence when building robots and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-able-to-predict-if-a-new-song-will-be-a-hit-with-97-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-driven</a> educational tools for young children," emphasized Professor Yow. 



"Recognizing the developmental changes in children’s trust of humans versus robots can guide the creation of more effective learning environments, ensuring that the use of technologies aligns with children’s developing cognitive and social needs.”



In summary, future research might expand beyond word learning to other areas, such as tool usage, emotional expression, and episodic memory. The current findings will be influential in design pedagogy. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cdev.14048" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Child Development</a>.



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Who do children trust more, robots or humans? Scientists found out

In our increasingly digital world, children encounter a vast array...

A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.108.083533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review D</a> marks a significant advancement in cosmology. A team of researchers has analyzed over one million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/">galaxies</a> to delve into the origins of the universe’s current cosmic structures.&nbsp;



This study contributes to the understanding of the ΛCDM model, the standard framework for the universe, which posits the significance of cold dark matter (CDM) and dark energy (the cosmological constant, Λ).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primordial-fluctuations-nbsp">Primordial fluctuations&nbsp;</h2>



The model theorizes that primordial fluctuations, originating at the universe’s inception, acted as catalysts for the formation of all celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters.&nbsp;



These fluctuations, initially small, grew over time due to gravitational forces, eventually forming dense regions of dark matter, or halos. These halos then collided and merged, leading to the creation of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spatial-distribution-of-galaxies">Spatial distribution of galaxies</h2>



The spatial distribution of galaxies, significantly influenced by these primordial fluctuations, has been a key focus for researchers.&nbsp;



In addition to this, the galaxy shapes distributed across the universe also reflect these primordial fluctuations. Traditional analysis, however, has primarily centered on the spatial distribution of galaxies as points.



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



The research was led by Toshiki Kurita, a graduate student at the <a href="https://www.kavlifoundation.org/institutes/kavli-institute-for-the-physics-and-mathematics-of-the-universe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe</a> (Kavli IPMU) at the time of the study (now a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics</a>), and Kavli IPMU Professor Masahiro Takada.



The team developed a novel method to measure the power spectrum of galaxy shapes. This method combines spectroscopic data of galaxies’ spatial distribution with imaging data of individual galaxy shapes.



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



By analyzing approximately one million galaxies from the <a href="https://www.sdss.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sloan Digital Sky Survey</a> (SDSS), the team successfully constrained the statistical properties of the primordial fluctuations that seeded the formation of the universe’s structure. 



The experts discovered a significant alignment in the orientations of galaxies’ shapes, even over distances exceeding 100 million light years, suggesting correlations between distant galaxies whose formation processes are seemingly independent.



“In this research, we were able to impose constraints on the properties of the primordial fluctuations through statistical analysis of the ‘shapes’ of numerous galaxies obtained from the large-scale structure data,” Kurita said.&nbsp;



“There are few precedents for research that use galaxy shapes to explore the physics of the early universe, and the research process, from the construction of the idea and development of analysis methods to the actual data analysis, was a series of trial and error.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonderful-research-achievement">Wonderful research achievement</h2>



The study also confirmed that the observed correlations are consistent with those predicted by inflation theory and do not exhibit a non-Gaussian feature of the primordial fluctuation.&nbsp;



Takada, expressing pride in Kurita's work, said: “This research is the result of Toshiki’s doctoral dissertation. It’s a wonderful research achievement in which we developed a method to validate a cosmological model using galaxy shapes and galaxy distributions, applied it to data, and then tested the physics of inflation.”



The research sets a foundation for future studies to further test inflation theory, potentially opening new avenues in cosmological research and deepening our understanding of the universe’s origins and evolution.



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Shapes of one million galaxies hint at the universe’s origins

A recent study published in the journal Physical Review D...

Why do large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-mystery-why-are-mammals-the-only-vertebrates-to-have-only-one-lower-jawbone/">mammals</a> tend to have much longer faces compared to smaller closely related species? A new study suggests that this phenomenon, known as Craniofacial Evolutionary Allometry (CREA), can be explained by feeding adaptations.



The research, led by Dr. Rex Mitchell from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>, represents a major step in understanding the evolution of mammal skulls. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skull-shape-evolution-nbsp">Skull shape evolution&nbsp;</h2>



"The patterns behind the diversity of mammalian morphology have been a core interest of western science for centuries. Of particular interest for most of this venerable history has been the evolution of the mammalian cranium (the skull without the lower jaw), which reflects the diversity of mammals like no other part of the skeleton," wrote the researchers.



"Crania incorporate the brain and the majority of an animals' sensory apparatus, such as the eyes, nose, and ears. Perhaps more importantly, their role in the ingestion of food makes the functional adaptation of the cranium a matter of day-to-day survival, so that cranial morphology offers insights into a given mammal's feeding ecology and behavior."



"The patterns of mammalian cranial shape evolution have thus become a shorthand for understanding how mammalian diversity has evolved."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammalian-cranial-diversity">Mammalian cranial diversity</h2>



The researchers explained that recent advances in technology have revolutionized our capacity to characterize mammalian cranial diversity patterns.&nbsp;



In a comprehensive review of mammalian skull evolution, the team discovered that feeding adaptations are a key driver behind the varying face lengths observed in different mammal species.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crea-pattern-nbsp">The CREA pattern&nbsp;</h2>



"The CREA pattern is observed in a diverse range of mammals, from cats to mice, antelopes to baboons, and deer to kangaroos, yet its cause remained elusive until now," said Dr. Mitchell.



Study senior author Professor Vera Weisbecker noted the complexity of this pattern, citing exceptions among certain mammals.&nbsp;



"Confusingly, there are also many mammals where the rule does not hold up or is even reversed," said Professor Weisbecker. "Australian carnivorous marsupials are a great example. We found that their largest living member, the Tasmanian devil, has an exceptionally short face compared to other species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naturally-strong-bite">Naturally strong bite</h2>



Dr. Emma Sherratt from The University of Adelaide said that the team went back to basic "lever mechanics" to explain both the rule of the long face and its exceptions.



The analysis revealed that larger mammals generally possess a naturally stronger bite due to their larger muscles. This strength reduces their reliance on short faces for effective feeding.&nbsp;



By contrast, smaller mammals benefit from shorter faces, which enable them to exert more bite force, crucial for consuming the same types of food as their larger counterparts.



"Closely related mammals tend to eat similar foods. For example, different kangaroos species all eat grass or leaves and different species of wolves and foxes all eat meat. However, bigger animals of a group have a naturally stronger bite because their skull, teeth and jaw muscles are simply bigger," explained Dr. Sherratt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-dietary-shifts-nbsp">Drastic dietary shifts&nbsp;</h2>



However, the team also noticed significant deviations from this trend linked to diet changes. In cases where smaller mammals have longer faces than their larger relatives, a drastic shift in dietary habits is often observed.&nbsp;



"Our analyses of 22 mammal families show that there is almost always a radical change in diet when smaller mammals have longer faces than their larger relatives," said Professor Weisbecker.



"For example, Tasmanian devils are known to crush bones, and the short-snouted orcas feed on much larger prey than their fish-eating dolphin relatives. These behaviors need higher bite forces."



"But this also works the other way around. For example, the tiny honey possum has a much longer snout than would be expected for any possum, but it also mostly licks nectar from deep inside flowers and does not need to bite hard."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-are-the-main-exception">Humans are the main exception</h2>



The researchers agree that humans are probably an exception among exceptions when it comes to cranium evolution.



"Humans do not use their snouts as a primary means of obtaining food. They use their hands and tools to manipulate can soften their food through cooking," said Dr. Mitchel. "This means that the evolution of the human face is probably more influenced by other things than their ability to bite."



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.13032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Reviews</a>.



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Skull evolution: Why some mammals have long faces

Why do large mammals tend to have much longer faces...

The universe has its own festive display in the form of NGC 2264, also known as the "Christmas Tree Cluster" or the "Cosmic Christmas Tree." This celestial marvel, situated approximately 2,500 light-years away in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, is a cluster of young stars. These stars, varying in age from one to five million years, create a cosmic tableau reminiscent of a Christmas tree.



In this unique cosmic cluster, stars of various sizes coexist. Some are diminutive, with less than a tenth of the Sun's mass, while others are more massive, boasting up to seven times the mass of our Sun. This diversity in size contributes to the cluster's unique appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-the-cosmic-christmas-tree-image">Enhancing the "Cosmic Christmas Tree" image</h2>



The recent composite image of NGC 2264 enhances its resemblance to a holiday tree. This effect is achieved through specific choices in color and rotation. 



In this vibrant depiction, young stars twinkle in hues of blue and white, their X-rays captured by NASA’s <a href="https://chandra.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chandra X-ray Observatory</a>. These X-rays, which blink in the animated version of the image, add a dynamic quality to the view of the "Cosmic Christmas Tree."



Complementing the Chandra data, optical observations from the National Science Foundation’s <a href="https://www.wiyn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WIYN</a> 0.9-meter telescope at Kitt Peak contribute to the image’s color palette. These observations highlight the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-tree-cluster_ngc2264_static_Chandra_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula's gas in green</a>, akin to the pine needles of a Christmas tree. 



Additionally, infrared data from the <a href="https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/Missions/2mass.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Micron All Sky Survey</a> reveals foreground and background stars in a contrasting white.



To achieve the desired Christmas tree appearance, the image has been rotated about 160 degrees clockwise from the standard astronomical orientation. This rotation positions the tree’s apex towards the top of the image, enhancing its festive resemblance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nature-of-young-stars-in-ngc-2264">The nature of young stars in NGC 2264</h2>



The stars within NGC 2264 are characterized by their volatile nature. They experience intense flares in X-rays and other variations across different types of light. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-tree-cluster_ngc2264_blinking_Chandra_1medium.gif" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animated image</a>, with its coordinated, blinking variations, is an artistic interpretation to emphasize the X-ray emitting stars and draw parallels to a twinkling Christmas tree. However, it's important to note that in reality, these stellar variations are not synchronized.



These observed variations stem from various processes. Some are related to magnetic field activity, leading to powerful flares, akin to those seen on our Sun but on a much grander scale. 



Additionally, these stars exhibit hot spots and dark regions on their surfaces, which become visible or hidden as the stars rotate. Changes in the obscuring gas's thickness and the amount of material falling onto the stars from surrounding gas disks also contribute to these variations.



In summary, NGC 2264, the "Cosmic Christmas Tree," presents a fascinating blend of astrophysical phenomena and natural artistry, reminding us of the universe's ability to mirror Earth's festive traditions in a grand cosmic scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-chandra-and-the-cosmic-christmas-tree">More about Chandra and the "Cosmic Christmas Tree"</h2>



As mentioned above, the Chandra X-ray Observatory stands as a testament to human ingenuity in exploring the cosmos. Launched by NASA in 1999, it operates as a sophisticated space telescope designed to detect X-ray emissions from very hot regions of the universe, such as exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mission-and-capabilities-of-chandra">The mission and capabilities of Chandra</h3>



Chandra's primary mission involves delving into the mysteries of the universe through X-ray eyes. It offers a unique perspective, enabling astronomers to observe phenomena such as supernovae, the regions surrounding black holes, and the hot gas permeating the vast clusters of galaxies. Its high resolution allows it to capture images fifty times finer than previous X-ray telescopes, revealing the universe in unprecedented detail.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-marvels-of-chandra">Technological marvels of Chandra</h3>



Equipped with four very sensitive mirrors, Chandra can observe X-rays from sources billions of light-years away. The mirrors, nested inside each other, focus X-rays onto its detectors. This intricate design is a significant advancement in X-ray astronomy, allowing for clearer and more detailed observations than ever before, as seen above in the image of the "Cosmic Christmas Tree." 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chandra-s-contribution-to-astronomy">Chandra's contribution to astronomy</h3>



Over the years, Chandra has contributed significantly to our understanding of the cosmos. It has provided invaluable insights into the structure and evolution of the universe, helping to confirm the existence of dark matter and study the nature of dark energy. Chandra's observations have also been crucial in studying the effects of black holes and mapping the distribution of dark matter in galaxy clusters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-to-the-x-ray-universe">A window to the x-ray universe</h3>



The Chandra X-ray Observatory continues to be a vital tool in astronomy, offering a unique window into the X-ray universe. Its discoveries have not only expanded our knowledge of the cosmos but have also challenged and refined existing theories about the nature of the universe. 



As it continues its journey through space, Chandra remains a beacon of exploration, shedding light on the most mysterious corners of our universe.



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Cosmic "Christmas Tree Cluster" captured by NASA’s Chandra Observatory

The universe has its own festive display in the form...

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.wfu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest University</a> School of Medicine have revealed new insights into the role of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-share-many-of-the-same-behaviors-as-animals-that-live-nearby/">human behavior</a>.&nbsp;



The experts investigated dopamine's role in learning from both positive and negative experiences. This research marks a significant advancement in understanding how dopamine influences decision-making and behavioral adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reward-and-punishment-nbsp">Reward and punishment&nbsp;</h2>



Dopamine, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain, has long been associated with positive emotions and functions like movement, cognition, and learning.&nbsp;



However, this study sheds light on its comprehensive role, emphasizing its crucial involvement in processing both reward and punishment prediction errors.&nbsp;



This suggests that dopamine's function extends beyond the realm of positive emotions, playing a pivotal role in learning from negative experiences as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-dopamine">The role of dopamine</h2>



"Previously, research has shown that dopamine plays an important role in how animals learn from 'rewarding' (and possibly 'punishing') experiences. But, little work has been done to directly assess what dopamine does on fast timescales in the human brain," said lead author Dr. Kenneth Kishida.&nbsp;



"This is the first study in humans to examine how dopamine encodes rewards and punishments and whether dopamine reflects an 'optimal' teaching signal that is used in today's most advanced artificial intelligence research."



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



For the investigation, Dr. Kishida's team used a combination of fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and machine learning to measure dopamine levels at an impressive rate of 10 measurements per second. This technique, however, is limited to invasive procedures like deep-brain stimulation (DBS) surgeries, commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and epilepsy.



In collaboration with neurosurgeons Dr. Stephen B. Tatter and Dr. Adrian W. Laxton from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, the researchers inserted a carbon fiber microelectrode deep into the brains of participants undergoing DBS for essential tremor.&nbsp;



While awake in the operating room, these participants engaged in a computer game that involved making choices with monetary consequences, allowing the researchers to monitor dopamine responses to rewards and punishments.



Dopamine levels were measured continuously, once every 100 milliseconds, throughout each of the three stages of the game.



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



The study revealed that dopamine signals both positive and negative experiences in an optimal manner for learning outcomes.&nbsp;



"We found that dopamine not only plays a role in signaling both positive and negative experiences in the brain, but it seems to do so in a way that is optimal when trying to learn from those outcomes. What was also interesting, is that it seems like there may be independent pathways in the brain that separately engage the dopamine system for rewarding versus punishing experiences," said Dr. Kishida.



"Our results reveal a surprising result that these two pathways may encode rewarding and punishing experiences on slightly shifted timescales separated by only 200 to 400 milliseconds in time."



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



Dr. Kishida believes that this research may lead to a better understanding of how the dopamine system is affected in humans with psychiatric and neurological disorders. He noted that additional research is needed to understand how this signaling is altered in psychiatric and neurological disorders.



"Traditionally, dopamine is often referred to as 'the pleasure neurotransmitter,"' said Dr. Kishida. "However, our work provides evidence that this is not the way to think about dopamine. Instead, dopamine is a crucial part of a sophisticated system that teaches our brain and guides our behavior."&nbsp;



"That dopamine is also involved in teaching our brain about punishing experiences is an important discovery and may provide new directions in research to help us better understand the mechanisms underlying depression, addiction, and related psychiatric and neurological disorders."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi4927" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.&nbsp;



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Dopamine helps us learn from positive and negative experiences

Researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine have...

French,Dessert,Called,Yule,Log,Or,Bûche,De,Noël,With

Scientists at <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a> are providing insights on how a traditional Christmas dinner can be more than just a delicious feast - it can also be beneficial to our health.&nbsp;



The study highlights how certain cooking methods and ingredients can be added to holiday meals to contribute to our overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brussels-sprouts">Brussels sprouts</h2>



Steaming Brussels sprouts is the best method to retain beneficial compounds that may help combat chronic diseases like diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/">cancer</a>.



Brussels sprouts, part of the cruciferous vegetable family, are rich in glucosinolates. These molecules play a role in repairing damaged DNA and can trigger the death of cancerous cells.



Dr. Kirsten Brandt, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, emphasized the superiority of steaming over boiling or roasting Brussels sprouts.



“If you boil the Brussels sprouts then you lose a lot of the important compounds into the water," said Dr. Brandt. “If you roast them, they are being broken down during the cooking, so steaming is the one that gives most of these tasty and healthy compounds in the final product.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrots-and-cancer-reduction">Carrots and cancer reduction</h2>



The experts determined that the regular consumption of carrots, a popular side dish, is associated with a significant reduction in cancer risk.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-review-nbsp">Comprehensive review&nbsp;</h3>



The researchers conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis involving nearly 200 studies.&nbsp;



They found that eating five servings of carrots weekly can lower the risk of developing any type of cancer by 20 percent. Even a single weekly serving of carrots was associated with a four percent reduction in cancer risk.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polyacetylenes">Polyacetylenes</h3>



Unlike previous studies that concentrated on beta-carotene, this research looked at the broader spectrum of compounds in carrots, particularly polyacetylenes, which lack color but exhibit strong anti-cancer properties.



“Many researchers have noticed the benefits of carrots previously, and this is a reason why there was so much data for us to analyze. However, most of the previous studies focused on beta-carotene, one of the orange carotenoid phytochemicals, which give the orange carrots their color," said PhD student Charles Ojobor, who led the study.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h3>



“Unfortunately, beta-carotene did not show much beneficial effect on cancer in controlled experiments."



“As a result, we studied carrots due to their content of a different type of phytochemicals, polyacetylenes, which are colorless but have strong effects on cancer.



“For our study, we looked at different types of cancer and our analysis showed that people who eat five portions of carrots per week had a 20% reduced risk of developing the disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perfect-potatoes-nbsp">Perfect potatoes&nbsp;</h2>



The Newcastle team studied more than 250 varieties of potatoes, looking at different qualities from tuber characteristics to their ability to resist disease and climate stress.



According to the researchers, preparing potatoes in the air fryer is the healthiest way to cook them to a golden crisp for holiday meals.



“Rooster potatoes are perfect for making the best roast potato," explained PhD student Sophia Long. "They have a nice red skin and, when peeled, they reveal a lovely golden color underneath – perfect for your roasties on Christmas day.”



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



The research provides a new perspective on festive eating, suggesting that indulgence and health benefits can coexist in a well-prepared holiday meal.



"Carrot consumption was consistently negatively associated with cancer incidence across a wide range of geographical regions, exposure types and cancer types, which provided robust statistical power to quantify associations precisely," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"These findings provide enhanced support for safe and cost-effective public health recommendations and interventions to increase carrot intake, as part of the overall consumption of fruit and vegetables, in order to reduce the risk of cancer and other diet-related diseases."



"The results also highlight the need to investigate the roles of a wider range of vegetable phytochemicals, specifically polyacetylenes and isocoumarins, in pre-clinical studies regarding cancer-related effects."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2287176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition</a>. 



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Holiday meals: Indulgence and health benefits can coexist

Scientists at Newcastle University are providing insights on how a...

The Running Chicken Nebula

As the festive season brings an array of traditional feasts around the world, the European Southern Observatory (<a href="https://www.eso.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>) introduces a cosmic delicacy: the Running Chicken Nebula. 



This celestial wonder, captured in an astounding 1.5-billion-pixel image by the VLT Survey Telescope (<a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/surveytelescopes/vst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VST</a>) at ESO's Paranal site in Chile, offers a visual feast that rivals any holiday table.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-running-chicken-nebula-s-location">Running Chicken Nebula's location</h2>



Nestled in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-detected-where-giant-planets-like-earth-may-be-forming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Centaurus</a>, approximately 6500 light-years from Earth, this <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/archives/images/publicationjpg/eso2320b.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vast stellar nursery</a> is a cradle of young stars. These nascent stars emit intense radiation, illuminating the surrounding hydrogen gas in a mesmerizing pink hue, reminiscent of festive lights.



The nebula, which spans an area equivalent to about 25 full moons in the sky, is not just a singular entity but a complex of several regions, each with its own story. The most prominent area, IC 2948, is often humorously debated as either the chicken's head or rear. 



Here, the pastel-toned gas and dust create a surreal, ethereal landscape. At the heart of the nebula, marked by a striking, bright, vertical structure, lies IC 2944, where Lambda Centauri shines the brightest -- a star visible to the naked eye but much closer to us than the nebula itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-running-chicken-nebula">Stars in the Running Chicken Nebula</h2>



Yet, within IC 2948 and IC 2944, numerous young stars shine with a ferocity that is anything but merry. Their intense radiation sculpts the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-ring-nebula-as-it-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in a manner akin to a chicken pecking at its environment. 



Amidst this turbulent space, Bok globules stand resilient. These small, dense pockets of dust and gas withstand the onslaught of ultraviolet radiation, appearing as dark specks when zoomed into the image.



The image also showcases other regions like Gum 39, 40, and 41. Amidst these nebulae, a myriad of orange, white, and blue stars sparkle, evoking a celestial fireworks display. 



The depth and breadth of wonders in this image are truly inexhaustible -- each zoom and pan reveals more for the eyes to feast upon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technical-aspects-of-the-image">Technical aspects of the image</h2>



This remarkable image is a mosaic of hundreds of individual frames, meticulously pieced together. The frames were captured through filters that isolated different light colors, later combined to form the final image. This intricate process highlights the varied hues and features of the nebula.



The observations were made using the <a href="https://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/instruments/omegacam.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OmegaCAM</a> on the VST, a telescope operated by the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy (INAF) and hosted by ESO in Chile's Atacama Desert. This location is ideal for mapping the southern sky in visible light. 



The data for this mosaic were collected as part of the VST Photometric Hα Survey of the Southern Galactic Plane and Bulge (VPHAS+), an endeavor aimed at unraveling the life cycle of stars.



This holiday season, as we partake in our earthly traditions, the Running Chicken Nebula stands as a reminder of the universe's vastness and beauty -- a cosmic feast for the eyes, inviting us to explore the mysteries of star formation and the intricate tapestry of the cosmos.



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The "Running Chicken Nebula" captured just in time for your holiday feast

As the festive season brings an array of traditional feasts...

Christmas can be a dangerous time for cats, so experts at <a href="https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/understanding-cats/christmas-safety-for-cats" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purina</a> have published some safety guidelines to help cat owners prepare for a safe and stress-free holiday.&nbsp;



"Christmas is such an exciting time of year, but unfortunately all the twinkling lights and merriment can be hazardous for your cat," wrote the Purina team.&nbsp;



"From climbing the Christmas tree to the stress of visiting family members and hazardous treats that may turn out to be harmful, cats and Christmas can sometimes be a real recipe for disaster. But it doesn’t need to be! When managed with a bit of extra care, the holidays can be a time of fun and happiness for both you and your four-legged friend."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climbing-the-tree">Climbing the tree</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/">Cats</a> are natural climbers, and Christmas trees often become unintended challenges for them. The risk of your ambitious cat toppling the tree is real.&nbsp;



To prevent such mishaps, the experts recommend using a heavy base or tethering the tree to a wall or ceiling for stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangling-dangers">Dangling dangers</h2>



Shiny, dangling Christmas decorations are irresistible to cats but can be dangerous.&nbsp;



Glass ornaments may break and harm your cat, while tinsel and angel hair pose choking hazards. Opt for cat-safe decorations that are securely attached and out of paw's reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beware-of-wires">Beware of wires</h2>



The allure of Christmas light wires can be dangerous for cats who might chew them. Covering wires and opting for battery-powered lights when you're not around to supervise can mitigate these risks.



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



Fir trees can be mildly toxic to cats, causing mouth and stomach irritation. Fallen needles pose a risk of puncturing the gastrointestinal system. Consider a non-drop variety or an artificial tree to reduce these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-dangers">Additional dangers</h2>



Live, potted Christmas trees may contain fertilizers that are harmful to cats. Changing the soil and covering it can prevent your cat from mistaking it for a litter tray.



Some snow globes contain toxic antifreeze, and broken pieces can be hazardous. Be cautious with festive plants like poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe, as they are poisonous to cats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-food">Christmas food</h2>



The experts say to be mindful of Christmas foods that are toxic to cats, such as onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol. Also, beware of meat strings from roasts, which can cause choking.



In addition, the kitchen itself can be hazardous to cats. "There’s always plenty of cooking going on during the festive period and this poses new threats to your pet. From cooking oil, hot stoves to clanging pots and pans, it’s a good idea to keep cats out of the kitchen at Christmas," wrote the Purina team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-safe-space-nbsp">Create a safe space&nbsp;</h2>



Cats thrive on routine and familiarity. Christmas upheavals, like decoration changes and guest visits, can be stressful. Keep your cat's environment as unchanged as possible, offering them a safe, familiar space.



Create a safe space by using a stair gate to keep cats away from unfamiliar guests and hectic areas. Ensure your cat has access to their essentials in a quiet part of the house.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaning-products">Cleaning products</h2>



Excessive cleaning can disrupt the comforting scents in your home, causing anxiety in cats. Clean lightly, maintaining a scent environment that is familiar to your cat.



"While you are going to want to make sure your house looks its best if you are inviting family around, don't go too crazy with the cleaning, polishing and air fresheners," said the experts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritize-cat-time">Prioritize cat time</h2>



"Most importantly, take an hour or two out of your festive celebrations just to have some ‘cat time’ - doing the things you know your cat enjoys."&nbsp;



"That might be playing with interactive hunting toys, it might be grooming, or it might just be spending quiet time together. This is the best present you can give your cat for Christmas." 



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How to keep cats safe this Christmas, from toxic trees to dangling dangers

Christmas can be a dangerous time for cats, so experts...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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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



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.

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



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 city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...