For decades, scientists have been grappling with what is considered to be the most fundamental question about the cosmos: How fast is our universe expanding? 



The rate of expansion influences everything from how galaxies form to how they might one day drift apart.



Determining the expansion rate of the universe, a number called the "Hubble constant," shapes our entire understanding of the cosmos, its age, and its ultimate fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-tension-expansion-conundrum">"Hubble tension" expansion conundrum</h2>



Unfortunately, though many brilliant minds have dedicated their lives to finding the answer to this riddle, all who have tried thus far have failed, running repeatedly into a brick wall that has come to be known as the "Hubble tension."



Adam Riess, a physicist at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> in Baltimore, has been at the forefront of this debate. "With measurement errors negated, what remains is the real and exciting possibility that we have misunderstood the universe," Riess admitted.



Riess, who won a Nobel Prize for discovering that the universe's expansion is accelerating due to dark energy, has been working tirelessly to resolve what's known as the Hubble Tension.



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



But before diving deeper, let's consider why the expansion rate -- called the Hubble constant -- is so crucial. 



Named after Edwin Hubble, who first observed that galaxies are moving away from us, this constant helps us map out the history and future of everything we see in the night sky. 



Determining it with precision has been a major goal of astronomers for decades.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hubble-constant_3-steps_illustration_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hubble-constant_3-steps_illustration_nasa_1s.webp" alt="This illustration shows the three basic steps astronomers use to calculate how fast the universe expands over time, a value called the Hubble constant. All the steps involve building a strong &quot;cosmic distance ladder,&quot; by starting with measuring accurate distances to nearby galaxies and then moving to galaxies farther and farther away. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1951709"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This illustration shows the three basic steps astronomers use to calculate how fast the universe expands over time, a value called the Hubble constant. All the steps involve building a strong "cosmic distance ladder," by starting with measuring accurate distances to nearby galaxies and then moving to galaxies farther and farther away. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



When the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> was launched in 1990, one of its main objectives was to pin down the universe's expansion rate. 



Before Hubble, estimates of the universe's age ranged wildly from 10 to 20 billion years -- a huge uncertainty. 



Thanks to Hubble's observations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expansion-rate-of-the-universe-confirmed-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cepheid variable stars</a> -- stars that pulsate at regular intervals and serve as cosmic mileposts -- we now have a more precise age of about 13.8 billion years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-to-the-rescue">Webb telescope to the rescue?</h2>



Some scientists wondered if the discrepancies in measurements were due to errors in Hubble's data. Maybe, they thought, the way Hubble measured distances had some hidden flaws. 



Then came the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a>), launched to great fanfare as the successor to Hubble. Webb's infrared observations of Cepheids matched Hubble's optical data perfectly. 



"Combining Webb and Hubble gives us the best of both worlds. We find that the Hubble measurements remain reliable as we climb farther along the cosmic distance ladder," Riess explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-vs-webb-vs-expansion">Hubble vs. Webb vs. expansion</h2>



Despite the new data, the tension between measurements remains. The Hubble and Webb telescopes confirm one universe expansion rate, based on observations of the local universe.



Meanwhile, observations from the early universe, like those from the Planck satellite's mapping of the cosmic microwave background radiation, suggest another. 



This leaves cosmologists scratching their heads. Is there something about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-expansion-rate-dark-energy-measured-11-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fabric of space</a> we don't yet understand? Does resolving this discrepancy require new physics, or is there another explanation?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brenda-frye-tackles-hubble-and-expansion">Brenda Frye tackles Hubble and expansion</h2>



In October 2024, <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2024/10/01/webb-researchers-discover-lensed-supernova-confirm-hubble-tension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as reported by NASA</a>, Brenda Frye from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and an international team took a different approach. 



They used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-a-second-lensed-supernova-in-a-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitationally lensed supernovae</a> to measure the Hubble constant -- a method independent of previous techniques. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hubble-constant_galaxy-cluster-G165_supernova-H0pe_gravitational-lensing_jwst_UArizona_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hubble-constant_galaxy-cluster-G165_supernova-H0pe_gravitational-lensing_jwst_UArizona_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) image of the galaxy cluster PLCK G165.7+67.0, also known as G165, on the left shows the magnifying effect a foreground cluster can have on the distant universe beyond. The foreground cluster is 3.6 billion light-years away from Earth. The zoomed region on the right shows supernova H0pe triply imaged (labeled with white dashed circles) due to gravitational lensing. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, B. Frye (University of Arizona)" class="wp-image-1951711"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) image of the galaxy cluster PLCK G165.7+67.0, also known as G165, on the left shows the magnifying effect a foreground cluster can have on the distant universe beyond. The foreground cluster is 3.6 billion light-years away from Earth. The zoomed region on the right shows supernova H0pe triply imaged (labeled with white dashed circles) due to gravitational lensing. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, B. Frye (University of Arizona)</figcaption></figure>



While observing a densely populated cluster of galaxies, they noticed something unusual. "What are those three dots that weren’t there before? Could that be a supernova?" the team wondered. 



It turned out to be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Type Ia supernova</a>, an explosion of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf star</a>, magnified and split into multiple images by the gravitational lensing effect of the intervening galaxy cluster.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-carousel-lens-galaxy-alignment-reveals-dark-matter-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gravitational lensing</a> is important to this experiment. The lens, consisting of a cluster of galaxies situated between the supernova and us, bends the supernova's light into multiple images. 



This effect not only magnifies the supernova but also allows scientists to measure the time delays between the images, providing another way to calculate the Hubble constant.



Their analyses confirmed that these dots corresponded to an exploding star with rare qualities. 



The team's work provided a Hubble constant value of 75.4 kilometers per second per megaparsec, plus 8.1 or minus 5.5. For context, one megaparsec is about 3.26 million light-years. 



"Our team’s results are impactful: The Hubble constant value matches other measurements in the local universe, and is somewhat in tension with values obtained when the universe was young," Frye concluded.



Another strikeout... add Brenda Frye to the long list of brilliant minds still probing the universe for an answer to Hubble tension.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-getting-sad-now-what">This is getting sad, now what?</h2>



So, where does this leave us? 



The Hubble Tension isn't going away. It might be telling us that there's new physics waiting to be discovered. 



Perhaps our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>, dark matter, or other fundamental forces needs to be revised. 



"We need to find out if we are missing something on how to connect the beginning of the universe and the present day," Riess pointed out. 



It's possible that new theories or modifications to existing ones could bridge the gap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaking-things-up-with-new-theories">Shaking things up with new theories</h2>



Could the solution lie in something entirely unexpected? Perhaps there's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new particle or force</a> that affects the expansion rate. Or maybe the nature of dark energy changes over time. 



Some theories even propose the existence of extra dimensions or modifications to gravity at large scales. It's also worth considering that the universe might not be uniform in all directions. 



If there are variations in the density of matter and energy across vast distances, this could affect expansion rates in ways we haven't fully accounted for. 



Maybe everyone is completely off base and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter doesn't even exist</a>? Or maybe we're looking in the wrong place -- what if the answers can be found by looking for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-now-searching-for-dark-matter-inside-old-earth-rocks-minerals-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter in rocks on Earth</a>?



One thing's for sure: the cosmos isn't giving up its secrets easily. But that's part of the thrill of science. Every answer leads to new questions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-constant-hubble-tension-mysterious-universe">Hubble constant, Hubble tension, mysterious universe</h2>



In the end, the universe is reminding us that there's still so much we don't know. The quest to figure out how fast our universe is expanding has led to some fascinating discoveries and even more intriguing questions. 



Scientists like Adam Riess and Brenda Frye have used powerful tools like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes to measure the Hubble constant with increasing precision. 



Their efforts confirm that the local universe is expanding at a certain rate, but this doesn't quite line up with measurements from the early universe.



This mismatch, known as the Hubble Tension, suggests there might be something we’re missing in our understanding of the cosmos. Maybe there are new physics to uncover, or perhaps our current models need some tweaking. 



What's clear is that the universe isn't giving up its secrets easily, and that keeps things exciting for astronomers and physicists alike.



As we look ahead, upcoming missions like NASA's <a href="https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> and ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid mission</a> offer hope for new insights. Until then, we can marvel at the fact that we're part of an ever-expanding universe that's still full of surprises.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad1ddd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Webb telescope confirms: What we think we know about the universe is very wrong

For decades, scientists have been grappling with what is considered to be the most fundamental question about the cosmos: How fast is our universe expanding? The rate of expansion influences everything from how galaxies form to how they might one day drift apart. Determining the expansion rate of the universe, a number called the "Hubble constant," shapes our entire understanding of the cosmos, its age, and its ultimate fate. "Hubble tension" expansion conundrum Unfortunately, though many brilliant minds have dedicated their lives to finding the answer to...

Namibia, known for its rich tapestry of prehistoric stone age rock art, has once again come under the limelight. This time, not just for the artistry, but for the remarkable precision with which ancient artists engraved animal and human tracks during the Later Stone Age.



A recent study, as reported by Andreas Pastoors and his team from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, discovered that the details in this stone age art are so intricate in these engravings that contemporary Indigenous trackers can determine the species, age, and sex of the animal or human just from the footprint.



<h2 id="h-namibia-stone-age-art-stands-out">Namibia stone age art stands out</h2>



Published in the open-access journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289560" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>, the research indicates that while engravings of footprints appear in many prehistoric rock art traditions across the globe, those from Namibia stand out for their detail and execution.



Historically, such engravings have been clubbed with geometric shapes in the annals of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archeologists-make-an-illuminating-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rock art</a> studies, leaving this specific niche under-researched, despite its widespread presence. This oversight makes the present study even more significant.



To glean insights from these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spanish-cave-was-used-for-art-and-burials-for-50000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rock art</a> engravings, researchers sought expertise from Indigenous tracking specialists of the Kalahari desert. The trackers were assigned the task of analyzing footprints carved into the rocks of the Doro! Nawas Mountains located in central Western Namibia.



<h2>Indigenous experts can easily translate</h2>



In a stunning revelation, the Indigenous experts managed to determine not just the species represented by the engravings, but also the sex, age group, and even which exact leg (left or right) the print belonged to in over 90% of the 513 analyzed engravings. 



Further, it was identified that the range of animal species depicted by their tracks was far greater than the actual engravings of the animals themselves.



Patterns emerged, suggesting the engravers had a discernible inclination towards specific species. They leaned more towards representing adult animals than their younger counterparts and showed a penchant for male footprints over female ones. 



These patterns, as intriguing as they are, emanate from what seems like culturally determined preferences. However, the exact significance behind these choices is yet to be deciphered.



While researchers believe that contemporary Indigenous knowledge holds immense potential to further archaeological research, the specific context and meaning behind this rock art, in all its depth and nuances, might remain a mystery.



Summing up the importance of the study, the authors noted, "The engravings on Namibia's rock faces, largely overlooked due to previous research limitations, provide a window into a past where animals and humans coexisted, and where the artists differentiated cultural patterns in their representation. Partnering with Indigenous trackers from the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in Tsumkwe has opened up a richer understanding of this ancient art form."



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Stone age artists carved incredibly detailed animal tracks onto rocks

Namibia, known for its rich tapestry of prehistoric stone age...

Blond,Woman,Blowing,Nose,Outdoors

Experts from the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) have disclosed that common over-the-counter decongestants with Phenylephrine do not work. Following a review of the latest research on the drug ingredient, members of an FDA Advisory panel confirmed that it doesn't provide relief or any improvement for congestion.&nbsp;



Phenylephrine, an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter decongestants including Sudafed, Benadryl, and Robitussin, had initially been approved to replace pseudoephedrine. This was another decongestant that was taken off drugstore shelves in 2006 due to the presence of an illegal stimulant called methamphetamine.



<h2 id="h-phenylephrine-drugs-will-soon-disappear">Phenylephrine drugs will soon disappear</h2>



With the emergence of recent studies which found that Phenylephrine is, in fact, not more effective than a placebo against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/allergy-season-will-become-increasingly-brutal-as-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergies</a>, experts have now voted unanimously against the effectiveness of the drug ingredient, claiming inconsistencies in past studies.&nbsp;



“In conclusion, we do believe that the original studies were methodologically unsound and do not match today’s standard. By contrast, we believe the new data are credible and do not provide evidence that oral phenylephrine is effective as a nasal decongestant,” said Dr. Peter Starke, an FDA official who led the review panel.



While it might take a while before any regulation is made, these new findings could now see common phenylephrine drugs taken off the shelves of medical stores.&nbsp;



<h2>Another FDA warning</h2>



This news comes on the same day the FDA sent warning letters to eight companies for allegedly marketing illegal eye drug products which were not FDA approved. The agency, in a news release, announced this as part of its efforts to protect people from harmful eye products.&nbsp;



The illegal products were found to mainly be in use for treating conditions such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye. The FDA warned that these products when applied directly to the eyes could take down some of the body's natural defences, hence making them potentially harmful.&nbsp;



Additionally, the agency mentioned that some of these drug products contain silver, which has been found to be associated with agyria, a condition that permanently causes some areas of skin to turn bluish-grey after long-term use.&nbsp;



The warning letters were sent to Boiron Inc., CVS Health, DR Vitamin Solutions, Natural Ophthalmics, Inc., OcluMed LLC, Similasan AG/Similasan USA, TRP Company, Inc., and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc..&nbsp;



The FDA also threatened to take legal action against the companies if they fail to reply within 15 days of receiving the letter.



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An independent advisory panel of the FDA votes against phenylephrine use as a decongestant

Experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have...

In an era long past, when the Earth was hot and humid, marine life thrived. The sea teemed with early squids, eel-like fish, and sea worms, all hunting smaller marine animals -- like the springtails.



Yet, above ground, life had not yet ventured. Such was the state of our planet about 450 million years ago, at the tail end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ordovician-period_illustration_Credit-Fritz-Geller-Grimm_1big.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician period</a>.



The warm oceans provided an idyllic haven for marine creatures, but change was imminent. Earth’s once balmy land masses began to freeze, as a vast ice cap steadily expanded across its surface.



The previously hospitable waters transformed into cold, unforgiving habitats. Within a brief span, our world witnessed its second-worst mass extinction event. Half of all known species were obliterated.



<h2 id="h-springtails-are-everywhere">Springtails are everywhere</h2>



However, against the odds, the springtail emerged as a survivor. These insect-like creatures are minute, with the largest among them only stretching to six millimeters. At a casual glance, you might mistake them for a garden-variety insect, but they command a unique evolutionary branch.



Over 9,000 species of springtails have been identified, and their habitats range from the soils of backyards to the foliage of dense forests. Interestingly, they get their name from a forked tail, also known as furcula, which allows them to jump up to 10 centimeters high when threatened, a notable feat for such a tiny creature.



Amidst the ever-expanding list of their fascinating traits, springtails have another impressive adaptation: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snailfish-have-a-secret-weapon-to-survive-in-frozen-arctic-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antifreeze proteins</a>.



<h2>Tiny animals and antifreeze proteins</h2>



A fascinating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35983-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new study</a> by researchers from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> and <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s University</a> in Canada suggests that the springtail may have been the first animal to ever produce antifreeze proteins. Prior to this discovery, the scientific consensus was that animals did not develop this ability until much later.



“We knew that antifreeze proteins had developed independently of each other several times during evolutionary history. Fish have them. Insects have them. Some spiders have them. But until we saw these results, we didn't know that they’d developed so early in the animal world," says Professor Martin Holmstrup of the Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University.



<h2>How to find springtails</h2>



Martin Holmstrup and his colleagues collected the springtails from Denmark, Iceland, and Greenland for their lab. Finding them isn't difficult. You might even discover them in your garden. Here's how:



<ol type="1">
<li>Take a handful of soil or foliage from your garden and put it in a sieve. </li>



<li>Position an adjustable lamp above the sieve and set a tray underneath. </li>



<li>The lamp's heat drives the springtails to seek cooler surroundings, causing them to fall through the sieve. You can then observe them scurrying about in the tray.</li>
</ol>



<h2>What the researchers learned</h2>



Holmstrup, who oversees nearly 20 species of springtails in his laboratory, sent samples to his Canadian colleagues to ascertain when these creatures first developed the antifreeze protein. With DNA sequencing technology, the team searched for sequences associated with antifreeze protein production across a wide range of species.



Their findings? The gene mutation leading to antifreeze protein genesis happened during the Ordovician period.



"The calculations show that springtails developed the antifreeze protein long before other animals. It didn’t happen for fish and insects until a million years later. Although plants and microorganisms, such as bacteria and single-celled algae, might have developed a similar mechanism even earlier,” Holmstrup adds.



<h2>Springtails dry out like raisins</h2>



While these proteins are vital, springtails have another survival mechanism. To protect their cells from freezing, they undergo a form of hibernation, drying out completely. In this state, their metabolism drops to near-undetectable levels.



“You can compare them to a grape that dries into a raisin in a process reminiscent of freeze-drying. The springtails shrink and become small, wrinkly critters in winter. And then, when spring arrives, they absorb water and swell back to normal size,” Holmstrup explains.



<h2>Antifreeze proteins and the food industry</h2>



The concept of antifreeze proteins first emerged in the mid-20th century. For years, scientists were puzzled at how Arctic fish could thrive in icy waters that, based on temperature alone, should have frozen them. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the American researcher Arthur DeVries identified these proteins in Arctic fish, noting their ability to prevent ice from forming within their cells.



Today, the implications of these proteins reach beyond our understanding of evolutionary survival. The food industry, particularly in the frozen sector, has taken a keen interest.



Holmstrup shares, "The genes that encode the antifreeze proteins in fish have been copied into industrial yeast cell cultures. This makes the yeast produce the very useful proteins, which can then be added to different foods."



For instance, companies like Unilever have integrated these proteins into ice creams, resulting in enhanced textures and an improved freezing-thawing process. But the potential applications don't end there.



As Holmstrup concludes, "In the longer term, this effect could be used in connection with the cryopreservation of transplant organs. Other industries like the aerospace and wind turbine industries have also experimented with the proteins. They hope the proteins can protect wings from freezing and needing to be de-iced.”



In understanding the springtail's evolutionary triumph, we not only gain insight into our planet's rich past but also draw inspiration for technological advancements in our future.



<h2>More about the Ordovician period</h2>



Dive deep into Earth's geologic timeline, and you'll find the Ordovician Period. Spanning from approximately 485 to 443 million years ago, this epoch, following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Period</a>, paints a vivid picture of an ever-evolving world.



<h3>A flourishing marine life</h3>



The Ordovician Period primarily showcased an explosion in marine life. Oceans covered a vast majority of the Earth's surface, and within these primordial waters, diverse marine species thrived. Trilobites, brachiopods, graptolites, and nautiloids dominated the oceans. Notably, corals began constructing the first significant reef systems, laying the foundation for an ecosystem we recognize and value today.



However, it wasn't just about the animals. The first evidence of green algae appeared during this period, indicating the beginnings of plant life that would later colonize the land. The marine plankton diversified, which led to a significant increase in the overall amount of life. This diverse marine food web set the stage for the rapid evolution and proliferation of predatory organisms.



<h3>Advancements in ocean dynamics</h3>



The world's continents underwent significant transformation during the Ordovician. The supercontinent known as Gondwana was on a slow journey toward the South Pole. This migration played a key role in shaping oceanic patterns and sea levels. As Gondwana approached the pole, global cooling ensued, setting the stage for the period's eventual ice age.



<h3>The rise of fish</h3>



Fish, albeit very early fish, first emerged during the Ordovician Period. Although these early fish lacked jaws, they still represented a significant evolutionary advancement, marking the onset of vertebrates' dominance in the following periods. These early fish primarily relied on filter feeding, with their soft bodies navigating the depths of the ancient oceans.



<h3>Life takes its first steps on land</h3>



While the Ordovician seas teemed with life, land remained mostly barren. However, by the end of the period, the first evidence of life on land began to emerge. Early, non-vascular plants called bryophytes likely took root on terrestrial landscapes. These first steps onto land would pave the way for the more advanced plants and animals that would later dominate the Silurian and Devonian periods.



<h3>A freezing conclusion</h3>



The Ordovician Period did not end quietly. The movement of Gondwana over the South Pole led to widespread glaciation. This global cooling caused a drop in sea levels, which, combined with other yet-to-be-confirmed factors, triggered the Ordovician mass extinction. This catastrophic event wiped out nearly 60% of marine invertebrate genera and 85% of marine invertebrate species.



However, despite its chilling conclusion, the Ordovician Period remains significant for its contributions to Earth's evolutionary history. It showcased the diversification and dominance of marine life, saw the emergence of the first fish and land plants, and underwent significant geological changes that shaped the Earth as we know it. 



The legacy of the Ordovician Period offers us a profound understanding of our planet's dynamic history and the intricate web of life it nurtures.



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What are springtails and why would humans not exist without them?

In an era long past, when the Earth was hot...

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Moderna Inc said its experimental mRNA-1010 flu vaccine had met safety standards across all four Influenza A and B strains. The updated shot had stimulated improved immune response in all age groups, including older adults.



According to the company’s announcement released as part of its annual R&amp;D day, the vaccine was a match for Sanofi’s Fluzone HD against the B/Yamagata, while it providing greater resistance against the three other strains. This was discovered in ‘’a separate Phase ½ head-to-head study.’’



Following this announcement, Moderna’s shares increased by about 7% in pre-market trading.



The CEO Stéphane Bancel stated, in an interview with Fierce Biotech, that they plan to get regulatory approval soon and the mRNA flu vaccine might go on sale as early as 2024.



“We’ll know more in a few months when we speak to regulators, but we’re (sic) trying to go as fast as we can,” Bancel said.



<h2 id="h-mrna-flu-vaccines">mRNA flu vaccines</h2>



As expected, the CEO added ‘’Several players are trying to make an (sic) <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experimental-mrna-flu-vaccine-shows-promising-results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mRNA</a> flu vaccine and we have no intention of (sic) educating them on how we came (sic) to a good outcome.’’



In February, the biotech company had reported mixed results in a trial, sending its shares on a downward spiral of over 6% in after-hours trading.



The previous shot couldn’t be proved effective against less common influenza B, despite showing positive results against the A strains.&nbsp;



On its COVID-19 updates, <a href="https://www.modernatx.com/en-US" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moderna</a> received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) of Spikevax for persons from 12 and older. The FDA also gave Emergency Use Authorization to the company’s COVID-19 vaccine for ages six months to 11 years.



The company expects COVID-19 vaccine sales to fall between $6 billion and $8 billion, while also downsizing its supply chain in the face of reduced demands.



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Moderna announces mRNA flu vaccine success, will soon be released

Moderna Inc said its experimental mRNA-1010 flu vaccine had met...

By the end of this century, many coastal communities will face "100-year floods" on a yearly basis, according to a study published by the <a href="https://www.agu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a>.&nbsp;



The experts suggest that this forecast may be inevitable, reporting that even if carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-rivers-in-the-andes-are-hotspots-for-emissions/">emissions</a> peak by 2040, extreme floods will likely become an annual event.



<h2 id="h-100-year-flood">100-year flood&nbsp;</h2>



The term "100-year flood" refers to a severe flooding event that historically had a one percent likelihood of occurring each year. The terminology may be misleading because these floods can happen in consecutive years or might not occur at all within a century.&nbsp;



Regardless, the new study indicates that these historical patterns may no longer be useful for predicting future flood events. The research was led by Hamed Moftakhari, a civil engineer and professor at the <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a>.



“The threshold that we expect to be exceeded once every hundred years on average is going to be exceeded much more frequently in a warmer climate until they are no longer considered 100-year events," said Moftakhari.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Storms and waves cause severe flooding in coastal communities, but the researchers focused their study on the longer term impacts of sea-level rise.



"The gradual increase of global mean sea level (MSL), known as sea-level rise (SLR), is one of the biggest climate change-related concerns of the 21st century. SLR poses a threat to seaside communities and can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. Thus, evaluating the future expected number of extreme sea-level events and their magnitudes is critical for sustainable coastal flood risk management," wrote the study authors.



The experts set out to estimate future extreme sea levels under two carbon emission scenarios: if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise through the end of the century, or if carbon dioxide emissions reach their peak by 2040 and then decline.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-proactive-planning-is-needed">Proactive planning is needed</h2>



The researchers analyzed trends based on data from 375 tide gauges located all over the globe. The results showed that in both carbon emission scenarios, sea level rise will lead to an increase in 100-year flood events in most of the locations that were examined.



Moftakhari said that a proactive approach to land planning, urban development and coastal protective measures could help communities reduce flooding and avoid disaster, and that starts with realistic forecasts of future coastal conditions.



“What makes it so challenging is that the majority of tools, design guidelines, manuals of practice and more are all based on the assumption of stationarity,” said Moftakhari. “They need to be updated to enable us to keep pace with the rate of change.”



<h2 id="h-unique-solutions">Unique solutions&nbsp;</h2>



According to a study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118571">PLOS ONE</a>, more than 600 million people live in low-lying coastal regions, and that number is expected to rise. In order for coastal communities to withstand extreme flooding, well-designed coastal defense structures are critically important.&nbsp;



According to Moftakhari, coastal communities will require unique solutions based on local information to match their needs. Some areas are experiencing much faster rates of sea level rise. This is the case in parts of Texas and Louisiana on the Gulf coast where the land is gradually sinking.



<h2 id="h-enhancing-the-resilience-of-coastal-communities">Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities&nbsp;</h2>



“We know that mean sea level is rising, the question is: how are we going to deal with it?” said Moftakhari. “We’ve already seen that many portions of the coast are permanently inundated and losing land, and many coastal cities and islands are experiencing flooding much more frequently than in the past - it’s time to learn how to deal with non-stationarity.”



Moftakhari is determined to remain optimistic, noting that disasters are the outcome of human decision-making, not hazards alone.&nbsp;



“Don’t forget that this is all about the level of water that we expect to experience without mitigation measures. There will be technological advancements that could enhance the resilience of communities.”



The research is published in the AGU journal Earth's Future. 



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100-year floods will be annual events by the end of the century

By the end of this century, many coastal communities will...

Asteroid,In,Outer,Space,Near,Earth,Planet.,Meteorite,On,Orbit

The Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) of NASA has urged the space agency to launch a spacecraft with the sole mission of exploring Apophis before its anticipated close flyby of Earth in 2029. 



The community-based advisory group shared this in its 10-point report published online. <a href="https://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SBAG</a> considers this a ‘’unique and rare close approach opportunity’’, while hinting at the return of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-is-bringing-an-asteroid-sample-back-to-earth-this-month-worrying-many-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> to Earth on September 24th, 2023.



<h2 id="h-why-send-a-mission-to-apophis">Why send a mission to Apophis?</h2>



‘’The mission effort should focus on exploring the asteroid Apophis prior to its <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjJIyZKbHqc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">close flyby</a> of the Earth in 2029, leveraging the natural laboratory experiment afforded by this unique and rare close approach opportunity, to complement the data to be collected by the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft after Apophis’ close flyby of the Earth.’’



SBAG ‘’encourages <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> to pursue a mission opportunity, achievable within available resources, to explore Apophis prior to its close Earth approach, whether initiating its own effort or via collaboration with foreign and domestic partners.’’



<h2>Perfect complement to OSIRIS-REx mission</h2>



OSIRIS-REx landed on Bennu in October 2020 to collect a sample, four years after its launch in 2016. The spacecraft will become known as OSIRIS Apophis Explorer (OSIRIS-APEX) when it starts a mission to study the asteroid.



The body believes ‘’the collected data will provide a complete investigation of this remarkable opportunity to quantify and understand in real time the consequences of planetary tides on the evolution of asteroids and glean important information on Apophis’ interior structure, which is otherwise unobtainable.’’



<h2>International year of planetary defense</h2>



SBAG also prompted NASA and the international planetary defense community to work with the United Nations and adopt 2029 as the International Year of Planetary Defense.&nbsp;



Asteroid Apophis, also known as 99942 Apophis, was previously identified with a 2.7% probability of hitting the Earth in April 2029. With its estimated 1,100 feet (340 metres), the near-Earth object had raised concerns of possible threat to the planet.&nbsp;



However, astronomers used radar observations to precisely estimate its orbit around the sun during the distant flyby of Earth in March 2021. They were able to discard collision risk in 2068 and beyond.



<a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/apophis/in-depth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">99942 Apophis</a> was discovered in 2004 by Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.



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SBAG advises NASA to explore asteroid Apophis before its close flyby of Earth in 2029

The Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) of NASA has urged...

Astronomers have revealed the discovery of two potential polar ring galaxies, NGC 4632 and NGC 6156. 



In a study published yesterday in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article-abstract/525/3/4663/7264229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>, the research team, led by Canada's <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queens University</a>-based astrophysicist Nathan Deg, explained that the discovery was made while analyzing data from the <a href="https://wallaby-survey.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind surveY</a> (WALLABY).



<h2 id="h-the-wallaby-leads-the-search">The WALLABY leads the search</h2>



The WALLABY is a next-generation survey running on the <a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder </a>(ASKAP), a radio telescope in Western Australia.



According to Deg, “finding two potential polar ring galaxies in the Wallaby pilot survey is incredibly exciting, as it suggests that these objects may be more common than previously thought”.



"The findings suggest that one to three per cent of nearby galaxies may have gaseous polar rings, which is much higher than suggested by optical telescopes,’’ he added.



<h2>Where are these polar ring galaxies?</h2>



The NGC 4632 galaxy lies 56 million light-years away and is surrounded by a hydrogen gas ring only detectable by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-telescope-array-is-joining-the-hunt-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio telescopes</a>. It was initially noticed in a 2022 WALLABY survey when the team explored the movement of the mass of gas around the galaxy.



The NGC 6156 galaxy has a less prominent ring and is located about 150 million light-years away. The researchers examined the speed of the gas encircling the galaxy and are less certain that it could be a polar ring.



<h2>ASKAP holds great potential</h2>



Professor Bärbel Koribalski, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation</a> (CSIRO), was a co-author of the report. She underscored the great potential and powers of the ASKAP.&nbsp;



‘’NGC 4632 is one of two polar ring galaxies we've identified from 600 galaxies that were mapped in our first small WALLABY survey.’’



‘’The two polar ring galaxies are just the beginning of a huge project. Using ASKAP over coming years we expect to reveal more than 200,000 hydrogen-rich galaxies, among them many more unusual galaxies like these ones with polar rings.’’



<h2>Next up in the hunt for polar ring galaxies</h2>



While the these galaxies are waiting to be confirmed, the researchers predict that further studies of the NGC 4632 and NGC 6156 may open the floodgates for finding many similar galaxies in the future.&nbsp;



‘’As better observations and more sophisticated models are obtained for both galaxies, it will be possible to constrain the parameters of the ring progenitor (if they are indeed formed via mergers or flybys).’’



Scientists categorize galaxies into 4 main types— <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/a-perfect-example-of-a-barred-spiral-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-spots-a-mysterious-question-mark-in-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elliptical</a>, lenticular, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/open-star-cluster-in-the-small-magellanic-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irregular</a>. Lenticular galaxies (denoted S0) are the most well-known polar ring galaxies.&nbsp;NGC 2685, NGC 4650A, A 0136 -0801, and ESO 415 -G26 were the first four S0 galaxies recognized as polar ring galaxies.



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Rare and beautiful polar ring galaxies discovered by ASKAP

Astronomers have revealed the discovery of two potential polar ring...

Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with extended daylight and milder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>. However, if one is planning their skiing adventures during the preceding fall, anticipating the best snow conditions for spring becomes challenging. 



Water resource scientists, too, are keen on determining seasonal snow volumes. Insights into total snowpack levels enables them to assess the subsequent water availability for hydropower, agricultural irrigation, and consumption later in the year.



<h2 id="h-predicting-snow-accumulation">Predicting snow accumulation&nbsp;</h2>



Now, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) has found that, for certain western states, the snow accumulated by the end of December can be an accurate indicator of the entire season’s snowpack. 



This predictive model is quite precise for northern states such as Alaska, Oregon, Washington, as well as some areas of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. However, states such as California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona were found to offer less predictability, either due to their erratic weather fluctuations or the fact that significant precipitation occurs post-December.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



“The main thing water managers are asking for - aside from making it snow more, which is usually everyone’s first request - is longer lead-time forecasts,” said Jessica Lundquist, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW.&nbsp;



“These are hard predictions to make. We’re fairly good at long-term average forecasts: what will happen 50 years from now. And we can do short-term forecasts: what will happen less than a week from now. But as for what’s going to happen in the next three to four months, that’s been kind of a no-go zone. It was really interesting to find that the amount of snow on the ground by the end of December ended up being a good predictor of peak spring snow.”



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



The researchers collected data from an extensive snow sensor grid spanning the western U.S., including Alaska.&nbsp;



After examining air temperature and precipitation metrics from 2001-2022 for 873 sites, they compared snow accumulation by the end of December (fall snow) with the entire winter-spring snow accumulation (peak season snow).



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



Several factors drove the correlation between early and peak snow. For instance, in regions like Alaska, a majority of the snow falls before January, making the early snow almost identical with peak season snow.&nbsp;



In other places, such as Interior Alaska, northeast Utah, and southwestern Wyoming, meteorological trends indicate that an above-average early snowfall reliably predicts an above-average late-season snowfall.



<h2 id="h-air-temperatures">Air temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, cooler air temperatures can also be a reliable predictor of snow levels. For instance, in northern states such as Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, or in places at higher elevation, snow on the ground in the fall was less likely to melt between storms due to the fact that the air remained cool, meaning that this snow usually sticks around, adding to the total snowpack.



“Another really interesting pattern happens in Oregon and Washington. We get mixed rain and snow all along the west slope of the Cascades. This ‘wintry mix’ is so close to freezing that it could freeze or melt when it hits the ground. If you have above-average snowpack early in the year, then the wintry mix will stick to that snowpack and add to it. But if you have a below-average snowpack, that wintry mix is more likely to melt that snowpack and actually decrease it,” Lundquist explained.



<h2 id="h-climate-change">Climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Discussing the potential impact of climate change on snow predictability, Lundquist argued that it may have mixed results.&nbsp;



While northern or higher-altitude regions might remain relatively unchanged, shifting weather patterns could render areas like northern Oregon as unpredictable as California.



<h2 id="h-evolving-patterns">Evolving patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Lundquist concluded by emphasizing the importance of monitoring these evolving patterns. “These snow sensors are in long-term stations, so it’s easy to get the most recent data every year,” she said.&nbsp;



“And then it’s just a simple analysis to predict which areas will likely have the largest snowpack. Though, as my family reminds me, it unfortunately does not let me predict powder days.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103802" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Fall snow levels can help predict a year’s total snowpack

Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with...

Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/">spiders</a> near water bodies feed on insects like dragonflies. But when these insects inhabit mercury-contaminated waters, they might transfer this hazardous metal to spider species that feed on them.&nbsp;



Thus, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/upper-midwest-water-science-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center</a>, spiders with habitats close to the shoreline can move mercury contamination from riverbeds up the food chain to land animals.



<h2 id="h-contaminant-transfer">Contaminant transfer</h2>



Adult aquatic insects provide subsidies to linked terrestrial ecosystems, supporting consumers such as birds, bats, amphibians, and spiders.&nbsp;



However, contaminants that are accumulated by aquatic insect larvae and retained through metamorphosis can result in insect-mediated contaminant transfer (i.e., flux) to terrestrial biota.



"The transfer of contaminants from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems represents an often overlooked exposure pathway that can elevate health risks to wildlife, highlighting the need for monitoring recipient terrestrial animals that eat aquatic insects emerging from contaminated waters,” the authors explained.



<h2 id="h-methylmercury">Methylmercury</h2>



A significant proportion of the mercury present in aquatic environments comes from industrial waste and other human-related activities (although there are natural sources of mercury too).&nbsp;



When this mercury reaches the water, microorganisms transform it into methylmercury, a more toxic form that biomagnifies and increases in animals up the food chain.&nbsp;



As a result, researchers have increasingly recognized spiders living on lakeshores and riverbeds as a potential link between aquatic contamination and predominantly terrestrial creatures such as birds, amphibians, and bats.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



To better understand this phenomenon, the experts assessed whether shoreline spiders’ tissue contained mercury from adjacent aquatic sources and examined how these animals connect mercury pollution in water and land animals.



The scientists collected long-jawed spiders found near two tributaries of Lake Superior, and gathered samples of sediments, dragonfly larvae, and yellow perch fish from these locations.&nbsp;



Afterwards, they identified and measured the various sources of mercury contamination, including direct industrial discharge, rainwater, and land runoff.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The analysis revealed that the origin of mercury in the sediments was identical up the aquatic food chain in wetlands, reservoir shorelines, and urban shorelines.&nbsp;



For example, when sediment contained a higher level of industrial mercury, so did the dragonfly larvae, spider, and yellow perch tissues that they examined. According to this data, long-jawed spiders could indicate how mercury pollution moves from aquatic environments to land-based wildlife.&nbsp;



Thus, such spiders could shed new light on the sources of mercury pollution and inform management decisions by providing a novel tool for the monitoring of remediation activities.



The researchers also collected and analyzed tissue samples from two additional types of arachnids from certain locations: the fishing spider and the orb-weaver spider.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The data indicated variability in mercury sources across these different taxa. Such variability can be attributed to their distinctive feeding patterns: while fishing spiders predominantly hunt on land near water, orb-weavers consume both water and land-based insects.&nbsp;



The long-jawed variety, however, mainly preys on adult water insects. Thus, these findings suggest that, although long-jawed spiders are reliable indicators of aquatic pollution, not every species living near the shoreline can be considered an effective mercury pollution sentinel.



<h2 id="h-mercury-contamination">Mercury contamination&nbsp;</h2>



Mercury contamination is a serious environmental issue caused by the release of mercury into ecosystems. It can occur through industrial processes, mining, and natural sources.&nbsp;



Mercury is toxic to humans and wildlife, and it can accumulate in organisms, leading to health problems, including harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems.



Efforts to reduce mercury contamination include stricter regulations on emissions and responsible disposal of mercury-containing products.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00450" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Sciences &amp; Technology Letters</a>.



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Spiders transfer mercury contamination from water to land animals

Many spiders near water bodies feed on insects like dragonflies....

Research from the <a href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest University of Medicine</a> has revealed a compelling connection between heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-more-alcohol-hangovers-thanks-to-new-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> consumption and the accumulation of ectopic fat - the type that builds up around essential organs like the heart, liver, and intestines.



“Research shows that an excessive amount of alcohol is not good for heart health," said lead author Dr. Richard Kazibwe. “Pericardial fat, or fat around the heart, is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We embarked on this study with an aim to decipher how alcohol might be influencing this risk.”



<h2 id="h-multi-ethnic-study-of-atherosclerosis">Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis</h2>



The research was focused on data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), which has been running since 1999. The primary focus of MESA has been understanding the subtle features of subclinical cardiovascular ailments. These are heart and blood vessel disorders that have not yet manifested in noticeable symptoms.&nbsp;



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



MESA has been monitoring a diverse group of over 6,500 individuals, spanning from European to Asian descent, between the ages of 45 and 84. The participants were all in good health upon joining the study.



Based on a personal-history questionnaire, the individuals were categorized as one of the following: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, or binge drinkers.



<h2 id="h-ct-scans">CT scans&nbsp;</h2>



The team used Computerized Tomography (CT) scans on a subset of participants. Dr. Kazibwe explained that the scans granted his team the ability to examine internal body fat distribution.&nbsp;



"The distribution can sometimes give us insights into cardiovascular risk that go beyond traditional obesity measures like body mass index," said Dr. Kazibwe.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that heavy alcohol and binge drinkers exhibited significantly higher pericardial fat when juxtaposed with non-drinkers. Similar trends were observed with other ectopic depots, most pronounced around the heart and liver.



“Interestingly, the lowest levels of ectopic fat were seen in people who reported light to moderate intake of alcohol," noted Dr. Kazibwe.



<h2 id="h-wine-is-the-least-harmful">Wine is the least harmful</h2>



When they looked at specific alcoholic beverages, the experts found that wine seemed to be the least harmful when compared with hard spirits and beer. The secret? Possibly the polyphenols, beneficial compounds present in wine.&nbsp;



However, as Dr. Kazibwe pointed out, other factors such as diet, exercise, and even access to healthcare might differentiate wine drinkers from others. “Wine drinkers might have better access to health care and have healthier lifestyles than non-wine drinkers," he said.&nbsp;



The pattern between alcohol intake and ectopic fat appeared J-shaped. Dr. Kazibwe said that multiple previous studies have reported a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk, where low-moderate alcohol consumption is tied to the lowest cardiovascular risks and excessive alcohol intake is linked to a higher risk.



<h2 id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



“These findings are significant because both excessive alcohol intake and excess ectopic fat accumulation are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Kazibwe.&nbsp;



“It is also important to emphasize that given the well-documented health concerns caused by excessive alcohol consumption, it is important that people are aware of these potential risks.”



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



Dr. Cashell Jaquish is a genetic epidemiologist and program officer at the NHLBI who also works with the MESA study.



“These findings further solidify the relationship between drinking and cardiovascular risk and shed light on specific sub-clinical disease associated with excessive alcohol intake,” said Dr. Jaquish.



“Additional studies are needed to further clarify the role of ectopic fat distribution in the relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease."



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.030470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>



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Heavy drinking increases the buildup of ectopic fat around the heart and liver

Research from the Wake Forest University of Medicine has revealed...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.usc.edu/">University of Southern California</a> suggests that the everyday act of sitting increases the risk of dementia, especially for older adults.&nbsp;



In a collaboration with the University of Arizona, the USC researchers discovered a link between prolonged sedentary behavior and a greater risk of developing dementia for adults aged 60 and above.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-cumulative-sedentary-time">Cumulative sedentary time&nbsp;</h2>



Alarmingly, the experts found that the risk is amplified among older people who remain sedentary for over 10 hours a day. This figure hovers close to the average sedentary time of an American, which stands at approximately 9.5 hours daily.



A surprising finding of the study is that the frequency of breaks does not really matter. Instead, it's the cumulative sedentary time that counts.&nbsp;



“Many of us are familiar with the common advice to break up long periods of sitting by getting up every 30 minutes or so to stand or walk around. We wanted to see if those types of patterns are associated with dementia risk," explained study co-author Professor David Raichlen.&nbsp;



"We found that once you take into account the total time spent sedentary, the length of individual sedentary periods didn’t really matter."



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on data from the U.K. Biobank. As part of a Biobank sub-study, over 100,000 adults wore accelerometers - devices tasked with recording movement - continually for a week.&nbsp;



The participants included about 50,000 adults aged 60 and over, all of whom were dementia-free at the study's inception.



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



To analyze this massive dataset, the researchers used machine learning to distinguish between varying intensities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-pain-no-gain-physical-activity-enhances-pain-tolerance/">physical activity</a>. This produced an objective view of the time individuals allocated to different types of sedentary behaviors.



Over the next six years, 414 of the initial participants were diagnosed with dementia. Factoring in variables like age, sex, education level, race, and several lifestyle attributes, the research team narrowed down their results.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



“We were surprised to find that the risk of dementia begins to rapidly increase after 10 hours spent sedentary each day, regardless of how the sedentary time was accumulated. This suggests that it is the total time spent sedentary that drove the relationship between sedentary behavior and dementia risk, but importantly lower levels of sedentary behavior, up to around 10 hours, were not associated with increased risk,” said study co-author Gene Alexander, an expert at the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Arizona and Arizona Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.



“This should provide some reassurance to those of us with office jobs that involve prolonged periods of sitting, as long we limit our total daily time spent sedentary."



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The current study expands upon prior research that explored how specific sedentary actions, such as watching TV, might influence dementia risk more than others.&nbsp;



“Our latest study is part of our larger effort to understand how sedentary behavior affects brain health from multiple perspectives. In this case, wearable accelerometers provide an objective view of how much time people dedicate to sedentary behavior that complements our past analyses,” said Raichlen.



Further research is needed to establish causality and whether physical activity can mitigate the risk of developing dementia, the authors said.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.15231">JAMA</a>.



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Ten hours of sitting amplifies the risk of dementia

A recent study led by the University of Southern California...

Climate change and extreme weather events are damaging water quality in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> worldwide, according to a comprehensive review of almost 1,000 studies. The scale of the problem, and the urgent need for better water management strategies, are matters that can no longer be ignored.



An international team of researchers, including experts from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>, analyzed 965 studies that were conducted over a span of 22 years from 2000 to 2022. 



<h2 id="h-ecological-impacts">Ecological impacts&nbsp;</h2>



One of the most alarming findings was that climate change had increased water temperatures and algae levels in 56 percent of studies.&nbsp;



This phenomenon is contributing to a decline in dissolved oxygen concentrations in river water. Algae, particularly at excessive levels, can consume vast amounts of oxygen. This deprives other aquatic life and affecting the ecosystem's balance.



<h2 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h2>



The analysis also revealed that droughts and heatwaves led to increased salinity and higher concentrations of pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals.



“The severe effects climate change is already having on water quality globally are very concerning. Previous climate change predictions flagged this, but unfortunately, we are now seeing these extreme events play out across the world,” said study co-author Professor Luke Mosley.



“Rivers are intrinsically important ecosystems but also provide key water sources for drinking water and agriculture. Poor quality water can result in the river water being unsuitable for these uses.”



<h2 id="h-poor-water-quality">Poor water quality</h2>



Some of the studies in Australia, led by Professor Mosley during the Millennium Drought spanning 2007 to 2020, revealed that water bodies like the River Murray and Lower Lakes experienced shockingly low water levels. These rivers also had poor water quality, notably extreme salinisation and acidification.&nbsp;



The extreme ecological impacts, such as the tragic Lower Darling River fish kills in 2019, were direct outcomes of deteriorated water quality.



<h2 id="h-gaps-in-our-knowledge">Gaps in our knowledge&nbsp;</h2>



But while the study offers extensive insights, it also highlights gaps in our knowledge. Dr. Michelle van Vliet of <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, who led the research, wants to see more data on water quality collected in non-Western countries to improve our understanding of the implications of climate change on water quality.



“Most water quality studies now focus on rivers and streams in North America and Europe. We need a better monitoring of water quality in Africa and Asia,” said Dr. van Vliet.



<h2 id="h-complex-factors">Complex factors</h2>



Furthermore, it is not just climate change that's impacting our rivers. Land use, human activities like wastewater treatment, and other anthropogenic factors are contributing to the damage in our waterways.&nbsp;



“Understanding the complex interplay between climate, land use and human drivers, which together influence the sources and transport of pollutants is crucial,” said Dr. van Vliet.



<h2 id="h-water-management-systems">Water management systems&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natrevearthenviron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>, paints a bleak portrait of climate change's effects on global waterways, but there is hope. 



Professor Mosley believes that the research will act as a catalyst for the development of innovative water management systems.&nbsp;



“Our findings stress the need to improve understanding of the complex hydroclimatic–geographic–human driver feedbacks and to develop technologies and water quality frameworks that support the design of robust water quality management strategies under increasing hydroclimatic extremes,” Professor Mosley said.



“It is hoped this research will spur increasing additional effort and collaboration globally to understand extreme water quality effects."



“Governments and other policy makers should take note of the findings and consider contingency plans and strategies to try to minimize water quality risks.”



<h2 id="h-weather-extremes">Weather extremes</h2>



The results of the study highlight an urgent need for a better understanding of water quality changes during extreme weather events, and the mechanisms underlying this.&nbsp;



“Only then will we be able to develop effective water management strategies that can safeguard our access to clean water and ensure ecosystem health under climate change and increasing weather extremes," said Dr. van Vliet.



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Rivers at risk: Climate change is diminishing global water quality

Climate change and extreme weather events are damaging water quality...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes why experts are studying zebrafish to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to injury. Zebrafish have the ability to repair and regenerate organs.



“Organ regeneration offers an exciting opportunity for studying the immune system and to inquire why some species can regenerate organs like the heart or missing limbs while others like humans cannot,” explained Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski.



Zebrafish sensory organ hair cells are an ideal system to investigate the pathways and cell types involved in regeneration since they are easily destroyed with antibiotics and begin regenerating within five hours. This enabled the researchers to identify the exact timing and genetic programs for each anti-inflammatory macrophage activation state.&nbsp;



“Our hypothesis is that human macrophages do not receive the proper chemical activation 'cocktail' to instruct pro-regenerative processes,” said Dr. Nicolas Denans. “Identifying the molecular recipe of macrophage activation in zebrafish may one day enable us to design regenerative immunotherapies in humans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The new evidence is a valuable resource for comparative studies on the genetic programs involved in macrophage-mediated repair and regeneration. In other words, different types of injuries may induce different kinds of inflammatory responses. We want to decipher whether this 'language' is universal or if there are a variety of dialects."



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Stowers...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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