Cancer is sometimes described as the unchecked growth of abnormal cells. It is linked to all sorts of health issues, and doctors have spent years trying to find better ways to tackle it.



In a recent study, investigators reported the discovery of a molecular “switch” that seems to reverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damaged cells</a> back into a more helpful condition.



The research was led by <a href="https://scholar.google.co.kr/citations?user=nTrFoYIAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kwang-Hyun Cho</a> of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.kaist.ac.kr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAIST</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reprograming-cancer-cells">Reprograming cancer cells </h2>



Most therapies focus on destroying cancer cells or removing them. This new approach is different because it directs abnormal <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> to change course.



Scientists tested the plan on lab-grown <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/organoid#:~:text=An%20organoid%20is%20generally%20defined,From%3A%20Engineering%2C%202022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organoids</a> made from colon tumors. They stopped the cells from going down the wrong path, which introduces the idea of an unexpected therapy option.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-research-matters">Why the research matters</h2>



Experts say that too many cancer treatments harm healthy cells while trying to kill the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-lifetime-cancer-risk-may-be-established-before-we-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseased ones</a>. The damage often leads to side effects and even long-term complications.



Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval is a retired oncologist, formerly at <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center</a>, who was not involved in the study.



“This finding provides a new approach for cancer treatment by rewiring cancer cells rather than eliminating them,” said Dr. Troso-Sandoval. She believes this work might someday open safer treatment alternatives for those who need them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-normal-cells-can-change">How normal cells can change</h2>



Everything starts with DNA, the genetic code that tells cells how to function. When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-discovery-about-cell-migration-will-help-defeat-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a> build up in DNA, cells can start acting oddly.



At a certain point, these cells can switch from normal to malignant. This shift might be driven by carcinogens like chemicals in cigarette smoke or other harmful exposures. Once it happens, the body faces new challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-window-to-reverse-cancer-cells">Short window to reverse cancer cells</h2>



The researchers found that there is a short interval when cells have both harmless and dangerous traits. During that moment, they are vulnerable to the right nudge.



The scientists observed a specific enzyme that stops certain proteins from breaking down. By interfering with that enzyme, the cells went back to operating as normal tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-toxicity-fewer-worries">Less toxicity, fewer worries</h2>



Chemotherapy and radiation are still mainstays in cancer care. However, they come with fatigue, hair loss, and other problems that many people dread.



If future work confirms that targeting these transitional cells is a safe strategy, patients might avoid some of the harsh downsides of cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapy</a>. Lower toxicity may also mean a better quality of life.



This method could potentially slow or stop tumors before they truly get started. Some individuals with close relatives who have cancer might benefit from this discovery.



As soon as experts figure out how to track the early shifts in cells, doctors could potentially use this insight to steer risky tissues back to normal. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signals-that-control-cancer-cell-behavior">Signals that control cancer cell behavior</h2>



Cho’s team watched how colon cells changed in tiny 3D cultures. These samples allowed the scientists to see the subtle shift in cell identity.



The study also highlighted the genetic networks at play. The data offer a map of which molecules push cells down dangerous roads.



No one is suggesting that surgeons can ditch their operating rooms tomorrow. Additional research must confirm the safety of reversing tumor cells inside the human body.



Animal tests, and eventually clinical trials, are needed to see if this plan works in real life. In time, it could be used alongside current therapies, giving doctors more choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perspectives-in-modern-oncology">Perspectives in modern oncology</h2>



Scientists have learned a lot from advanced genetics tools. They can now see patterns in tumors that were invisible decades ago.



This has led to more refined solutions, including immunotherapies that harness the body’s own defenses. Reverting cells may add yet another tool to that kit, and each tool could serve a different need.



While the study was focused on colon tumors, the underlying process might affect other forms of the disease. 



If these molecular signals apply to lung, breast, or other types of cancer cells, doctors may soon have a fresh way to respond. Labs around the world will likely explore that angle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-switching-harmful-cells-to-a-friendly-state">Switching harmful cells to a friendly state</h2>



Scientists hope that mapping the triggers in each patient’s cells will yield precise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-therapy-for-childhood-brain-cancer-halts-tumor-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment options</a>.



When doctors can find the exact pathways that shift cells toward disease, they might dial those pathways back. As a result, the body may keep cells on a healthier track.



The researchers remain cautious about announcing any cures. They know from experience that early lab work can change once tested more broadly.



Regardless, there is much hope for a method that might switch harmful cells back to a friendlier state. It taps into a puzzle that scientists have studied for years.



Going forward, gathering more data on other cell types is a top priority. Scientists want to see if the same enzyme blockade works on different tissues.



They also aim to reveal more about how these transitional cells behave in diverse environments. Understanding that might help doctors find the perfect moment to act.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202412503" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Breakthrough: Cancer cells have a molecular 'switch' that could be rewired to behave normally

Cancer is sometimes described as the unchecked growth of abnormal cells. It is linked to all sorts of health issues, and doctors have spent years trying to find better ways to tackle it. In a recent study, investigators reported the discovery of a molecular “switch” that seems to reverse damaged cells back into a more helpful condition. The research was led by Kwang-Hyun Cho of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Reprograming cancer cells Most therapies focus on destroying cancer cells or removing them....

Cancer,Cells,,Malignant,Cells,Under,Microscope,,3d,Illustration

In a new study by researchers at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>, two “forever chemicals” spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms.



The study addressed the group of industrial chemicals called <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Print-,Per%2D%20and%20Polyfluorinated%20Substances%20(PFAS),in%20a%20variety%20of%20products." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)</a>. The substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in the human body. They have the ability to shed water and resist penetration by oils. They are notorious for their ubiquity, their exceptional environmental stability, and their suspected toxic effects.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> make up a prevalent class of persistent organic pollutants of increasing public concern worldwide. They have been frequently detected in the environment, such as in drinking water, indoor dust, cleaning products, and coatings,” said co-first author Jie Zheng, a postdoctoral associate who was working in the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/cjohnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab</a> of principal investigator <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/caroline-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caroline Johnson</a>, associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences), at the time the research was conducted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-the-blood-of-babies">Forever chemicals in the blood of babies</h2>



The forever chemicals show up in the blood of newborns, of people living in sub-Arctic Indigenous communities, in fish and mussels, and even in bird eggs. No level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in the body is considered safe, and they have been linked to a litany of health problems, including cancers. 



In November, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), another common PFAS, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.



No studies have addressed the relationship between PFAS and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), Zheng explained. However, firefighters experience this type of cancer at higher rates than the general population and they are heavily exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> at work. About 80% of CRC cases are thought to be related to environmental exposure of some kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-forever-chemicals-spread-cancer">How do forever chemicals spread cancer?</h2>



But what the chemicals might be doing to initiate or spur on this type of cancer has been unclear.



The Johnson lab studies CRC with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolomics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolomics</a>, a tool that measures fluctuating levels of thousands of small molecules like amino acids, lipids, and proteins in a biological sample. 



"We look at patterns that occur within an exposed group of people or a diseased group of people, then try to generate a hypothesis as to why somebody may develop a disease or have progression of disease," Johnson said. "Metabolomics is one of the only tools where you can measure environmental exposures in the same sample as the biological effect."



In this series of experiments, the authors studied how CRC cells react to being immersed in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> solution for up to seven days. They observed increased cell motility with exposure and found metabolic changes that were consistent with cancer metastasis.



Results agreed with current knowledge about CRC metabolism, spread, and prognosis, amounting to evidence that the chemicals can induce metastasis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-on-the-move">Cancer on the move</h2>



To investigate the metabolic profile of CRC cells after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> exposure, the study focused on PFOS and PFOA. Both have been used in firefighting foam and many other products.



The authors used two CRC cell types. One type consisted of cells with an unmutated or “wild-type” KRAS gene; in the other, the KRAS gene carried a common mutation associated with an especially deadly type of colon tumor in women. 



The cells formed into tiny balls called spheroids. KRAS — an acronym for kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene — is a member of the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAS family</a>. KRAS mutations are one of the most dominant mutations leading to the development of colorectal cancer. 



The researchers found that bathing spheroids in the chemicals boosted the cells’ migration ability. They showed a tendency to spread and to penetrate membranes. In another experiment, researchers grew the cells as a flat, two-dimensional layer, then drew a scratch down the middle, separating half of the cells from the other half. When they added PFAS, the cell lines grew and migrated back together again.



“It doesn't prove it's metastasis, but they have increased motility, which is a feature of metastasis,” Johnson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spheroids-in-forever-chemicals">Spheroids in forever chemicals</h2>



Metabolomic analysis revealed the spheroids were producing a variety of fatty acids, amino acids, and signaling proteins in patterns previously linked to metastasis. Small-chain fatty acids, which can protect against tumors and inflammation, were downregulated.



A Western blot found telltale up- and down-regulation of specific signal proteins associated with metastasis during a process called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithelial%E2%80%93mesenchymal_transition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)</a>. 



During EMT, epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion while gaining migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells. EMT has been shown to occur in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and in the initiation of metastasis in cancer progression.



For example, when exposed to either chemical at higher levels, both cell types expressed less <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadherin-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E-cadherin</a>, rendering them less adhesive—a key step in EMT-related metastasis. The results added to the team's confidence that the cell was behaving in vitro like a metastatic cell in the body. E-cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion protein. Mutations have been associated with gastric, breast, colorectal, thyroid, and ovarian cancers.



Some changes suggesting metastatic potential were more pronounced in the KRAS-mutated line. That could mean that cancers with this mutation may be especially prone to spread after exposure to these chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-exposome">A look at the exposome</h2>



The research is part of an ongoing quest by scientists to better understand the exposome — that is, all environmental influences upon a person from conception until death, including biological, chemical, environmental, social, and so on. Because PFAS are so widespread, almost everyone is exposed.



This study used exposure levels similar to those detected in firefighters and others in frequent contact with PFAS, such as people living near landfills, airports, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants. In future studies, the Johnson lab aims to test exposures that are lower, more like those most people face every day. They also plan to look at PFAS levels and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.



“Many in vitro studies can't be translated into humans," Johnson said. "But I think understanding first the mechanisms of how they can actually affect cancer cell growth is important.”



The research was published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04844" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

"Forever chemicals" encourage cancer to spread around the body

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School...

A new study from <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> and the University of Montpellier provides yet another example of how human activities are impacting the natural world. 



The experts have discovered that flowering plants in farmlands are increasingly adapting to self-fertilization due to the widespread decline of insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">pollinators</a>.



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



This adaptation is a direct response to the challenging conditions faced by plants as reproduction becomes more difficult for them in an environment depleted of pollinating insects.



"Plant-pollinator interactions evolved early in the angiosperm radiation. Ongoing environmental changes are however leading to pollinator declines that may cause pollen limitation to plants and change the evolutionary pressures shaping plant mating systems," wrote the study authors.



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



The research team conducted a comparative study involving field pansies, analyzing both current specimens and those grown from seeds collected between 1992 and 2001.&nbsp;



"We used resurrection ecology methodology to contrast ancestors and contemporary descendants in four natural populations of the field pansy (Viola arvensis) in the Paris region (France), a depauperate pollinator environment," wrote the researchers.



"We combine population genetics analysis, phenotypic measurements and behavioral tests on a common garden experiment."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings">Alarming findings</h2>



The researchers found that today's flowers are approximately 10% smaller, produce 20% less nectar, and attract fewer pollinators than their predecessors.



According to the experts, their analysis revealed a 27% increase in realized selfing rates in the field during the study period.&nbsp;



"We documented trait evolution towards smaller and less conspicuous corollas, reduced nectar production and reduced attractiveness to bumblebees, with these trait shifts convergent across the four studied populations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolutionary-response-nbsp">Rapid evolutionary response&nbsp;</h2>



This change in the plants' traits is thought to be a rapid evolutionary response to the decline in pollinator populations across Europe.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, a separate study in Germany highlighted this issue, noting a 75% reduction in the biomass of flying insects in protected areas over the past thirty years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vicious-cycle-nbsp">Vicious cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The CRNS study reveals a concerning feedback loop: the decline in pollinators leads to reduced nectar production, which could further exacerbate the decline of these essential insects.&nbsp;



This vicious cycle poses a significant threat to the longstanding symbiotic relationship between plants and pollinators, a relationship that has existed for millions of years.



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



"In summary, our study highlights the potential of natural populations to respond quickly to environmental changes. However, such evolutionary responses may have impacts on ecological interactions, here plant–pollinator interactions, and potentially cascading trophic consequences in ecosystems," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"There is thus an urgent need to investigate whether these results are symptomatic of a broader pattern among angiosperms and their pollinators, and if so understanding whether there is a possibility to reverse this process and break this eco-evolutionary-positive feedback loop."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.19422" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Wildflowers are self-fertilizing to deal with a lack of pollinators

A new study from CNRS and the University of Montpellier...

Desert,Planet,,Dry,Planet,Earth,3d-illustration.,Elements,Of,This,Image

A recent study has offered a chilling prognosis for Earth’s future, drawing parallels to the catastrophic scenarios often depicted in Hollywood blockbusters. Researchers have simulated a runaway <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-becomes-a-more-potent-greenhouse-gas-as-climate-changes/">greenhouse</a> effect, suggesting Earth could soon become an "uninhabitable hell" similar to Venus.&nbsp;



This dire situation, characterized by escalated global temperatures and the evaporation of Earth’s surface ocean, could be just a few centuries away, or even sooner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-evil-twin-nbsp">Earth's evil twin&nbsp;</h2>



Conducted by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE) and France’s <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en/cnrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS </a>laboratories in Paris and Bordeaux, the study paints a grim picture. 



The researchers warn of a significant increase in global surface temperatures, leading to a stark division between temperate planets and hot post-runaway planets. This transition is considered crucial in understanding the divergent evolution of Venus and Earth.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-secret-past-may-have-implications-for-earths-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a>, often called Earth's ‘evil twin,’ shares similarities with our planet in size and composition but has an average surface temperature of 870°F (465°C). Its dense atmosphere makes it hotter than Mercury, despite being farther from the sun. 



The conditions on Venus are so extreme that its surface can melt lead, and it’s surrounded by toxic sulfuric acid clouds. Venus shines brightly in our night sky, serving as a stark reminder of a planet gone awry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-greenhouse-effect-is-irreversible">Runaway greenhouse effect is irreversible</h2>



The study authors point out that while carbon dioxide and methane are known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gasses</a>, water vapor could be the real trigger for a runaway greenhouse effect on Earth. 



As the planet warms due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-becomes-a-more-potent-greenhouse-gas-as-climate-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> and methane emissions, water vapor in the atmosphere, resulting from ocean evaporation, exacerbates the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse</a> effect. This creates a vicious cycle where more evaporation leads to more water vapor, trapping even more heat.



“There is a critical threshold for this amount of water vapor, beyond which the planet cannot cool down anymore. From there, everything gets carried away until the oceans end up getting fully evaporated and the temperature reaches several hundred degrees,” said lead author Guillaume Chaverot, a postdoctoral fellow at UNIGE.&nbsp;



According to the new climate models, even a minor increase in solar radiation could trigger this irreversible process, making Earth as inhospitable as Venus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-part-transformation-nbsp">Three-part transformation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers have outlined a three-part process for this transformation, applicable to any planet with oceans, including exoplanets. Initially, there’s an evaporation phase enriching the atmosphere with water vapor.&nbsp;



Following complete ocean evaporation, a ‘dry transition phase’ occurs, where surface temperatures spike dramatically. Finally, a hot and stable ‘post-runaway state’ ensues, akin to Venus’s current state for the past 700 million years.



This research also underscores the importance of temperature data in the search for extraterrestrial life. Exoplanets with temperatures similar to Venus are less likely to harbor life. 



According to co-author Émeline Bolmont, an astrophysicist at UNIGE, “by studying the climate on other planets, one of our strongest motivations is to determine their potential to host life.”



The findings of this study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202346936" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy</a>, offer a dire warning about Earth’s future, urging a reconsideration of our planet’s trajectory and the imperative to prevent a Venus-like fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-runaway-greenhouse-effect">More about runaway greenhouse effect</h2>



As discussed above, the "runaway greenhouse effect" is a climatic phenomenon where a planet experiences uncontrollable and escalating increases in its surface temperature, potentially leading to catastrophic environmental changes. 



This effect occurs when a planet's atmosphere contains greenhouse gases in such high concentrations that they trap an excessive amount of solar radiation, preventing heat from escaping back into space. This trapped heat then causes further warming, which in turn releases more greenhouse gases, creating a self-amplifying cycle.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venus-is-a-living-example-of-runaway-greenhouse-effect">Venus is a "living example" of runaway greenhouse effect</h3>



Earth's closest neighbor, Venus, is a prime example of the runaway greenhouse effect. Venus's thick atmosphere, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, traps heat so effectively that the planet's surface temperature is hot enough to melt lead. This extreme heat is a result of Venus's inability to release solar radiation back into space, highlighting the dangers of excessive greenhouse gas accumulation.



On Earth, the runaway greenhouse effect is a major concern in the context of climate change. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 



If unchecked, this could lead to a similar, albeit less extreme, situation as on Venus, where the increasing temperatures could trigger the release of additional greenhouse gases from natural sources, such as permafrost or ocean sediments.



The consequences of a runaway greenhouse effect on Earth would be dire. It could lead to a substantial rise in sea levels, extreme weather patterns, and the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. This would have profound impacts on human societies, including food and water scarcity, health risks, and displacement of populations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-needed">Urgent action needed</h3>



In summary, combatting the runaway greenhouse effect requires urgent and collective efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture technologies. Additionally, reforestation and conservation of existing forests are crucial as trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effect.



Understanding the runaway greenhouse effect is essential for informed climate policy and action. It emphasizes the need for immediate and coordinated global efforts to preserve Earth's climate stability and avert a catastrophic environment



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Runaway greenhouse effect could turn Earth into an uninhabitable hell

A recent study has offered a chilling prognosis for Earth’s...

The impact of climate change on wildlife behavior, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-predator-prey-equilibria/">predator-prey</a> dynamics in snowy environments, is a growing area of interest among ecologists.&nbsp;



Laura Prugh, a wildlife ecologist and associate professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>’s School of Environmental &amp; Forest Sciences, is exploring how changing weather patterns and snow consistency due to global warming will affect hunting strategies in various species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-and-disadvantages-nbsp">Advantages and disadvantages&nbsp;</h2>



“When you wear snowshoes in deep snow, you stay on top of the snow. But if you take the snowshoes off, you might go up to your waist. Certain species, such as wolves and lynx, have adapted to deep snow conditions because their feet act like snowshoes,” Prugh said.&nbsp;



However, she points out that their prey, like caribou and moose, are at a disadvantage due to their weight and hoofed feet, leading to deeper sinking in snow.&nbsp;



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



“As climate change is making things warmer and changing the amount of precipitation, it’s going to affect how deep and hard the snow is. And that’s going to affect how deep the animals are sinking into the snow. Few scientists have looked at this before.”



To delve deeper into this phenomenon, Prugh collaborated with Jessica Lundquist, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-zones">Danger zones</h2>



Together with their research team, they studied snow properties to identify “danger zones” where prey animals are more likely to sink, while predators remain on the surface. Their recent paper focuses on these zones for ten predator-prey pairs in Washington’s Methow Valley and Denali National Park in Alaska.



“Imagine having a snow fort - you’ve got this cave under the snow and it has a roof. And when people run on top of your snow fort, you hope it doesn’t collapse on you, right? This is what we are trying to measure: the strength of the snow to support itself against collapsing,” Lindquist said.&nbsp;



"But snow is such a dynamic thing. It’s not even one phase; you can’t call it a solid, liquid or gas. It’s all of the above, and that makes snow really fun to study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-density-nbsp">Snow density&nbsp;</h2>



The team used snow density as a proxy for its strength, hypothesizing that denser snow would better support an animal’s weight than light, fluffy snow. They tested this theory in the field, traveling through Denali National Park and the Methow Valley to examine animal tracks and study the surrounding snow’s density and other properties.



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



Both Prugh and Lundquist emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in this study. Prugh gained a deeper understanding of snow types, while Lundquist learned about identifying animal tracks. They also relished the opportunity to conduct research outdoors. Lundquist shared an anecdote to illustrate this point:&nbsp;



“There’s this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon where Calvin’s standing in front of his class holding a box of water. And he says, ‘this was a snowflake outside.’ It’s unique and exquisite, but when you bring it into the classroom, it melts. The science is outside. You cannot bring snow inside and have the same characteristics as the snow outside.”



This study - published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.09925" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oikos</a> - underscores the complexity of ecological systems and how climate change could significantly alter predator-prey dynamics.



"Understanding when and where danger zones occur remains an outstanding, urgent need for resource managers to anticipate and proactively adapt to changing snow conditions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Danger zones: Climate change is altering predator-prey dynamics

The impact of climate change on wildlife behavior, particularly predator-prey...

The <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a> in California has detected an extraordinary series of fast radio bursts (FRBs) – intense and brief pulses of radio waves from a distant source in space. These mysterious bursts, 35 in total, were observed by the <a href="https://www.seti.org/ata">Allen Telescope Array</a> (ATA) and exhibited a unique ‘cosmic slide-whistle’ effect due to a noticeable drop in the center frequency. 



FRBs, first discovered in 2007, have long puzzled scientists. These phenomena are thought to emanate from dying stars, known as magnetars, in distant galaxies.&nbsp;



Magnetars possess an extremely powerful magnetic field, which is hypothesized to be capable of emitting radio waves across space. While most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-burst-traveled-through-space-for-8-billion-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a> appear to be singular events, a small percentage have been observed to repeat, some even following a regular pattern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-burst-frb-20220912a">Fast radio burst (FRB) 20220912A</h2>



The recent discovery made by the SETI Institute focuses on a specific repeating fast radio burst, labeled FRB 20220912A, situated in a galaxy approximately one billion light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



Unlike typical fast radio bursts that last for just milliseconds and vanish, FRB 20220912A was noted for its repetitive nature, occurring 35 times over two months. This particular FRB allowed researchers to confirm existing theories about these bursts, as well as identify new, previously unseen patterns.



“This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones,” said lead author Sofia Sheikh, a postdoctoral fellow at SETI. “We’re narrowing down the source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-are-even-more-mysterious-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a>, for example, to extreme objects such as magnetars, but no existing model can explain all of the properties that have been observed so far.”



The study of FRB 20220912A revealed that there was no discernible pattern in the timing or interval of the energy releases. When the frequency drop of the bursts was converted into sound, it resembled the notes of a whistle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-space-explorers">Deep space explorers</h2>



Avi Loeb of the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics</a> has proposed a more speculative theory regarding FRBs. In 2017, he suggested that these signals could be indicative of deep-space explorers billions of light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



According to Loeb, leakage from the transmitters of these explorers could result in the brief flashes detected on Earth, influenced by the movement of the probe, its host planet, its star, and the galaxy relative to Earth. “An artificial origin is worth contemplating and checking,” Loeb said.



This discovery opens new avenues for understanding these enigmatic signals and their origins, potentially shedding light on the dynamics of distant galaxies and the universe at large.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-fast-radio-bursts-frbs">More about fast radio bursts (FRBs)</h2>



Fast radio bursts (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-heartbeat-signal-detected-from-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a>) are one of the most intriguing mysteries in astronomy. These are extremely brief flashes of radio waves coming from space, lasting just a few milliseconds. Despite their short duration, they are incredibly powerful, releasing as much energy in a millisecond as the Sun does in nearly a century.



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



The origin of FRBs is still largely unknown, making them a hot topic of research. Hundreds have been detected, some repeating and others appearing just once. The repeaters have enabled astronomers to trace them back to their galaxies, providing vital clues about their nature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-energy">Extraordinary energy</h3>



FRBs can come from billions of light-years away, indicating that the phenomena causing them are extraordinarily energetic. Several theories have been proposed regarding their origins, ranging from the mysterious - like black holes and neutron stars - to more speculative ideas like alien technology.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights">Valuable insights</h3>



Interestingly, FRBs are helping scientists learn more about the universe. As these bursts travel through space, they pass through intergalactic material, which can be studied based on the way it affects the radio waves. This has opened a new window for understanding the vast, unseen material in our universe.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

SETI received 35 "fast radio bursts" from space that may be signs of alien life

The SETI Institute in California has detected an extraordinary series...

New observations from space have unveiled the immense dimensions of the world’s biggest iceberg, known as A23a. This colossal ice mass covers an area of 1,500 square miles, has a volume of 263 cubic miles, and weighs nearly one trillion tons. 



To put this in perspective, A23a is four times the size of New York City and about 100 million times heavier than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rough-seas-ahead-for-a23a">Rough seas ahead for A23a</h2>



Resembling a tooth in shape, A23a was previously anchored to the ocean floor for 30 years. Now, it’s moving northward at a notable pace, driven by wind and ocean currents.&nbsp;



As it drifts past the <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Antarctic%20Peninsula&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Peninsula</a>, which extends from the mainland like a tail, it is expected to encounter rougher seas and eventually break apart in the open ocean. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-wildlife-impacts">Potential wildlife impacts</h2>



The <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS), which recently observed A23a, reported that the iceberg is traveling northward at approximately 30 miles per day. This movement could potentially disrupt the feeding patterns of local wildlife, such as penguins, especially if it obstructs typical foraging areas.&nbsp;



“It depends on its trajectory, but there is potential for impact to wildlife if it approaches any of the sub-Antarctic islands,” a BAS representative said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-is-a-free-floating-iceberg">A23a is a free-floating iceberg</h2>



Originating from the Antarctic’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Filchner Ice Shelf</a> in August 1986, A23a is the largest remaining piece of an initially larger iceberg. After drifting only a few hundred miles, it became grounded on the ocean floor, remaining stationary for the next three decades. 



An iceberg becomes "grounded" when its underwater portion, the keel, is deeper than the water’s depth. The <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>’s CryoSat satellite identified that a section of A23a’s base extended particularly deep, acting like an anchor. Recently, scientists observed that the iceberg has begun moving again, guided north by wind and ocean currents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-alley">Iceberg alley</h2>



The iceberg's journey, monitored by the European Space Agency’s satellite, shows it nearing Clarence Island and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/elephant-island-off-the-coast-of-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elephant Island</a>, near the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/12/A23a_iceberg_shift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Peninsula’s tip</a>. 



“A23a has put a spurt on and is heading quickly away from Antarctic waters,” the agency commented on December 1. “Like most icebergs from the Weddell sector, A23a is likely to end up in the South Atlantic on a path known as iceberg alley.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lucky-encounter-with-a23a">Lucky encounter with A23a</h2>



Researchers from BAS, aboard the British polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough, recently photographed A23a, calling it a lucky encounter. They also collected samples of ocean surface waters along the iceberg’s route to study potential life forms around it and its impact on oceanic carbon levels.



American planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton, part of a team that visited A23a last month, shared images of the iceberg on social media, likening it to “sailing alongside a new country.”&nbsp;



Currently the largest iceberg in the world, A23a’s status is temporary, as all icebergs eventually break down. As it travels north, warmer water temperatures will cause A23a to thin and eventually disintegrate and melt. The previous record-holder, iceberg A76, which separated from an ice shelf in the Weddell Sea in May 2021, has since split into three parts.



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



As discussed above, icebergs are majestic and colossal formations of ice, captivating the human imagination for centuries. Originating from glaciers or ice shelves, these floating ice masses play a crucial role in the Earth's natural systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-characteristics">Formation and characteristics</h3>



Icebergs begin their journey as part of glaciers or ice shelves. When chunks of ice break off in a process called calving, icebergs form. This phenomenon mainly occurs in the polar regions, particularly around Greenland and Antarctica.



Typically, icebergs display a stunning array of shapes and sizes. The largest can tower hundreds of feet above water and extend deep below the surface. They consist primarily of freshwater and contain air pockets, which can create captivating patterns and colors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-their-journey">Their journey</h3>



After breaking away, icebergs drift with ocean currents and winds. Their paths, often unpredictable, can take them thousands of miles from their origin. During this journey, icebergs continuously melt and reshape.



As they melt, icebergs release freshwater and nutrients into the ocean, supporting diverse marine life. This influx of nutrients can lead to blooms of phytoplankton, forming the base of the marine food web.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change">Impact of climate change</h3>



Icebergs serve as vital indicators of climate change. The rate of iceberg calving can signify changes in the Earth's temperature and the health of polar ice masses.



With rising global temperatures, the formation and lifecycle of icebergs are changing. Increased calving rates and melting are concerns for scientists studying the impacts of climate change on polar regions.



In summary, icebergs, with their immense size and beauty, are more than just a natural wonder. They play a significant role in the Earth's ecosystems and act as indicators of our planet's health. As we witness changes in their behavior and frequency, icebergs remind us of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Biggest iceberg on Earth weighs one trillion tons and is floating freely in the open seas

New observations from space have unveiled the immense dimensions of...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has uncovered alarming trends regarding the impact of tropical cyclones on global populations. 



According to the researchers, there is a steady increase in the number of people at risk from tropical cyclones and the number of days per year these storms threaten health and livelihoods.&nbsp;



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



With climate change fueling more frequent and intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">weather events</a>, this type of research is critical in understanding and responding to these growing threats.



Study lead author Renzhi Jing, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study.&nbsp;



"Understanding the demographics of populations exposed to cyclones is crucial for understanding evolving risks,” said Jing. “It’s particularly important for risk mitigation and achieving other socially desirable objectives, such as education and poverty alleviation.”



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



Tropical cyclones, characterized by rotating systems of clouds and thunderstorms, bring strong winds and heavy rain. Traditional estimates of exposure to these cyclones have been regional, lacking a global perspective and failing to consider population vulnerabilities.



For the investigation, researchers from Stanford, the RAND Corporation, and other institutions used a new model to merge demographic estimates with tropical cyclone wind fields estimates. This allowed the experts to create a comprehensive global profile of populations exposed to these storms between 2002 and 2019.&nbsp;



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



The study revealed that approximately 560 million people are exposed to cyclones annually and there has been an increase in the number of people exposed across all cyclone intensities.&nbsp;



The researchers also found that the demographic profile of those exposed has shifted, with a decrease in children and an increase in individuals over 60.



Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived populations are more likely to be exposed to tropical cyclones, and this exposure is more pronounced in higher-intensity storms.



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



The findings suggest tropical cyclones can worsen existing inequalities, and highlight the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups, noted the researchers.



“Severe storms hit the poor the hardest, and could worsen socioeconomic and health inequalities,” said study senior author Professor Eran Bendavid. “Interventions for mitigating tropical cyclone impacts should address this vulnerability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tropical-cyclones-nbsp">More about tropical cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans. Their formation is fueled by the energy released when moist air rises and condenses, a process that is most efficient when the ocean waters are at least 26°C (79°F).&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



These systems are distinguished by their organized structure, typically featuring a calm eye at the center, surrounded by a wall of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rainfall.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h3>



The life cycle of a tropical cyclone begins with a tropical disturbance, which is essentially a disorganized cluster of thunderstorms. Under the right conditions, such as sufficient ocean heat and low vertical wind shear, this disturbance can evolve into a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and eventually a cyclone. These stages are marked by increasing organization and wind speed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage">Damage</h3>



Tropical cyclones are known for their potential to cause significant damage. High winds can wreak havoc on infrastructure, vegetation, and power systems. However, the storm surge – the rise in sea level that occurs as the storm approaches the coast – is often the most destructive element, leading to severe coastal flooding.&nbsp;



Additionally, the heavy rains associated with these storms can result in inland flooding, and in mountainous areas, trigger landslides or mudslides.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-names">Names</h3>



Globally, these storms are called different names based on their location: hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and simply cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category">Category</h3>



They are categorized based on their wind speeds, with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale being a common method in some regions. This scale ranges from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).



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



The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones is a growing concern. While it's not clear if climate change will increase the total number of cyclones, it is expected to intensify the proportion of high-category storms and increase the volume of rainfall they deliver. Furthermore, rising sea levels can amplify the impact of storm surges, leading to more significant coastal damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06963-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

The rising impact of tropical cyclones in a warming world

A recent study led by Stanford University has uncovered alarming...

Ice,Floe,And,Sun,On,Winter,Baikal,Lake

In a disturbing study, researchers have discovered traces of sunscreen agents in the snow at the North Pole, particularly in the glaciers of the Svalbard archipelago. This surprising find, primarily occurring during the long, sunless Arctic winters, reveals the far-reaching impact of human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-team-and-methodology">Research team and methodology</h2>



The team, comprising experts from <a href="https://www.unive.it/pag/13526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ca' Foscari University</a> of Venice, the Institute of Polar Sciences - National Research Council of Italy (<a href="https://www.isp.cnr.it/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNR-ISP</a>), and the University Center in Svalbard (<a href="https://www.unis.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIS</a>), embarked on a mission to measure these concentrations and trace their origins. 



The study was conducted between April and May 2021. Their research marks the first comprehensive survey of personal care product residue in the Arctic, offering valuable insights into their distribution across both space and time.



The researchers collected samples from five glaciers across the Brøggerhalvøya peninsula, strategically choosing sites near human settlements and more isolated areas. This approach enabled them to examine the presence and behavior of so-called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunscreen-ingredients-make-sunlight-toxic-for-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emerging contaminants</a> -- still-in-use compounds now under scrutiny for potential environmental harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-sunscreen-at-the-north-pole">Finding sunscreen at the North Pole</h2>



The results were startling. The team detected various commonly used compounds, including fragrance materials and UV filters used in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunscreen-gives-us-a-false-sense-of-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunscreen</a>, at the Earth's extreme Arctic northern latitudes.



Marianna D'Amico, a PhD student in Polar Sciences at Ca' Foscari University of Venice and the study's lead author, emphasized the novelty of their findings. 



"We identified contaminants such as Benzophenone-3, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, and Ethylhexyl Salicylate in Arctic snow for the first time," she noted.



Marco Vecchiato, a co-author and researcher in Analytical Chemistry at Ca' Foscari, explained the significance of their discovery. 



"Our findings demonstrate the role of long-range atmospheric transport in delivering these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emerging contaminants</a> to remote regions. Intriguingly, we observed the highest contaminant concentrations in winter deposits, when contaminated air masses from Eurasia can more readily reach the Arctic."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-the-ecosystem">Impact on the ecosystem</h2>



Vecchiato highlighted an intriguing aspect regarding UV filters, typically found in sunscreens. "The highest winter concentrations of these filters point to their origin in inhabited continental regions at lower latitudes. During the Arctic winter, when the sun never rises, sunscreen use in Svalbard is virtually non-existent."



The study also revealed that the distribution of these contaminants varies with altitude. While most compounds were more concentrated at lower altitudes, Octocrylene and Benzophenone-3, both common in sunscreens, were more abundant at higher altitudes. This finding suggests their transport from lower latitudes via atmospheric circulation.



These discoveries carry significant implications for monitoring and protecting the Arctic ecosystem. Adverse effects of these contaminants, such as disruptions to the endocrine and hormonal systems of aquatic organisms, have already been observed. Some of these compounds are regulated in several Pacific islands and are under scrutiny by the European Union.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-sunscreen-out-of-the-arctic">Keeping sunscreen out of the Arctic</h2>



Andrea Spolaor, a researcher at CNR-ISP, underscored the importance of understanding how these contaminants travel and settle in polar areas, especially given the rapidly changing climatic conditions in the Arctic, which are evolving four times faster than in the rest of the world.



"It will be crucial to understand how these contaminants are transported and deposited in polar areas, especially in relation to variations in local seasonal conditions," concludes Spolaor. "Such conditions are rapidly changing in response to climate change, which occurs four times faster in the Arctic than in the rest of the world."



In summary, this study not only shines a light on the unseen impact of everyday products like sunscreen but also calls for an urgent reassessment of their environmental footprint, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Arctic.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723070298?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Trace amounts of sunscreen found at the North Pole

In a disturbing study, researchers have discovered traces of sunscreen...

In a recent study, researchers have explored why most dogs have brown eyes instead of yellow eyes like their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eastern-wolves-and-grey-wolves-evolved-separately/">wolf</a> ancestors.&nbsp;



This difference in eye color may have been a deliberate choice by humans over the course of domesticating dogs, possibly due to a preference for less threatening and friendlier-looking animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-nbsp">Human Influence&nbsp;</h2>



Molly Selba, an anatomist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, who was not involved in the study, said that the preference for certain eye colors is another way humans have influenced the appearance of dogs throughout history.&nbsp;



This aligns with the idea that humans have selected dogs for traits that resemble babies - such as large eyes and foreheads, further nurturing the bond between humans and their canine companions.



“It makes sense that eye color would be just one more place where humans have left their mark," said Selba.



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



The study was led by Akitsugu Konno, a behavioral scientist at the <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.jp/en/">Teikyo University of Science</a>. The researchers altered photographs of dogs from 33 breeds to have lighter or darker eyes.&nbsp;



The photos were then shown to 142 Japanese volunteers who were asked to rate the dogs on various traits including friendliness, aggressiveness, maturity, and intelligence.



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



The results revealed that dogs with darker eyes were most often perceived as friendly, sociable, and less aggressive. Interestingly, these dogs were also viewed as less intelligent and less mature, more like puppies.&nbsp;



"These results support our hypothesis that dark eye color in modern dogs may have been favored by artificial selection during domestication from wolves to dogs and suggest that dogs with dark-colored eyes may have evolutionarily adapted by acquiring a facial trait that sends a non-threatening gaze signal to humans," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-eyes-large-pupils">Dark eyes, large pupils</h2>



Konno believes that humans prefer dark eyes because they make dogs’ pupils seem larger. Human babies have larger pupils than adults and dilated pupils are associated with friendliness.



"We speculate that a darker iris makes it more difficult to distinguish the size of the pupil and thus gives the illusion of a large pupil, which is associated with our perception of being more infant-like," said Konno.&nbsp;



"Human studies demonstrate that humans evaluate those with dilating pupils as more friendly, attractive and trustworthy."



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



Selba said she’d like to see the team look at whether the phenomenon holds true across more of the approximately 350 official dog breeds that exist.&nbsp;



It would also be interesting to see whether dark-eyed dogs are adopted more quickly than those with blue or amber eyes, said Selba, noting that shelters often struggle to find homes for dogs with these rarer eye colors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-exceptions-nbsp">Notable exceptions&nbsp;</h2>



Konno pointed out that there are notable exceptions, such as the piercing blue eyes that are common among Siberian huskies and some other popular breeds.&nbsp;



He added that huskies might be more closely related to wolves than other dogs - at least in terms of their visual anatomy and communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-domestication-nbsp">Dog domestication&nbsp;</h2>



“We really like telling stories about dog domestication but it’s been hard to do solid studies,” said Jessica Hekman, a veterinarian and dog geneticist at the nonprofit Functional Dog Collaborative.&nbsp;



According to Hekman, the evidence that people selected for dark eyes is convincing, but it’s not clear whether dogs were originally domesticated that way or if it’s a more recent phenomenon. It is possible that dogs acquired their dark eyes over the past few hundred years as breeders conformed to breed standards, she explained.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.230854" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Dogs with dark eyes are perceived as friendly and less aggressive 

In a recent study, researchers have explored why most dogs...

Beautiful,Wing,Of,Dragonfly

A study conducted by researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (<a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMU</a>) in Bavaria, Germany, discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-dragonfly-species-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonflies</a> undergo seasonal color changes in response to variations in solar radiation. This finding sheds light on the remarkable adaptation strategies of these predatory insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-colors-play-in-dragonflies">The role colors play in dragonflies</h2>



The researchers found that in spring and autumn, dragonflies with darker color nuances are more likely to take flight, while during the summer months, lighter-colored specimens prevail. 



This observation led the scientists to conclude that the color adaptation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-wing-colors-driven-by-climate-and-sexual-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonflies</a> plays a crucial role in regulating their body temperature. The rationale behind this lies in the fact that dark colors are more efficient at absorbing heat compared to lighter colors. 



Professor Christian Hof, the head of the Chair of Global Change Ecology at JMU, explains that it is not individual animals that change their colors, but rather, it is the average coloration of the entire population at any given time that adjusts to solar radiation. 



"What changes and adapts to solar radiation, so to speak, is the average coloration of all dragonflies flying at any one time," said Hof.



This ability to alter their color collectively enables <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-wings-inspire-antibacterial-medical-implants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonfly</a> communities to optimize their thermal dynamics and thrive in various conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-geographic-distribution-and-colors">Dragonfly geographic distribution and colors</h2>



Prior research has shown that, in northern regions where temperatures are colder, darker-colored and larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-dragonflies-right-themselves-in-mid-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonfly</a> species tend to dominate due to their enhanced heat retention capabilities. 



Conversely, in sun-drenched southern areas, lighter-colored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-dragonflies-are-thriving-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonfly</a> species prevail as their coloration protects them from overheating. This study builds upon this existing knowledge and provides further insights into the intricate relationship between coloration, temperature regulation, and geographic distribution.



To delve deeper into the phenomenon of seasonal color change, Dr. Roberto Novella-Fernandez and Professor Christian Hof meticulously examined and analyzed scientific observation data of dragonfly communities in the United Kingdom spanning from 1990 to 2020. The findings were profound. 



"For the first time, we were able to prove that the average body brightness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-may-migrate-across-the-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dragonflies</a> not only differs between warmer and colder regions but also reveals a distinct seasonal variation. Lighter species tend to be found during months with stronger sunlight, particularly summer, while darker specimens take flight in spring and autumn," explains Roberto Novella-Fernandez, the lead author of the study.



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



The study also uncovered an intriguing connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warm-adapted-insects-benefit-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and the observed seasonal color variation. The evaluated data revealed that this natural color adaptation has undergone changes over the course of climate change. However, it is worthy to note that the primary influence of global warming is on temperature, rather than solar radiation. 



As a result, this shift in environmental conditions may render the dragonflies' coloration less optimal, making it more challenging for them to fly under ideal solar radiation conditions. Novella-Fernandez highlights the importance of understanding this aspect in more detail, stating, "Understanding the precise implications of these changes is one of our forthcoming goals."



In collaboration with their counterparts from the <a href="https://www.uni-marburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philipps-Universität Marburg</a>, the researchers were able to utilize the available data on the color characteristics of dragonflies to investigate the relationship between changes in species' traits, such as coloration, and environmental transformations. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing biodiversity loss. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-dragonfly-color-change">Implications of dragonfly color change</h2>



Christian Hof concludes by highlighting the significance of their research group's contribution to this area. "The aim of our research group at TUM, which received funding from 2018 to 2023 as part of the Bavarian Climate Research Network bayklif, was to contribute to this cause. We are determined to continue our important work at the renowned University of Würzburg," said Hof.



In summary, the remarkable color adaptation exhibited by dragonfly communities in response to seasonal fluctuations in solar radiation adds a captivating facet to our understanding of their ecological strategies. This study unveils the physiological and ecological significance of dragonflies' coloration and highlights the potential impact of climate change on these magnificent creatures. 



By investigating the intricate interplay between environmental factors and species characteristics, scientists can gain valuable insights into the causes of biodiversity loss, ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of our natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44106-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Dragonflies change their colors throughout the year

A study conducted by researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) in...

Valley,Of,Himalayan,Mountains,With,Mountain,Lake,On,Track,To

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to natural resources, recent research highlights a glimmer of hope for the Himalayan glaciers. 



The findings suggest that reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> lockdowns could significantly slow the melting of these glaciers, crucial for billions of people in Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-reduced-air-pollution">Impact of reduced air pollution</h2>



During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the world witnessed an unprecedented reduction in industrial activities and transportation, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner air</a>. This period offered a unique opportunity for scientists to study the effects of reduced air pollution on the environment, particularly on the Himalayan glaciers. 



An international team, including researchers from India, Germany, and the UK, analyzed data from this period and found that less soot deposition on the glaciers led to a decrease in snowmelt by 0.5 to 1.5 mm per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-himalayan-glaciers-a-critical-resource">The Himalayan glaciers: A critical resource</h2>



The Himalayas and the Tibetan highlands form the largest snow-covered region outside the polar areas. The meltwater from these glaciers is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and the economies of these nations. 



Approximately 4 billion people in South and East Asia depend on the Himalayan snowmelt for their annual fresh water supply. 



However, global warming has already caused a significant reduction in the Himalayan glacier area, making the preservation of these glaciers more crucial than ever.



While climate change and its resultant higher air temperatures and precipitation changes are long-term challenges, short-term factors like the deposition of light-absorbing particles, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust and soot</a>, are also major contributors to glacier melting. 



The study revealed that reduced emissions during the COVID-19 lockdowns led to less soot and greenhouse gases polluting the air, which, in turn, resulted in a substantial decrease in snowmelt.



The research team utilized the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/11/1695/2018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHAM6-HAMMOZ</a> chemistry-climate model with updated soot-snow parameterization for their analysis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-covid-slowed-himalayan-glaciers-melt">Findings: COVID slowed Himalayan glaciers' melt</h2>



This model was complemented by data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) and ground-based measurements from Aerosol Robotic Network (<a href="https://www.aeronet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERONET</a>) stations in Pakistan and Tajikistan. 



These comprehensive data sets helped the scientists understand the impact of reduced air pollution on the snow and atmospheric conditions in the region.



The findings are clear: reduced anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almost-no-place-on-earth-is-safe-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> leads to less soot on snow, which in turn reduces snowmelt. During the lockdown period, there was a 25 to 70 mm decrease in snowmelt compared to the 20-year average. This resulted in an increased water storage due to reduced surface water runoff.



"The aerosol optical thickness (AOD), i.e. the atmospheric opacity, over this region decreased by around 10 per cent in April 2020 compared to before the pandemic. This is supported by measurements from MODIS, which also show a reduction in AOD compared to the average of the last 20 years," reports Dr Suvarna Fadnavis from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (<a href="https://www.iitm.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IITM</a>).



Dr. Bernd Heinold from <a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOS</a> adds, "In the model, we were able to show that the decrease in air pollution reduced snowmelt in spring 2020 by 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters per day and thus reduced the runoff meltwater in the year by up to half."&nbsp;



Prof. Ina Tegen from TROPOS emphasizes the importance of this discovery, saying, "Our results make it clear that of the two processes causing the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers - global climate change and local air pollution - a reduction in air pollution in particular could be a short-term help." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-urgent-call-to-action">An urgent call to action</h2>



Reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-linked-to-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronavirus pandemic</a> could cut snowmelt by up to half. Such clean air measures would benefit not only the health of billions of people in Asia but also enhance the water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems across vast regions of the continent.



"Even if we were to stop CO2&nbsp;emissions immediately, temperatures would not initially fall. However, our results confirm the importance of reducing short-lived climate drivers such as soot and their complementary role in CO2&nbsp;mitigation. Reducing air pollution to similar levels as during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 could protect the Himalayan glaciers, which are otherwise at risk of disappearing by the end of the 21st century," Tegen concluded.



In summary, the research underscores the need for clean energy and lower-emission transport to protect the Himalayan glaciers. Such measures would not only improve air quality but also ensure sustainable water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Asia. 



As the glaciers currently lose nearly half a meter of ice annually, the urgency to replicate the air quality levels of the COVID-19 lockdowns becomes a critical environmental imperative.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/10439/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

COVID-19 pandemic reduced the melting rate of Himalayan glaciers

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat...

Candid,Woman,Smelling,Flowers,Standing,In,A,Park

The mammalian nose, a testament to evolutionary art, holds remarkable capabilities beyond just our sense of smell. It harbors millions of nerve cells, each equipped with thousands of specific odor-chemical receptors encoded in the genome, allowing for the discrimination of trillions of distinct scents. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-variations-smell-differently/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory sensations</a> guide vital behaviors, including assessing food choices, distinguishing friends from foes, and sparking memories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-our-sense-of-smell">Studying our sense of smell</h2>



A team of researchers, led by scientists from Columbia's <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, unravels a previously unrecognized mechanism in the sense of smell in mice, involving the genetic molecule RNA. This finding may shed light on how each sensory cell, or neuron, in mammalian noses becomes specialized to detect a specific odor chemical.



The study focuses on the diversity of sensory neurons in our noses, which possess receptors tuned to detect unique odorants, such as ethyl vanillin, the primary odorant in vanilla, or limonene, the signature odorant of lemons.



Dr. Stavros Lomvardas is the corresponding author of the paper. He explains the significance of this new insight, saying, "How sensory cells in the nose make their receptor choices has been one of the most vexing mysteries about olfaction. Now, the story behind our sense of smell, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-smell-transport-us-to-another-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfaction</a>, is becoming clearer, and also more dramatic."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-intricate-winner-takes-all-battle">The intricate "winner-takes-all" battle</h2>



The complexity and drama of sensory refinement occur within the minuscule confines of each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory</a> neuron's nucleus, where the cell's chromosomes and genes reside. Remarkably, a cell's olfactory receptor genes compete with each other in a "winner-takes-all" contest.



This fierce competition taking place behind the scenes in our sense of smell occurs in stages, starting with numerous contenders and gradually narrowing down until one receptor gene ultimately prevails, defining the cell's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-bond-more-with-people-that-smell-like-us/">odorant sensitivity</a>. 



<a href="https://lomvardaslab.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/people/ariel-pourmorady" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ariel Pourmorady</a>, an M.D.-Ph.D. candidate at the Zuckerman Institute, elaborates on the complexity of this battle for genetic supremacy, "It's basically a battle between a thousand contenders." 



Dr. Lomvardas and his team provide unprecedented insight into the final stage of this process, unveiling the emergence of the winning gene from the pool of finalists.



"It turns out that the genome has a certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-smell-spatial-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spatial organization</a> in the nucleus and changes in this structure are pivotal when it comes to which genes are expressed into proteins, like olfactory receptors,” said Pourmorady. “We are learning just how important this process is within maturing olfactory cells.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-diverse-cast-behind-our-sense-of-smell">A diverse cast behind our sense of smell</h2>



The intricate process behind our sense of smell involves a diverse cast of molecular characters. Various gene-regulating molecules either enhance or suppress the production of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-bond-more-with-people-that-smell-like-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory receptors</a> by influencing specific genes within the genome. 



Additionally, there is another group of molecular entities that reshape sections of the genome, favoring specific receptor genes. In 2014, Dr. Lomvardas first discovered these molecular hubs and aptly named them "Greek Islands" due to their resemblance to the islands in the Aegean Sea.



Pourmorady further emphasizes the importance of genomic structure and its influence on olfactory receptor genes. He explained, "It turns out that the genome has a certain spatial organization in the nucleus, and changes in this structure are pivotal when it comes to which genes are expressed into proteins, like olfactory receptors. We are learning just how important this process is within maturing olfactory cells."



The researchers' extensive study utilizes data from mouse studies, pointing towards RNA as the central molecule orchestrating the gene-choosing mechanism within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-smell-may-be-the-earliest-warning-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory system</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-rna-a-key-player">The role of RNA: A key player</h2>



While RNA is primarily known as the intermediary molecule responsible for translating genetic code into proteins, assisting in functions like odorant detection, the researchers present compelling evidence for an additional role played by RNA.



Pourmorady highlights this pivotal function of RNA, saying, "It looks like the RNA the cell makes during gene expression also is altering the genome's architecture in ways that bolster the expression of one olfactory receptor gene while also shutting down all the others."



Although there are still gaps to be filled in our understanding of genome control, the researchers assert that the outlines of this intricate process are beginning to take shape. It all starts with maturing olfactory cells, which initially express multiple receptor genes at specific genomic hubs. 



These hubs, coalescing with gene-regulating molecules and complexes, including the Greek Islands, provide the initial platform for receptor gene expression. The RNA then navigates through the contenders, whittling them down until only one gene prevails. This gene's corresponding hub produces the highest amount of RNA, facilitating receptor-gene expression. 



However, the RNA, much like a "slinky saboteur," ventures to other hubs, contributing to changes in the genome's structure, effectively suppressing gene expression. Consequently, each mature olfactory neuron in the nose possesses only one odorant receptor on its surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-molecular-marvels">Decoding the molecular marvels</h2>



Dr. Lomvardas concludes with enthusiasm about the extraordinary progress being made in decoding the molecular and genomic intricacies in our sense of smell within a single cell's nucleus.



"We are reaching the edge of science fiction when it comes to the molecular and genomic details we now can observe inside a single cell's nucleus. We need to keep going back in to figure out the rest of this olfaction puzzle," Lomvardas said.



In summary, this study sheds light on the fascinating mechanics behind smell perception in mammals. The discovery of RNA's additional role in shaping the olfactory system's gene expression provides a crucial piece of the puzzle. 



As researchers continue to peel back the layers of this intricate process, our understanding of the sense of smell will deepen, leading to new insights and potentially revolutionary applications in the fields of biology and medicine.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06845-4." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

The story behind our sense of smell is coming into focus

The mammalian nose, a testament to evolutionary art, holds remarkable...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



---



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...