Astronomers may have discovered a star hurtling through the Milky Way with a planet in tow. If confirmed, this could become the fastest-moving exoplanet system ever recorded. 



Moving at nearly twice the speed of our solar system, this phenomenon challenges our understanding of how planets remain bound to their host stars under extreme conditions.



High-speed stars are rare, and even rarer are those dragging a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/january-2025-stargazing-a-parade-of-bright-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary companion</a> along for the ride. 



The system in question is estimated to move at a staggering 1.2 million miles per hour (1.9 million kilometers per hour). This revelation raises new questions about planetary survival and migration in the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-speed-star-with-an-orbiting-planet">High-speed star with an orbiting planet </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> orbiting this star is believed to be a gas giant that is larger than Neptune but smaller than Jupiter. Scientists estimate that it is orbiting relatively close to its central star.



“We think this is a so-called super-Neptune world orbiting a low-mass star at a distance that would lie between the orbits of Venus and Earth if it were in our solar system,” said Sean Terry, a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>, College Park and NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.



However, the star’s weak brightness places the planet well outside the habitable zone. This means it is unlikely to support life as we know it. 



Despite that, its presence could provide valuable insight into how planetary systems behave when subjected to extreme speeds. If confirmed, this would mark the first time a planet has been found orbiting a hypervelocity star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detection-using-microlensing">Detection using microlensing</h2>



This extraordinary system was first detected in 2011. Scientists working on the MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) project, a collaborative survey based in New Zealand, were searching for distant exoplanets. 



Instead, the team stumbled upon an unusual microlensing event that hinted at a pair of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-super-earth-hd-20794-found-just-20-light-years-away-is-best-target-yet-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial objects</a>.



Microlensing is a phenomenon where gravity bends and magnifies the light from a background star. When an object passes in front of a more distant star, its gravitational pull can act as a natural lens, briefly amplifying the star’s brightness. 



By studying these fluctuations in light, astronomers can infer the presence of unseen objects. In this case, the microlensing event suggested two objects, one significantly more massive than the other. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-objects-with-unknown-masses">Objects with unknown masses</h2>



The scientists calculated their relative masses, but could not determine the exact sizes of the objects without knowing their distance from Earth.



“Determining the mass ratio is easy. It’s much more difficult to calculate their actual masses," said David Bennett, a senior research scientist at NASA Goddard.



The 2011 data suggested two possibilities. Either the system consisted of a low-mass star with a Neptune-like planet in orbit around it, or it was a rogue planet accompanied by a smaller moon. Determining which scenario was correct required further investigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-a-star-or-a-moon">Is it a star or a moon?</h2>



To solve this mystery, astronomers turned to data from the <a href="https://keckobservatory.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii and the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia satellite</a>. If the objects were a rogue planet and moon, they would be extremely difficult to detect. But if a small star were present, its light could be identified.



The search led to a promising candidate located about 24,000 light-years away. This placed it within the Milky Way’s galactic bulge, the densely packed central region of the galaxy. By comparing the star’s position in 2011 and 2021, the researchers determined it was moving at incredible speeds.



However, the team needed to confirm whether this star was indeed part of the system detected in 2011. Its measured speed already suggested it was among the fastest-moving stars known, but its full velocity remained uncertain.



“To be certain the newly identified star is part of the system that caused the 2011 signal, we’d like to look again in another year and see if it moves the right amount and in the right direction to confirm it came from the point where we detected the signal,” Bennett explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planet-star-system-may-escape-the-galaxy">Planet-star system may escape the galaxy</h2>



If this system includes a hypervelocity star, it could eventually escape the Milky Way. Its true velocity might exceed 1.3 million miles per hour (2 million kilometers per hour), which is faster than the galaxy’s escape velocity. 



If this is the case, the planet and star will drift into intergalactic space over millions of years, joining the ranks of stars that have already been lost to the void.



Scientists are eager to verify this possibility. Observations over the next few years will determine if the identified star is indeed linked to the 2011 microlensing event.



“If high-resolution observations show that the star just stays in the same position, then we can tell for sure that it is not part of the system that caused the signal. That would mean the rogue <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-a-planet-k2-22b-disintegrating-at-a-speed-never-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> and exomoon model is favored," said Aparna Bhattacharya, a research scientist at NASA Goddard.



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



Upcoming missions will help astronomers find more of these high-speed planetary systems. NASA’s Nancy Grace <a href="https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roman Space Telescope</a>, set to launch in the near future, will play a crucial role. 



Its advanced capabilities will allow scientists to study the galactic bulge in unprecedented detail, and help them understand how planets form around stars that are moving at extreme speeds.



“In this case we used MOA for its broad field of view and then followed up with Keck and Gaia for their sharper resolution, but thanks to Roman’s powerful view and planned survey strategy, we won’t need to rely on additional telescopes,” said Terry. “Roman will do it all.”



With technology advancing, astronomers are closer than ever to unraveling the mysteries of fast-moving stars and their planets. Whether this system turns out to be a star with a planet or a rogue planet with a moon, it will deepen our knowledge of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-behavior-can-distort-our-view-of-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial bodies</a> travel across the vast reaches of space.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad9b0f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>. 



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Runaway star may be dragging a planet along with it

Astronomers may have discovered a star hurtling through the Milky Way with a planet in tow. If confirmed, this could become the fastest-moving exoplanet system ever recorded. Moving at nearly twice the speed of our solar system, this phenomenon challenges our understanding of how planets remain bound to their host stars under extreme conditions. High-speed stars are rare, and even rarer are those dragging a planetary companion along for the ride. The system in question is estimated to move at a staggering 1.2 million miles per hour...

Smoke,From,The,Cameron,Peak,Fire,In,Northern,Colorado,Rolling

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have left a significant impact on air quality and public health. Recent studies highlight the alarming effects of these fires, particularly in the context of efforts to combat air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toll-of-wildfires-on-air-and-health">Toll of wildfires on air and health</h2>



A comprehensive study spanning two decades (2000-2020) has revealed a concerning increase in air pollution in the western U.S., primarily due to the growing intensity and frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. This trend has resulted in an estimated 670 additional premature deaths annually in the region. 



The researchers emphasize that these wildfires have negated the progress made through federal air quality improvement initiatives, largely driven by reductions in automobile emissions. <a href="https://engineering.uiowa.edu/people/jun-wang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jun Wang</a>, the lead corresponding author and a professor at the <a href="https://uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa</a>, expressed deep concern about the situation. 



"Our air is supposed to be getting cleaner, mainly due to EPA regulations on emissions. However, the fires have limited or erased these air-quality gains," he stated. 



Wang further noted the detrimental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> in fire-prone areas and their surroundings, which effectively undermines two decades of EPA efforts to improve air quality. He expounded, “In other words, all the efforts for the past 20 years by the EPA to make our air cleaner basically have been lost in fire-prone areas and downwind regions. We are losing ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-wildfires-and-air-quality">Studying wildfires and air quality</h2>



The research team meticulously calculated the concentration of black carbon, a harmful air pollutant linked to respiratory and heart diseases. They used a detailed grid system covering the continental U.S. to map these concentrations. 



Findings show a 55% increase in black carbon in the western U.S., predominantly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-intensity-fires-reduce-the-risk-of-catastrophic-wildfires-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. The highest rates of premature mortality were observed in this region, exacerbated by smoke from both local and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian wildfires</a>. The researchers caution that the figure of 670 additional deaths per year is conservative, given the incomplete understanding of black carbon's health impacts.



“Wildfires have become increasingly intensive and frequent in the western U.S., resulting in a significant increase in smoke-related emissions in populated areas,” Wang and his team write. “This has likely contributed to a decline in air quality and an increase in attributable mortality.”



The study also sheds light on the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> on the Midwest, where transported smoke has minimally impacted health so far. However, Wang warns of potential worsening air quality if wildfire incidents increase. Interestingly, the eastern U.S. did not experience significant air quality declines during the study period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-multiple-sources">Data from multiple sources</h2>



The team used a combination of satellite data and information from 500 ground-based air quality monitoring stations. Recognizing the limitations of surface station data, especially in rural areas, they employed deep learning techniques to estimate black carbon concentrations with higher accuracy. 



The calculation of premature deaths involved a formula considering life span, black carbon exposure, and population density. "This is the first time black carbon concentrations have been examined everywhere, and at such a high resolution," Wang noted.



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



<a href="https://weijing-rs.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jing Wei</a>, the study's lead author, played a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing satellite data on fine particulates and their health impacts. Now at the University of Maryland’s <a href="https://essic.umd.edu/joom2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center</a>, Wei highlights the counteractive effect of increasing wildfires against the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening health risks.



“The increasing number and intensity of wildfires in the U.S. counteract or even overshadow the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening the risks of both morbidity and mortality,” says Wei.



In summary, the study serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against air pollution, where natural disasters like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> pose significant challenges. It calls for a renewed focus on mitigating these environmental threats to safeguard public health and maintain air quality improvements.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00235-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Twenty years of air quality improvement erased by wildfires

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have...

In an amazing development, researchers from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> and Harvard University’s <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyss Institute</a> have engineered a new class of tiny biological robots, termed "Anthrobots". These robots, originating from human tracheal cells, are capable of traversing surfaces and significantly promoting neuronal growth in damaged areas within a laboratory setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genesis-of-anthrobots">The genesis of Anthrobots</h2>



Anthrobots range in size from the width of a human hair to the tip of a sharpened pencil. Remarkably, these multicellular robots are designed to self-assemble and have demonstrated a pronounced healing effect on other cells. 



This innovation serves as the cornerstone for future applications, envisioning the use of patient-derived biobots as innovative tools for disease treatment, regeneration, and healing.



The concept of Anthrobots builds on earlier research by Michael Levin from Tufts University and Josh Bongard from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>. Their previous work involved creating "<a href="https://now.tufts.edu/2020/01/16/living-machines-are-created-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xenobots</a>" from frog embryo cells. These Xenobots displayed abilities such as navigation, material collection, information recording, self-healing, and limited replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthrobot-functionality">Anthrobot functionality</h2>



The current study by Levin and PhD student Gizem Gumuskaya reveals the successful creation of bots from adult human cells, sans any genetic modification. These bots have shown capabilities surpassing those of the Xenobots, addressing critical questions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-proteins-can-record-cellular-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular assembly</a> and cooperation in the body, and the potential for cells to be reassembled into different structures for varied functions.



Gumuskaya, with her unique background in architecture, likens the reprogramming of cell interactions to the arrangement of stones and bricks into various architectural structures. She emphasizes the potential of cells to form new multicellular shapes and undertake different tasks.



“We wanted to probe what cells can do besides create default features in the body,” said Gumuskaya, who earned a degree in architecture before coming into biology. “By reprogramming interactions between cells, new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-materials-could-revolutionize-medical-microrobots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular structures</a> can be created, analogous to the way stone and brick can be arranged into different structural elements like walls, archways or columns.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-xenobot-to-superbot">From "Xenobot" to "superbot"</h2>



Researchers observed that these cells could not only form new shapes but also move across surfaces and stimulate growth in neuron layers damaged by laboratory procedures. The effectiveness of Anthrobots in encouraging neuronal growth, particularly under the clustered assembly known as “superbot”, is a significant finding, though the exact mechanisms are still being explored.



“The cellular assemblies we construct in the lab can have capabilities that go beyond what they do in the body,” said Levin, who also serves as the director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts and is an associate faculty member of the Wyss Institute. 



“It is fascinating and completely unexpected that normal patient tracheal cells, without modifying their DNA, can move on their own and encourage neuron growth across a region of damage,” Levin continued. “We’re now looking at how the healing mechanism works, and asking what else these constructs can do.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-anthrobots-are-made">How Anthrobots are made</h2>



Utilizing human cells allows for the creation of patient-specific bots, minimizing immune response risks and the need for immunosuppressants. These Anthrobots are biodegradable and safe, with a limited lifespan and strictly laboratory-bound existence, eliminating concerns of external exposure or uncontrolled proliferation.



Each Anthrobot starts as a single cell from an adult donor's trachea, equipped with cilia that facilitate movement. The researchers developed conditions to maximize this motility, observing various shapes and movement types, marking a significant feature of this biorobotics platform.



Levin envisions adding features to Anthrobots for responsive and functional roles in the body or for engineered tissue construction in laboratories. The team, including Simon Garnier from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has categorized these Anthrobots based on shape and movement, highlighting their significance in bridging the gap between nanotechnology and larger engineered devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-therapeutic-applications">Potential therapeutic applications</h2>



In testing their therapeutic potential, the researchers developed a model involving scratched human neuron layers. The Anthrobots, especially in their "superbot" form, showed remarkable capability in encouraging neural growth and healing wounds. 



Contrary to expectations that genetic modifications would be necessary for Anthrobot cells to promote neural growth, unmodified Anthrobots surprisingly triggered significant regrowth. They formed a neuronal bridge as dense as the surrounding healthy cells. In areas without Anthrobots, neurons failed to grow. In the lab's simplified 2D environment, Anthrobot assemblies efficiently healed live neural tissue.



The researchers suggest that further development of these bots could expand their applications. These include clearing arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients, repairing damage in the spinal cord or retina, detecting bacteria or cancer cells, and delivering targeted drugs. Theoretically, Anthrobots could aid in tissue healing and deposit pro-regenerative drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-outside-of-the-lab">Future implications outside of the lab</h2>



This opens possibilities for applications in areas like atherosclerosis, spinal cord or retinal nerve damage repair, bacterial or cancer cell recognition, and targeted drug delivery.



Gumuskaya elaborates on the innate abilities of cells to self-assemble into complex structures and perform diverse functions. “The cells can form layers, fold, make spheres, sort and separate themselves by type, fuse together, or even move,” Gumuskaya said. 



“Two important differences from inanimate bricks are that cells can communicate with each other and create these structures dynamically, and each cell is programmed with many functions, like movement, secretion of molecules, detection of signals and more. We are just figuring out how to combine these elements to create new biological body plans and functions -- different than those found in nature,” Gumuskaya concluded.



This understanding is crucial not only in constructing new biological entities but also in gaining insights into natural body plans and regenerative treatments.



In summary, the creation of Anthrobots marks a pivotal advancement in biomedical technology. It not only illustrates the potential of biotechnology in medical applications but also paves the way for a deeper understanding of human cellular capabilities and their therapeutic applications.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202303575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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Anthrobots: Scientists create tiny biological robots from human cells

In an amazing development, researchers from Tufts University and Harvard...

Snowstorm,In,The,Mountains

In the quest for better water conservation planning along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-administration-proposes-water-rationing-to-save-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado River</a>, researchers have turned their focus to the role of mountains in shaping the impact of El Niño and La Niña on precipitation in western North America. 



This new study emerges amid a transition from a strong La Niña to a potent El Niño, aiming to enhance the precision of winter precipitation predictions in the intermountain West.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mountains-and-el-nino">Studying mountains and El Niño</h2>



The research team, led by James Stagge, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, delved into 150 years of rain and snow data and its correlation with historic El Niño-Southern Oscillation (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENSO</a>) patterns. 



Their findings reveal a trend of increasing winter precipitation in the north and a decrease in the south, particularly during the late 20th century. The study highlights how mountains amplify or obstruct precipitation, causing heavier rainfall on their western flanks and reduced precipitation eastward.



Stagge emphasizes the significance of accurate winter precipitation forecasts for managing water resources in one of the world's most water-stressed regions. 



He points out, “If you can predict how much precipitation you’ll have in the winter, you’ll have a good sense of what your summer dry period will look like in terms of your water allocation.” Improved predictions enable better preparation for droughts and conservation measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h2>



ENSO, encompassing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> and La Niña, relates to temperature anomalies in the Pacific Ocean and significantly influences global weather patterns. In this study, the focus was on the intermountain West, a region historically overlooked in ENSO studies. Researchers used water gauge readings from 1871 and linked them to ENSO trends recorded by the NOAA's <a href="https://psl.noaa.gov/enso/mei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multivariate ENSO Index</a>.



Stagge’s team prioritized observational data over climate models, seeking a closer alignment with reality. They scrutinized the specifics of precipitation changes during El Niño and La Niña years at different elevations and locations. 



This approach revealed nuanced historic patterns, especially in the northern intermountain region, where elevation variations complicate the tracking of ENSO's effects on winter precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orographic-effect-and-regional-variations">Orographic effect and regional variations</h2>



The study underscores the orographic effect, where moist Pacific air ascends over mountains, releasing precipitation, and leaving drier air on the eastern side. This phenomenon, combined with ENSO, results in significant precipitation disparities. The research also noted a dipole effect, with opposing precipitation responses in the north and south during ENSO phases.



The findings suggest that ENSO forecasts are more indicative in the north, while quantitative temperature change estimates might be more beneficial in the south. This disparity is attributed to the varying topography and its influence on air flow and precipitation.



In summary, Stagge’s study offers a valuable tool for water managers and stakeholders in western North America. By enhancing the understanding and prediction of precipitation patterns, it paves the way for more effective water shortage preparation and conservation strategies. 



The integration of this research with NOAA's data and modeling tools could further refine short-term forecasts, offering a boon to the region's water-dependent economy and large cities.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-023-00163-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



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How mountains impact El Niño winters and snowfall amounts

In the quest for better water conservation planning along the...

The <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> (UN) has released a critical report which signals an "unprecedented emergency on a planetary scale" due to human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-made-droughts-20-times-more-likely/">droughts</a>. 



The Global Drought Snapshot, launched at <a href="https://www.cop28.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a> climate talks in the UAE, is a comprehensive analysis of recent drought data over the past two years, emphasizing the escalating crisis of drought worldwide.



The analysis was led by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), established at the 1992 Earth Summit, along with the UNFCCC and UN CBD.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silent-devastation-nbsp">Silent devastation&nbsp;</h2>



“Unlike other disasters that attract media attention, droughts happen silently, often going unnoticed and failing to provoke an immediate public and political response," said UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw.



"This silent devastation perpetuates a cycle of neglect, leaving affected populations to bear the burden in isolation."&nbsp;



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



In China, 15–20 percent of the population faces more frequent moderate-to-severe droughts, with drought intensity expected to increase by 80 percent by 2100.



The Horn of Africa has 23 million people severely food insecure, attributed to drought.



The United States experienced severe drought across five percent of its contiguous states in May 2023. The La Plata basin in Brazil–Argentina faced its worst drought in 78 years in 2022, impacting global crop markets.



Europe was hit by its worst drought in 500 years in 2022, affecting an area almost four times the average since 2000.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture-and-forests">Agriculture and forests</h2>



The report also touches on the severe impact of drought on agriculture and forests, including 70 percent damage to cereal crops in the Mediterranean from 2016–2018.



Consecutive rainfall season failures in the Horn of Africa caused the region’s worst drought in 40 years (with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia particularly hard hit), contributing to reduced agricultural productivity, food insecurity and high food prices.



There have also been significant losses in grazing land and an expected increase in forest losses in various regions.



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



California's Central Valley is facing accelerated groundwater decline and water-quality degradation.



The Rhine and Yangtze rivers experienced drastic reductions in water levels, impacting shipping and affecting millions.&nbsp;



In southern China, five million people have been affected by record-low water levels in the Yangtze River due to drought and prolonged heat.



On the Mississippi River, a backlog of barges in late 2022 due to low water levels caused $20 billion in supply chain disruptions and other economic damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-dimensions-nbsp">Social dimensions&nbsp;</h2>



The social dimensions are equally concerning, with 85 percent of people affected by droughts living in low- or middle-income countries.



Furthermore, the likelihood of being killed by floods, droughts and storms is 15 times greater in the highly vulnerable regions.&nbsp;



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



The Global Drought Snapshot concludes with a call to action, urging for binding global agreements and proactive measures to mitigate drought impacts.&nbsp;



The report emphasizes the need for nature-based solutions to offset CO2 emissions and agricultural practices that adopt water-efficient technologies.



The experts also stress the importance of respecting the planet's boundaries and ensuring the sustainability of natural hydrological cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wake-up-call-nbsp">Wake-up call&nbsp;</h2>



“The Global Drought Snapshot report speaks volumes about the urgency of this crisis and building global resilience to it," said Thiaw.



"With the frequency and severity of drought events increasing, as reservoir levels dwindle and crop yields decline, as we continue to lose biological diversity and famines spread, transformational change is needed.”&nbsp;



“We hope this publication serves as a wake-up call.”



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Global drought crisis: UN warns of unprecedented emergency

The United Nations (UN) has released a critical report which...

A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to the demise of nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/">birds</a>, as they crashed into a brightly lit glass structure. While such extensive bird fatalities are uncommon, artificial light remains a significant and escalating hazard to migratory birds.



In a comprehensive study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43046-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, researchers employed weather radar data to chart bird stopover densities across the U.S. The study revealed that artificial light is a prime factor influencing where birds land during migration.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-face-multiple-challenges-nbsp">Birds face multiple challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Kyle Horton, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the study’s lead author, explained that city lights can entice birds into hazardous urban environments.



The challenges for migrating birds in urban areas are manifold, including dangerous building collisions, habitat loss, limited food availability, and threats from humans and predators like cats. Urban parks offer some respite, but they come with their own set of challenges, such as competition for scarce resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-stopover-hotspots">Migration stopover hotspots</h2>



Migration is fraught with peril for birds, involving extensive travel that can deplete up to half of their body mass. “These stopover locations are the fueling stations,” Horton said. “If they don’t have a good spot to rebuild energy supplies, migration can’t happen."



This study marks the first time migration stopover hotspots across the contiguous United States have been mapped on such a large scale. Understanding these patterns can aid in developing conservation strategies.



“Cities pose multiple risks to migrating birds,” explained co-author and <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a> Professor Geoff Henebry. “They also offer resources for the tired birds to rest and refuel."&nbsp;



"Our study is notable in that it combines big data – and a lot of processing – from the weather surveillance radar network with big data from multiple spaceborne sensors to address key questions regarding the influence of urban areas on bird migration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-birds-survive-artificial-light">Helping birds survive artificial light</h2>



However, the attraction of birds to cities raises a conservation dilemma: should urban areas be preserved as vital stopover sites, or should efforts be concentrated on reducing urban lighting? Horton is collaborating with various organizations to tackle both issues, but the multifaceted nature of urban lighting presents complexities.



Light pollution not only affects birds but also disrupts human circadian rhythms, contributing to several health issues. “We don’t often think about light as a pollutant, but it checks all the boxes of what pollution is,” Horton said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-forecasts-nbsp">Migration forecasts&nbsp;</h2>



Initiatives like <a href="https://birdcast.info/">BirdCast</a> offer migration forecasts and real-time maps, enabling individuals and cities to minimize artificial light on critical migration nights. Simple measures, such as retrofitting windows with decals and adjusting light brightness and color, can significantly reduce bird collisions.



The tragic incident at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center is a stark reminder of the dangers of light pollution. Public awareness and simple actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, can have an immediate and beneficial impact on bird safety.&nbsp;



“If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight,” Horton concluded.



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Artificial light is luring birds to their deaths around the world by the millions

A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to...

In the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, an extraordinary phenomenon is unfolding. Researchers have found that Himalayan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/">glaciers</a> have a remarkable response to global warming.&nbsp;



Contrary to the expectation of rapid melting, these glaciers are exhibiting a unique self-preserving mechanism by cooling the air around them, leading to the generation of cold winds.&nbsp;



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



This phenomenon, observed across the Himalayan range, raises intriguing questions about the glaciers' longevity in counteracting the effects of climate change.



The study was conducted by a team of international researchers led by Professor Francesca Pellicciotti of the <a href="https://ista.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science and Technology Austria</a> (ISTA). The findings reveal how these glaciers are paradoxically generating cold winds to combat rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-observation-nbsp">Puzzling observation&nbsp;</h2>



The Pyramid International Laboratory/Observatory climate station is located on the southern slopes of Mount Everest alongside the Khumbu and Lobuche glaciers. The station has continuously recorded hourly meteorological data for nearly three decades.



According to this data, temperatures near the glaciers have remained stable despite global warming. This puzzling observation led to the discovery that, while minimum temperatures rose, the maximum surface temperatures in summer were decreasing.&nbsp;



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



According to Professor Pellicciotti and her colleagues, including Franco Salerno and Nicolas Guyennon of the National Research Council of Italy, this pattern results from the glaciers' increased temperature exchange with the air.&nbsp;



“We found that the overall temperature averages seemed stable for a simple reason. While the minimum temperatures have been steadily on the rise, the surface temperature maxima in summer were consistently dropping,” said Salerno.&nbsp;



The glaciers are reacting to the warming climate by increasing their temperature exchange with the surface, explained Pellicciotti. She noted that global warming causes an increased temperature difference between the warmer environmental air over the glacier and the air mass in direct contact with the glacier's surface.&nbsp;



“This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass,” said Pellicciotti.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-their-surroundings">Cooling their surroundings</h2>



The colder, denser air masses that are generated flow down the slopes, potentially cooling the lower parts of the glaciers and their surrounding ecosystems.



This counterintuitive response of the glaciers to warming was further supported by data from the ERA5-Land global climate and weather reanalysis. This tool, which combines model data with global observations, confirmed that such katabatic wind phenomena were not limited to Mount Everest but prevalent across the Himalayan range.&nbsp;



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



The team's future research aims to identify specific glacier characteristics that enable this reaction and to determine which glaciers might sustain such responses.



Intriguingly, the team plans to extend their research to the glaciers in the Pamir and Karakoram mountains, where the topography differs significantly from the Himalayas. This could provide crucial insights into whether these glaciers also generate cold winds and if so, whether these winds contribute more to cooling the glaciers themselves rather than their surrounding environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergency-reaction-nbsp">Emergency reaction&nbsp;</h2>



The study also delves into the critical balance of accumulation and ablation in these glaciers. While they gain mass from the Indian subcontinent's summer monsoons, they lose it through melting.&nbsp;



The katabatic winds may be altering this balance by lowering the altitude at which precipitation occurs, potentially threatening the glaciers' mass input. Although it is a response to global warming, the phenomenon may not indicate long-term stability but rather an emergency reaction to the rising temperatures.



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



Ultimately, this means that these Himalayan glaciers may be approaching their preservation tipping point in some places, "but we do not know where and how,” said Pellicciotti. 



“Even if the glaciers can’t preserve themselves forever, they might still preserve the environment around them for some time. Thus, we call for more multidisciplinary research approaches to converge efforts toward explaining the effects of global warming."&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01331-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Himalayan glaciers are cooling the air around them to survive global warming

In the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, an extraordinary phenomenon is unfolding....

The results of a study led by <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) are challenging long-standing beliefs about the development of human brains in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-are-born-with-the-ability-to-recognize-the-beat-in-music/">newborns</a> compared to other primates.&nbsp;



According to the research, the idea that human newborns have underdeveloped brains is a misconception. The experts found that the brains of newborns are at a development level typical for primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-false-impression">False impression</h2>



Human brains grow so much larger and more complex than other species after birth. This creates a false impression that newborns are underdeveloped, or “altricial.”



“This new work changes the overall understanding around the evolution of human brain development," said study lead author Dr. Aida Gomez-Robles.



"Humans seem so much more helpless when they’re young compared to other primates not because their brains are comparatively underdeveloped but because they still have much further to go.”



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



The research modifies the conventional view that human brains are less developed at birth due to evolutionary compromises, such as the need for babies’ heads to fit through the birth canal.



Traditionally, scientists have assessed brain development across species by comparing brain sizes at birth with adult brain sizes. This suggested that humans are born with a smaller percentage of their adult brain size compared to other primates, leading to the belief in their relative underdevelopment.&nbsp;



However, the UCL study indicates that other measures of human brain development align closely with other primates like chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.



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



The study also addresses the implications of these findings for the concept of brain plasticity in human evolution. It has been suggested that the perceived underdevelopment at birth results in greater brain malleability and sensitivity to environmental stimuli during early life, contributing to human intelligence.&nbsp;



The researchers clarify that while human brains do take longer to reach full capacity, this does not stem from significant underdevelopment at birth. Thus, while brain plasticity remains critical in human evolution, it is unlikely to be a result of being less developed at birth than other primates.



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



To conduct this analysis, the team examined the brain development of 140 different mammal species, including modern primates, rodents, carnivores, and the fossils of early humans and ancestral hominins.&nbsp;



The researchers compared fetal gestation lengths, the relative size of newborn brains and bodies to adult sizes, and overall brain size at birth and adulthood across these species.&nbsp;



The findings revealed that while there are considerable variations in brain development at birth among different mammal species, primates, including humans, show a consistent pattern of development.



This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> and the National Institutes of Health in the US, marks a significant shift in the understanding of human brain development and its evolutionary trajectory, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of anthropology and neurology.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02253-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Human brain development aligns closely with other primates

The results of a study led by University College London...

In a concerning revelation, experts predict that global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/">emissions</a> of carbon dioxide are on track to rise by approximately one percent, setting a new record in 2023.&nbsp;



This alarming insight is the conclusion of a preliminary study led by Glen Peters, an expert in the <a href="https://cicero.oslo.no/en">Centre for International Climate Research</a> (CICERO) in Norway.



With the impending threat of catastrophic climate impacts, experts contend that carbon emissions need to be slashed almost by half within this decade in order to meet global targets. These goals are geared towards curbing global warming and preventing dire consequences for the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-effect">Greenhouse effect</h2>



Carbon dioxide pollution is a primary contributor to the greenhouse effect, the process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface, which leads to global warming.&nbsp;



When human activities (such as burning fossil fuels) release CO2 emissions, these gases trap heat from the sun's rays inside the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The trapped heat drives an increase in global temperatures, which triggers a cascade of impacts that are not yet fully understood. Some of the initial consequences include melting ice caps and glaciers, more frequent and severe weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-emissions">Rising emissions</h2>



While Peters suggests that the best scenario would be a decline in global CO2 emissions by five percent this year, his study paints a starkly different picture. According to the research, instead of witnessing a decline, the most likely scenario for 2023 is an increase in emissions ranging from 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent.&nbsp;



The current trajectory of rising emissions poses a massive challenge to the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. This international treaty aims to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;



Exceeding the target limit could trigger global climate tipping points, a possible outcome that is cause for grave concern. "Each year that emissions keep rising makes it all the harder to reach pathways consistent with Paris," said Peters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28">COP28</h2>



The final analysis will be published in December, as world leaders meet in the United Arab Emirates for the UN climate change conference (COP28).



Of the four paradigm shifts that will be prioritized at COP28, the first is slashing emissions by 2030. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, has been appointed to serve as COP 28 the President-Designate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-transition-nbsp">Energy transition&nbsp;</h2>



In a <a href="https://www.cop28.com/en/letter-to-parties">letter</a> to colleagues, Al Jaber states: "The world must urgently accelerate the energy transition in an orderly, just and equitable way that accounts for energy security and ensures that finance and technology is available for developing countries to implement the transition."&nbsp;



"All countries will need to act, all elements of the energy system will need to be addressed, and we must have an honest conversation about what it will take to deliver a responsible and just transition that empowers climate-positive development everywhere, in particular across the Global South."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investments-in-fossil-fuels">Investments in fossil fuels</h2>



Earlier in the year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported an expected peak in global demand for fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal within this decade. This forecast was attributed to the exponential growth in cleaner energy technologies and the rise of electric cars.&nbsp;



However, the IEA also raised concerns regarding increased investments in fossil fuels and persistently high emissions, especially in the backdrop of the post-pandemic economic surge and the energy crisis precipitated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-progress-nbsp">Lack of progress&nbsp;</h2>



Peters commented on the lack of significant progress in transitioning to clean energy. He recalled that scientists were optimistic in 2015, hoping that emission levels might peak.&nbsp;



"Yet, here we are again, with a new peak in 2022, and yet another peak expected again in 2023," said Peters. "My concern is that we are doing half the job, growing clean energy, and not doing the other half of the job, transitioning away from fossil fuels."



The Global Carbon Budget report for 2023 will be published in December. It will reveal CO2 emissions from all sources, with calculations based on data from IEA reports.



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Global carbon dioxide emissions will reach a new high in 2023

In a concerning revelation, experts predict that global emissions of...

Polar,Bear,On,The,Ice,Sniffing,In,The,Air

Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive and vulnerable, making their conservation a challenging task. However, a breakthrough in DNA analysis using skin cells shed in their footprints offers new hope for monitoring these endangered species.



This innovative method, developed by a team of international scientists, promises a less invasive and more efficient way to gather essential data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-direct-link-between-polar-bear-survival-and-harmful-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear populations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-polar-bears-with-footprint-dna">Monitoring polar bears with footprint DNA</h2>



Dr. Melanie Lancaster of the World Wide Fund for Nature <a href="https://www.arcticwwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Arctic Programme</a> is the senior author of the study. “It is particularly challenging, expensive, and time-consuming to find polar bears in the Arctic, let alone count them and understand how they are coping with climate change,” said Lancaster.



The difficulties in locating and counting these bears, combined with the need to understand their response to climate change, has left a gap in critical data regarding their population size and connectivity.



Inspired by forensic techniques suited for tiny, degraded DNA samples, the scientists developed a method that avoids the physical capture of bears. This method avoids an often stressful and dangerous situation for both the animals and humans. Elisabeth Kruger of the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, another author of the article, highlights the significance of this method. 



“Many Inuit express concern about invasive research methods,” said Kruger. “People are concerned about the welfare of the individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unravel-the-secrets-of-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> and the health and safety of people who may harvest the bear later. This is one of the reasons we are so excited about new methods like this - the person collecting the sample never needs to even see or be seen by the polar bear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-edna-from-animal-tracks">eDNA from animal tracks</h2>



A unique aspect of this research involves the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA) found in the snow track footprints of polar bears. Dr. Micaela Hellström of <a href="https://www.mixresearch.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIX Research Sweden AB</a>, the lead author of the study, explains that the tracks contain fresh cells with intact DNA.



“The tracks usually contain fresh cells, and the DNA is intact because of the cold ‘storage’ temperature. DNA that has passed the gut is much more degraded and therefore more challenging to work on,” said Hellström.



The team collected snow from individual tracks of Alaskan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-imaging-will-help-protect-polar-bears-from-human-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a> and Swedish Eurasian lynxes, both in the wild and captivity, as well as from a captive snow leopard. Confirming the accuracy of the genotypes derived from this snow track DNA, additional materials like hair, saliva, and mucus were also sampled. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-footprint-dna-analysis-results">Footprint DNA analysis results</h2>



The researchers sampled 24 wild polar bear tracks and 44 wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They melted and filtered the snow from these tracks to collect environmental DNA, which they then analyzed using microsatellite analysis. 



Despite the low concentrations of DNA in the tracks collected from the wild, they successfully retrieved nuclear DNA from 87.5% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-polar-bears-get-traction-on-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> tracks and 59.1% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-population-in-france-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They managed to genotype 13 of the wild polar bear samples, identifying 12 different individuals.



When focusing on the lynx tracks sampled by trained personnel, the genotyping success rate improved significantly. The scientists retrieved nuclear DNA from 76% of the samples collected by these trained individuals, and they successfully genotyped 24% of these samples.



This non-invasive sampling technique, despite a lower success rate compared to traditional methods, offers considerable advantages. It not only reduces the stress and danger associated with physical capture but also allows for larger sample sizes due to its ease of collection. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation">Implications for conservation</h2>



The potential of this technique to inform conservation strategies, understand animal populations and behaviors, and manage human-animal conflicts is immense.



Dr. Lancaster expresses hope that this method will be adopted widely by the polar bear research community, involving hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities. She says, “We hope this method will be taken up by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-threatened-by-toxic-chemicals-in-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> research community, with the involvement of hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities, as a new way to collect information on polar bears.”



The team also anticipates the expansion of this technique to other animals living in snowy environments, having already demonstrated its effectiveness with lynx and snow leopards.



In summary, this groundbreaking research in DNA analysis using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-vacuumed-animal-dna-from-a-forest-and-the-results-are-amazing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> from snow tracks and footprints opens a new chapter in wildlife conservation. It promises a more humane, efficient, and inclusive approach to studying and protecting one of the Arctic's most iconic inhabitants, the polar bear, and potentially other species in similar environments.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1250996/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Science</a>.



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Footprint DNA helps scientists monitor elusive animals like polar bears

Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive...

In late 2017, the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara County became one of the most destructive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/">wildfires</a> in California's history. The fire led to the unprecedented closure of classes at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> and widespread use of N95 masks. 



This catastrophic event, however, presented a unique opportunity for scientists at the university. Huge amounts of wildfire ash had settled into the oceans, and the experts wanted to investigate what effect it might have on marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-discovery-nbsp">Significant discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The team embarked on a mission to understand the effects of wildfire ash on ocean ecosystems - a subject that has been relatively unexplored compared to freshwater systems.



The researchers made a significant discovery: wildfire ash can actually fertilize marine ecosystems. This is in stark contrast to its toxic effects in freshwater environments.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-expedition-nbsp">Research expedition&nbsp;</h2>



The team, led by Tanika Ladd, had to rapidly adapt their pre-planned expedition. "With a research cruise already on the calendar, the team jumped on the opportunity to investigate. “We planned this out in just a few weeks,” said Ladd.



“The fire broke out Dec. 4; our cruise was scheduled to go out on Dec. 17, and this clearly wasn’t in our plans for all of the cruise prep before the fire started.” The group quickly pivoted the entire cruise itinerary. Senior scientists sent off a flurry of grant applications, and the team revised the schedule a couple weeks before setting sail."



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



Study co-author Eleanor Arrington collected ash samples from car windshields across Santa Barbara, creating a saltwater solution with the ash and then filtering out solid particles.&nbsp;



This solution was added to seawater cultures, which were incubated on deck of the research vessel. 



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



The team's measurements indicated a significant increase in particulate organic carbon in samples with added ash leachate, suggesting enhanced plankton growth and increased carbon drawdown from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.



Further analysis showed that the ash was enriching the seawater with key nutrients like nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and silicic acid, which are essential for the growth of phytoplankton such as diatoms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potentially-toxic-metals">Potentially toxic metals</h2>



The ash also introduced metals like copper and iron to the seawater. While essential in small quantities, these metals can be toxic at higher concentrations in freshwater ecosystems.&nbsp;



However, the vastness of the ocean dilutes these elements, reducing their potential harm.



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



This study sheds light on the complex interactions between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of increasing wildfires.&nbsp;



The nutrients carried by wildfire ash into the ocean may boost primary production in coastal areas, especially in nutrient-limited regions like the Santa Barbara Channel.&nbsp;



"Coastal ecosystems may have increased primary production during these wildfires, but we need to know what this actually means on a global scale," said Ladd.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.1817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Wildfire ash fertilizes the ocean and boosts marine life

In late 2017, the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara County...

In an unprecedented move, <a href="https://www.insta360.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insta360</a> has successfully launched the first ultra-high-resolution cameras into Earth's orbit, offering an unparalleled view of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">planet</a>.&nbsp;



This monumental feat, which involved over a year of research, development, and testing, marks a significant milestone in space imaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insta360-s-x2-cameras">Insta360's X2 cameras</h2>



Insta360, a leading camera company based in Shenzhen, China, initiated the project in 2021. The team focused on adapting their commercially available X2 cameras for the rigors of space.&nbsp;



On January 16, the company launched two X2 cameras 500 kilometers into space and attached them to satellites. The cameras were designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-project">Successful project</h2>



"The project runs on hard work, but a fair bit of luck, too. Space can be unpredictable, and there is no backup hardware or software if the camera runs into any issues," said Insta360.



"Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space."



The cameras have now captured <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0MZ87HLEQb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stunning images</a> of Earth, presenting the "Blue Marble" in extraordinary detail and from a unique 360-degree perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-insta360-cameras-for-space">Testing Insta360 cameras for space</h2>



To prepare for the space environment, Insta360 utilized a thermal vacuum chamber or Space Environment Simulator.&nbsp;



The engineers faced the daunting task of modifying the cameras to endure the harsh conditions of space.&nbsp;



This process involved extensive testing, including exposure to extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum simulations, to ensure the cameras' functionality in orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-obstacles-nbsp">Overcoming obstacles&nbsp;</h2>



One of the critical challenges was the cameras' response to extreme cold, leading to system crashes, and the impact of radiation on the sealing glue.&nbsp;



In addition, the vacuum environment tests revealed potential issues with lens pressure, threatening image resolution and quality. These hurdles were addressed to ensure the cameras' resilience and operational excellence in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-technology-nbsp">Advanced technology&nbsp;</h2>



The X2 cameras boast an impressive 5.7K resolution, capturing 360-degree videos and photos of Earth against the backdrop of space.&nbsp;



The quality of these images surpasses the capabilities of standard viewing platforms, including YouTube and many high-end 4K TVs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-earth-images">Extraordinary Earth images </h2>



The success of this mission is attributed to collaborations with Media Storm and Spacety, a satellite company employing synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) systems. These systems enable high-resolution imaging comparable to larger satellites but with smaller antennas, showcasing innovative approaches in satellite technology.



Insta360's X2 cameras are set to orbit Earth every 90 minutes for two years, after which they will exit Earth's orbit and disintegrate in space.&nbsp;



This time frame offers a unique window for capturing extraordinary images of our planet and beyond, heralding a new era in space photography and exploration.



Image Credit: Insta360&nbsp;



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Mega-high-resolution Earth images captured from orbit

In an unprecedented move, Insta360 has successfully launched the first...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> has confirmed that being overweight impacts the body's immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">COVID-19</a>. 



This research was led by Marcus Tong, a PhD candidate in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. The study provides crucial information for shaping future policies, particularly concerning vaccination and public health strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impaired-antibody-response-nbsp">Impaired antibody response&nbsp;</h2>



The findings are primarily focused on the distinction between the body's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its response to COVID-19 vaccination in overweight individuals.&nbsp;



“We’ve previously shown that being overweight – not just being obese – increases the severity of SARS-CoV-2,” said Tong. “But this work shows that being overweight creates an impaired antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection but not to vaccination.”



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



The research highlights a critical differentiation in how the body's immune system reacts to the virus naturally versus through the aid of vaccines.



To reach these conclusions, the experts collected and analyzed blood samples from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. The participants were not reinfected during the study period, which spanned approximately 3 months and 13 months post-infection.&nbsp;



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



“At 3 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was associated with reduced antibody levels,” explained Tong. “And at 13 months post-infection, an elevated BMI was associated with both reduced antibody activity and a reduced percentage of the relevant B cells, a type of cell that helps build these COVID-fighting antibodies.”



By contrast, the experts found that an elevated BMI did not affect the antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccination. This was observed approximately 6 months after the administration of the second vaccine dose.&nbsp;



This insight is particularly significant as it suggests that vaccination can offer effective protection against COVID-19 for overweight individuals, despite their impaired natural immune response to the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-risk-of-reinfection-nbsp">Increased risk of reinfection&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Kirsty Short, commenting on the implications of these findings, emphasized the need for tailored health policies.&nbsp;



“If infection is associated with an increased risk of severe disease and an impaired immune response for the overweight, this group has a potentially increased risk of reinfection,” explained Dr. Short. “It makes it more important than ever for this group to ensure they’re vaccinated.”



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



Dr. Short said that from a public health perspective, this data draws into question policies around boosters and lockdowns.



“We’d suggest that more personalized recommendations are needed for overweight people, both for ongoing COVID-19 management and future pandemics."



“Finally, the data provides an added impetus to improve SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in low-income countries, where there’s a high percentage of people who are overweight and are dependent on infection-induced immunity," said Dr. Short.



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



The study not only sheds light on the immediate concerns of managing COVID-19 but also underscores the broader implications for global health, particularly in low-income countries.&nbsp;



These regions, characterized by a high percentage of overweight individuals who rely on infection-induced immunity, face unique challenges in ensuring adequate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination coverage.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cti2.1476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical &amp; Translational Immunology</a>.



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Extra weight impairs the body's immune response to COVID-19

A recent study led by the University of Queensland has...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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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"

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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

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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...