Pregnancy is a crucial period that shapes a baby’s future health. While much attention is given to physical well-being, new research highlights the impact of maternal stress on fetal development. 



A study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that stress during pregnancy may leave epigenetic imprints on placental genes linked to cortisol regulation.



Cortisol plays a key role in fetal growth and stress response, and disruptions in its regulation could have lasting effects on a child’s development.



This discovery emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health. A mother’s emotional state during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-use-during-pregnancy-has-unexpected-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a> does not only affect her but could influence her baby’s well-being from the earliest stages. 



As science uncovers new connections between stress and fetal development, it becomes increasingly clear that prenatal care must include psychological support alongside physical health monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnancy-stress-and-the-placenta">Pregnancy stress and the placenta</h2>



The study was led by Lourdes Fañanás, a professor at the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Biomedicine (<a href="https://www.ub.edu/ibub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBUB</a>) at the University of Barcelona. The research was co-led by Elisabeth Binder from the <a href="https://www.psych.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry</a>.



The investigation was focused on how maternal stress can leave biological marks on the placenta. 



The placenta is a vital organ during pregnancy, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. It also responds to external factors, including maternal stress, to help the fetus adapt to its environment.



However, the exact ways in which the placenta adjusts to stressors and influences <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-speed-up-aging-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal development</a> are still not fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-placenta-and-stress-regulation">Placenta and stress regulation </h2>



Epigenetics refers to modifications that affect gene function without changing the DNA sequence. The study found that maternal stress can cause epigenetic changes in placental genes. These changes particularly affect genes involved in cortisol regulation, such as HSD11B2, NR3C1, and FKBP5.



Cortisol is an essential hormone that helps the body respond to stress. In pregnancy, it plays a critical role in fetal development by influencing growth, metabolism, and brain function.



When stress disrupts the proper regulation of cortisol, it could impact the baby’s ability to handle stress after birth. The placenta usually acts as a barrier, controlling how much maternal cortisol reaches the fetus. 



However, if stress alters the placenta’s function through epigenetic changes, it may affect fetal exposure to cortisol and have long-term consequences for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child’s health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-stress-related-genes">Changes in stress-related genes</h2>



This pilot study, funded by a CIBERSAM Intramural project, involved 45 first-time pregnant women who were considered healthy. 



Researchers measured their cortisol levels and depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy. After delivery, they collected and analyzed placental samples to examine potential epigenetic changes.



Seven weeks after birth, the babies underwent neuro-developmental assessments using Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (<a href="https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/centers/brazelton-institute-research/nbas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBAS</a>). This test evaluates reflexes, motor abilities, and social responses, providing insights into early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calcium-zinc-are-keys-to-healthier-pregnancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">developmental outcomes</a>. 



The team used advanced sequencing technology to study epigenetic changes in large sections of DNA, offering a detailed look at how the placenta responds to maternal stress.



The findings indicate that stress during early pregnancy may have the strongest effect on these epigenetic changes. The altered genes linked to cortisol regulation suggest that maternal stress may influence fetal development in ways that extend beyond pregnancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-early-maternal-support">Need for early maternal support</h2>



Águeda Castro, first author of the study and a CIBERSAM researcher at the University of Barcelona, highlighted the importance of supporting maternal mental health from the start of pregnancy.



“This study reinforces the importance of taking care of the mental health of mothers from the beginning of pregnancy, since stress could leave a biological imprint on the baby’s development through epigenetic mechanisms that we are just beginning to understand,” said Castro.



This research adds to growing evidence that maternal stress is not just a temporary concern but one that could shape a child’s future health. 



Mental health care should be an integral part of prenatal care, ensuring that pregnant women receive emotional support alongside physical health monitoring. Addressing stress early on may help prevent long-term developmental challenges in children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-research">Significance of the research</h2>



The Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona selected this study as the best scientific publication of November 2024. Its recognition highlights the study’s innovative approach to understanding prenatal health and epigenetics. 



While the research offers important insights, the sample size remains small. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential interventions.



Future research could focus on identifying risk factors that make some mothers more susceptible to stress-related epigenetic changes. Understanding these risks may help develop targeted interventions to support expectant mothers, particularly those in vulnerable situations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-prenatal-care">New approach to prenatal care</h2>



Pregnancy care has traditionally focused on nutrition, physical health, and fetal monitoring. However, this study suggests that mental health deserves equal attention. 



Stress management techniques, psychological support, and early interventions could improve maternal well-being and contribute to healthier pregnancies.



By prioritizing emotional health during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-placenta-linked-to-preterm-births/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a>, healthcare providers can help ensure better outcomes for both mothers and their babies. 



As research continues to uncover the biological links between stress and fetal development, integrating mental health care into routine prenatal visits may become an essential part of maternal care.



While more research is needed, this study emphasizes the deep connection between a mother’s mental state and her baby’s development. Taking care of expectant mothers’ emotional well-being is not just beneficial for them - it may shape the long-term health of the next generation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X24007375?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Neuropsychopharmacology</a>.



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Pregnancy stress may have lasting effects on fetal development

Pregnancy is a crucial period that shapes a baby’s future health. While much attention is given to physical well-being, new research highlights the impact of maternal stress on fetal development. A study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that stress during pregnancy may leave epigenetic imprints on placental genes linked to cortisol regulation. Cortisol plays a key role in fetal growth and stress response, and disruptions in its regulation could have lasting effects on a child’s development. This discovery emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health....

A new study reveals that Australasia - including Australia, New Zealand and nearby islands - may be on the brink of a pollination crisis. The research from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University highlights</a> the urgent need for intervention to prevent devastating repercussions on biodiversity and food security in the region.



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



The researchers sifted through thousands of global research papers on the decline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-daisy-creates-fake-flies-to-attract-pollinators/">pollinators</a> due to human activities. They discovered that even though a minuscule fraction mentioned Australasia, the same factors causing pollinator decline in the northern hemisphere are also prevalent in this region.&nbsp;



Europe and North America's research pointed out threats such as natural habitat loss, climate change, pesticide usage, the spread of pathogens, and the introduction of new species, all contributing to the decline of animals, including birds and insects, that serve as pollinators, and consequently, the plants they pollinate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-apocalypse-nbsp">Insect apocalypse&nbsp;</h2>



“At first glance it seems Australasia has dodged a bullet and missed the so-called insect apocalypse and other declines in pollinators," said Honorary Professor Graham Pyke.



However, despite the scarcity of relevant research in Australasia, Professor Pyke’s team unearthed grave environmental threats to local pollinators, suggesting that the region's pollination crisis has been overlooked.



“The same environmental threats to plants and their pollinators are happening in this region – but we haven’t been monitoring their impact," said Professor Pyke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollination-crisis-nbsp">Pollination crisis&nbsp;</h2>



Pollination crises occur when there's a significant decline, even to the point of extinction, of animals that act as pollinators and the plants they pollinate.&nbsp;



“This is not a trivial issue,” said Professor Pyke. “In Australia, we estimate 15,000 animal species act as plant pollinators. Declines in these pollinator species will cascade through to the estimated 20,000 species of flowering plants in Australia that rely on or benefit from animal pollination to reproduce."



“This includes many food plants such as most fruits and many vegetables, ranging from tomatoes and beans to coffee, strawberries, canola and even cacao – essential for chocolate, which rely partially or totally on animal pollination.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-work-is-needed">Extensive work is needed</h2>



To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and plan subsequent interventions, Professor Pyke highlighted the need for collecting detailed taxonomic data on Australasian flora and fauna.



Study co-author Dr. Kit Prendergast, adjunct researcher at Curtin University, noted that neglecting to conserve local indigenous pollinators exacerbates the pollination crisis.



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



The introduced European honeybee, although instrumental in pollinating some crops in Australia, competes with native bees and can disrupt established pollination systems.&nbsp;



“There are currently 1,660 native bee species which are described, and hundreds more that remain undescribed," said Dr. Prendergast. "The investment into these bees is vastly overshadowed by the investment into the introduced honeybee."



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



Study co-author Professor Zong-Xin Ren from the Chinese Academy of Sciences plans to extend the study to include China and other parts of Asia.&nbsp;



The experts say that the region needs to step up its game in monitoring and improving conditions for pollinators to prevent widespread impacts on food security.



“Neglecting the pollination crisis in Australasia could reverberate globally, and even jeopardise biodiversity and food supply,” said Professor Pyke. 



The study is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.



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Insect apocalypse: Australasia is facing a hidden pollination crisis

A new study reveals that Australasia - including Australia, New...

Sunflowers have long fascinated observers with their ability to follow the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aztecs-kept-accurate-time-using-the-sun-and-the-mountains/">sun</a> from east to west throughout the day, a behavior known as heliotropism. But the science behind this intricate dance has remained somewhat of a mystery. Now, a study led by Stacey Harmer and her team at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Davis</a> sheds light on the complexities of this behavior. The study has revealed that sunflowers rely on multiple types of light responses to execute this movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phototropic-light-response">Phototropic (light) response</h2>



In the past, it was believed that the sunflower's ability to move towards light sources was primarily driven by a light-dependent response pathway known as the phototropic response. This system operates when blue light, falling unevenly on a plant, gets detected by proteins known as phototropins.&nbsp;



These proteins then cause a redistribution of a specific plant hormone, resulting in the plant's growing tip bending towards the light. It's nature's own way of helping plants, which are anchored to one spot, to reach out for the light they need for photosynthesis.



However, Harmer and her colleagues' research indicates that the sunflower's heliotropism isn't solely based on this phototropic response.&nbsp;



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



In their study, they contrasted the gene activity patterns in sunflowers bending towards blue light in a lab setting to those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-extracts-shield-blueberries-from-fruit-rot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflowers</a> in a natural environment, following the sun's movement. 



The researchers discovered that only a handful of genes responsible for the phototropic bending in the lab exhibited significant changes in activity in response to the sun's movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shade-avoidance-system">Shade avoidance system</h2>



Interestingly, their findings also highlighted the activation of other light-response systems. One such system, the shade avoidance system, detects far-red light typically found in shaded areas.&nbsp;



The shade avoidance system was activated on the west side of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-pollen-protects-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflower</a> stem during the early hours of the day when the sun was still in the east. This revelation paints a complex picture of the mechanisms behind sunflower movement. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-light-response-system">Implications of this light response system</h2>



Even more intriguing is the fact that even when either the red and far-red or blue light was removed, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-an-internal-clock-to-bloom-at-optimal-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflowers</a> still managed to track the sun. This suggests that multiple systems collaborate to ensure the heliotropic response, making it possible even if one or more light triggers are absent.



“We’ve been continually surprised by what we’ve found as we study how sunflowers follow the sun each day," said Harmer. "In this paper, we report that they use different molecular pathways to initiate and maintain tracking movements, and that the photoreceptors best known for causing plant bending seem to play a minor role in this remarkable process.”



The research not only provides a deeper understanding of a well-observed phenomenon but also challenges previous assumptions about plant behavior and adaptation.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal in <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002344" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Sunflowers use multiple light response systems to track the sun

Sunflowers have long fascinated observers with their ability to follow...

Halloween is all about the eerie ambiance, trick-or-treating, and most importantly, the costumes. And it’s not just humans getting dressed up for the occasion.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-costumes-nbsp">Pet costumes&nbsp;</h2>



A growing trend in the US is dressing up pets, particularly dogs. However, a cautionary note has been raised by pet expert Christopher Masanto, co-founder and CEO of <a href="https://thepetlabco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The PetLab Co.</a>, about keeping an eye on the comfort of our furry friends.



According to the National Retail Federation, this year's national Halloween spend is expected to hit a record-high $12.2 billion, with $700 million projected to be spent on pet Halloween costumes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort-and-safety-nbsp">Comfort and safety&nbsp;</h2>



With such increasing popularity in dressing up pets, it's essential to prioritize their comfort and safety, taking measures to keep them from getting anxious and stressed.



“We all love seeing how adorable our dogs look dressed up in their costumes and its great owners think of their pets as part of the family," said Masanto. 



“However, some dogs may not feel the same love for their costumes as we do. Dressing up may even cause some of our pets to become stressed and anxious, especially if they’ve never worn anything similar before. They’ll be less spooky, and more spooked.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-look-for-signs-of-stress">Look for signs of stress</h2>



For those planning to include their pets in the festivities, Masanto offers guidance on signs of stress to watch out for: whimpering, excessive panting, rubbing or scratching.&nbsp;



These could be signs of discomfort from the costume or sensory overload. If these signs are evident, it might be best to remove the costume and provide a calm environment for the pet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-establish-a-safe-place">Establish a safe place</h2>



“To help calm your dog if they’re feeling uneasy, make sure they have an easily accessible safe place. This may be the room they sleep in or cuddled up on the couch under a blanket. You'll want to ensure the place is quiet to allow your dog time to return to its usual happy state," said Masanto.



"We love Halloween but we love our pets too and this way, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone!”&nbsp; 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-dog-costumes">Top dog costumes</h2>



Needing some last minute inspiration? By analyzing nationwide Google search data, PetLab Co. has identified the top 10 most searched-for Halloween dog costumes.&nbsp;



Topping the list was Chucky, closely followed by an easy-to-DIY ghost costume. Other top dog costume searches included The Grinch, Scooby-Doo, Ewok, bats spiders, and dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-popular-pet-costumes">More popular pet costumes</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movie-characters">Movie characters</h3>



From Darth Vader cats to Superman dogs, costumes inspired by popular movies and TV shows are a hit.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classic-halloween-characters">Classic Halloween characters</h3>



Think ghosts, witches, and skeletons. These timeless choices are always in style.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals">Animals</h3>



It's always fun to dress a dog as a lion or a cat as a shark.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-items">Food items</h3>



Dressing pets as tacos, hot dogs, or sushi rolls can be both hilarious and adorable.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superheroes">Superheroes</h3>



With the popularity of superhero movies, many pets are seen sporting capes and masks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-considerations">Important considerations</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort">Comfort</h3>



Ensure that the costume doesn't restrict movement, hearing, or breathing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety">Safety</h3>



Avoid costumes with small, dangling, or easily chewable parts that a pet might ingest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tolerance">Tolerance</h3>



Not all pets like wearing costumes. Some might tolerate it, while others might become anxious and stressed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature">Temperature</h3>



Ensure the costume is appropriate for the weather. A thick costume might be too hot for some climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helpful-tips">Helpful tips</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trial-run">Trial run</h3>



Before the big day, let your pet wear the costume to see how they react.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-supervised">Stay supervised</h3>



Always supervise your pet while they're in their costume.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photos">Photos</h3>



Take photos early in the evening, so if your pet isn't comfortable, they don't have to stay in their costume all night.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diy-pet-costumes">DIY pet costumes</h3>



If you're crafty, consider making a DIY costume for your pet. For instance, a simple bedsheet can turn your dog into a ghost, or a red cape can transform your cat into Little Red Riding Hood.



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How to keep your pet safe and calm in a Halloween costume

Halloween is all about the eerie ambiance, trick-or-treating, and most...

A study from <a href="https://ok.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBC Okanagan</a> is providing new insights into the impact of therapy dogs and programs across various gender identities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-therapy-dogs">Studying therapy dogs</h2>



The goal of the research, led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, was to determine whether the positive effects of canine therapy may differ across genders in a campus setting.



There is abundant evidence that dog therapy programs are beneficial for emotional and social well-being. However, most past studies were predominantly focused on female participants.&nbsp;



The UBC Okanagan study analyzed the effectiveness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ten-minutes-with-a-therapy-dog-can-help-relieve-er-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> therapy programs among students identifying as female, male, and gender diverse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-being-resources-nbsp">Well-being resources&nbsp;</h2>



"Facilitating access to on-campus well-being resources is important in light of the prevalence of mental health challenges faced by post-secondary students, especially first-year students," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Supporting students’ well-being and reducing factors contributing to ill-being is paramount to reducing the risk of students dropping out or underperforming academically."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-specific-study">Gender-specific study</h2>



Dr. Binfet has conducted numerous studies on the benefits of canine therapy, but to his knowledge, this is the first gender-specific study about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-time-hospital-therapy-dogs-benefit-both-patients-and-staff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine therapy</a>.



“Previous research has explored if it works and how it works, but not who it works for,” said Dr. Binfet. “This was one of the first studies that examined whether canine-assisted interventions work equally well for varied genders.”



The study participants were students who self-selected their gender group. Prior to the therapy sessions, they provided reports of well-being; specifically measuring their self-perceptions of social connectedness, happiness, optimism, stress, homesickness and loneliness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dimensions-of-well-being-from-therapy-dogs">Dimensions of well-being from therapy dogs</h2>



"For the purpose of our study, well-being was conceptualized as 'a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community,'" wrote the researchers.



"As this definition incorporates both positive and negative dimensions of well-being, we designed our study to incorporate aspects of both well-being and ill-being."



A total of 163 students participated in the study: 49% women, 33% men, and 17% identifying as non-binary or other genders. These students, in groups of three or four, took part in 20-minute sessions with a therapy dog and handler. After their session, they filled out a post-session survey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed a notable increase in overall well-being among participants and a decline in feelings of homesickness, stress, and loneliness.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the positive impact of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-a-dog-even-when-its-not-your-own-can-boost-your-health-for-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine</a> intervention therapy was consistently observed across all gender identities.



“In light of previous studies that note participants were predominantly women, our sampling of men, genderfluid and two-spirit participants furthers our understanding that the efficacy of these interventions does not appear to be gender dependent,” said Dr. Binfet.&nbsp;



“The vast majority of responses showed that the dogs helped the students feel and experience something positive regardless of their gender.”



The research may have profound implications for mental health and wellness programs at post-secondary institutions. As educators constantly strive to find inclusive, low-cost, and accessible solutions for student well-being, the gender inclusivity of canine therapy may be a promising resource.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/hai.2023.0037" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human-Animal Interactions</a>.&nbsp;



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Therapy dogs benefit student well-being across all genders

A study from UBC Okanagan is providing new insights into...

While many of us are familiar with popular dietary regimens like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, a report from the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> promotes a diet that you've probably never heard of:the portfolio diet. A recent study suggests that this diet may significantly decrease the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">heart disease</a> and stroke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-portfolio-diet-nbsp">Portfolio diet&nbsp;</h2>



The portfolio diet specifically targets the reduction of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The primary components of the portfolio diet include:



<ul>
<li>Plant-based proteins like soy and legumes.</li>



<li>Foods rich in viscous fiber such as oats, barley, berries, apples, and citrus fruits.</li>



<li>Nuts and seeds.</li>



<li>Phytosterols that decrease cholesterol absorption, available in fortified foods or as supplements.</li>



<li>Avocado and plant-based oils rich in monounsaturated fats.</li>
</ul>



Dr. Andrea Glenn is the lead author of the study and a registered dietitian at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston and the University of Toronto.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-health-benefits-nbsp">Consistent health benefits&nbsp;</h2>



"Through this research, we found that the portfolio diet score was consistently associated with a lower risk of both heart disease and stroke, highlighting an opportunity for people to lower their heart disease risk through consuming more of these foods recommended in the diet," said Dr. Glenn.



While prior studies have established that the portfolio diet can reduce LDL cholesterol levels comparably to early-generation statins, not much was known about its long-term effects on cardiovascular disease risk.&nbsp;



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



This prompted researchers to analyze the diet data of 166,270 women and 43,970 men who were initially free from cardiovascular diseases in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. The participants' diets were assessed every four years using food questionnaires.



After nearly 30 years, participants with the highest adherence to the portfolio diet had a remarkable 14 percent reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, in comparison to those with the lowest adherence.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-ldl-cholesterol-nbsp">Lowering LDL cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State, commented on the importance of lowering LDL cholesterol.



"We're always looking at ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, and one effective way to do that is to lower blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol," said Dr. Petersen



Although she was not involved in the current study, Dr. Petersen co-authored an AHA scientific statement that evaluated 10 prevalent diets based on their heart health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-forward-diet">Plant-forward diet</h2>



The portfolio diet bears resemblance to other heart-healthy diets in terms of emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, plant protein, nuts, and plant oils.



While this diet may not be as well known as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, there are significant overlaps, said Dr. Glenn. The portfolio diet, she said, is more "plant forward" and discourages animal proteins more than other dietary patterns.



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



Despite its potential heart-health benefits, the portfolio diet's lack of public awareness is evident. Dr. Glenn hopes that these new findings will elevate its status and emphasize its flexibility.



"It's not an all-or-nothing approach. You can take your own diet and make a few small changes and see cardiovascular benefits," said Dr. Glenn.



"You also do not have to follow it as a strict vegan or vegetarian diet to see benefits, but the more of the foods (from the portfolio diet) that you eat, the greater your heart disease risk protection, as we saw in the current study. We need to get the word out."



The findings are published in the American Heart Association journal <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065551">Circulation</a>.



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Plant-forward portfolio diet reduces heart disease risk

While many of us are familiar with popular dietary regimens...

Deforestation in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">Amazon</a> is heating up land surfaces as far as 100 kilometers away, according to a new study led by Dr. Edward Butt at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>.



The research highlights the pivotal role tropical forests play in land surface cooling, an effect observed over significant distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-amazon-deforestation">Studying Amazon deforestation</h2>



While it has been previously recognized that clearing tropical forests leads to immediate climate warming in the vicinity, the researchers wanted to investigate the climate impact of Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> in more distant regions. 



The study specifically gauged the climate effects in areas up to 100 kilometers from the deforestation sites.



Dr. Butt emphasized the urgent need to understand the impact of Amazon's forest loss.



“The world is getting warmer as a result of climate change. It is important that we understand how deforestation of the Amazon ecosystem is contributing to climate warming," said Dr. Butt. "If deforestation is warming surrounding regions, this would have big implications for people living in those areas."



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



The experts integrated satellite data to track land surface temperature changes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon forest loss</a> from 2001 to 2020. 



With data from 3.7 million locations across the Amazon basin, the researchers compared warming that had occurred over regions with varying amounts of local and regional deforestation.



For clarity, the scientists categorized deforestation within two kilometers of a data point as "local." Beyond this, land up to 100 kilometers away, was deemed "regional."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The data revealed that in zones with minimal local and regional deforestation, the average land temperature change from 2001 to 2021 was just 0.3°C.&nbsp;



By contrast, areas subjected to both local and regional deforestation witnessed an average temperature surge of 4.4°C.



“The regional warming due to Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-linked-to-irreversible-transition-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> will have negative consequences for the 30 million people living within the Amazon basin, many of whom are already exposed to dangerous levels of heat," wrote the study authors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-warming-scenarios">Potential warming scenarios</h2>



The team also projected the potential warming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/rio-negro-is-shrinking-as-drought-strikes-the-brazilian-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazilian Amazon</a> in the next 30 years based on two scenarios of future deforestation. 



In the first scenario, the Forest Code is ignored and protected areas not safeguarded. The second scenario anticipates some level of forest protection.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that in Mato Grosso state, located in the southern Amazon where forest loss is rampant, reducing deforestation could mitigate future warming by over 0.5°C.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-deforestation-implications">Amazon deforestation implications </h2>



“It is well known that protecting tropical forests is crucial in the fight against global climate change. Our work shows that protecting forests will also have big benefits at a local, regional and national scale," said Professor Dominick Spracklen from the University of Leeds.



“We show that reducing deforestation would reduce future warming across the southern Amazon. This would benefit people living across the region through reducing heat stress and reducing the negative impacts on agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Study co-author Dr. Celso von Randow is a researcher from the Brazilian <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Space Research</a>.



“In Brazil, studies on the importance of conserving forests for carbon storage are common, but we still lack studies on their biophysical effects. This is important because the Amazon is warming rapidly due to climate change, and now exacerbated by deforestation," said Dr. von Randow.&nbsp;



“New efforts to control deforestation across the Brazilian Amazon have been successful and deforestation rates have declined over the last year, and now we see benefits of possibly reducing the warming affecting people living in this region. Recognizing such benefits will hopefully result in more widespread support for continued efforts to reduce deforestation and protect forests.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309123120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Amazon deforestation has far-reaching impacts

Deforestation in the Amazon is heating up land surfaces as...

The first wide-scale assessment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-transfer-mercury-contamination-from-water-to-land-animals/">methylmercury</a>, a very poisonous form of mercury, in adult amphibians in the U.S. to date has found that this toxic compound is common, widespread and, in some cases, can reach very high levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-amphibians-and-mercury">Studying amphibians and mercury</h2>



The study, titled “Broad-scale Assessment of Methylmercury in Adult Amphibians,” and published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c05549" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Technology</a>, encompasses data from over 3,200 amphibians spanning 14 species across 26 populations. This collaboration involved scientists from various regions of the country.



“Amphibians are the most endangered group of vertebrates worldwide, but until this study, we knew relatively little about the variability of mercury bioaccumulation in amphibians,” said Anne Kinsinger, the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">U.S. Geological Survey</a> (USGS) Associate Director for Ecosystems.&nbsp;



“Trailblazing USGS science, like this study, provides a solid foundation for research and helps managers address the most pressing issues facing fish and wildlife conservation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methylmercury-concentrations-nbsp">Methylmercury concentrations&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation unveiled a range of methylmercury concentrations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-do-amphibians-breathe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>, influenced by factors including the specific site, as well as the life history characteristics of the amphibians, such as their diet, size, and sex. 



Some locations revealed barely detectable levels, while others demonstrated concentrations exceeding wildlife health benchmarks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-levels-vary-in-amphibians">Mercury levels vary in amphibians</h2>



While the study noted substantial variation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-temperatures-methylmercury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methylmercury</a> levels across amphibians, the range was less extensive than that reported for other species like dragonflies, fishes, and birds. 



This lesser variation in amphibians is thought to be due to the current focus on sampling from wetlands, in contrast to the diverse habitats considered in studies on other animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioaccumulation-nbsp">Bioaccumulation&nbsp;</h2>



Mercury, recognized as a global contaminant of concern, is suspected to be a contributing factor to the declining numbers of amphibians, though its specific role in this decline is yet to be fully understood.



Produced by aquatic microbes, methylmercury is the most bioavailable and toxic form of mercury for vertebrates. It enters the food chain and accumulates within animals, a process referred to as bioaccumulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-health-effects">Unknown health effects</h2>



“Despite its toxicity, scientists only have a limited understanding of methylmercury’s effects on amphibians,” said lead author Brian Tornabene, a postdoctoral fellow at USGS. “The results from this study can be used to inform future research on the health effects of methylmercury exposure on amphibians, which for some was very high.”



The study also provides new methodologies and baseline data critical for assessing mercury risk, particularly for species under conservation concern, including those listed under the Endangered Species Act, according to co-author Michael Adams, the leader of the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.



A novel approach proposed by the study involves using dragonfly larvae as proxies for assessing methylmercury bioaccumulation in amphibians, especially for species that are challenging to sample directly. This method is currently being implemented in a <a href="https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/dmp/">nationwide project by the USGS/National Park Service</a>.



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



The current findings highlight the particular vulnerability of amphibians to environmental contaminants like mercury, owing to their reliance on aquatic habitats. It also acknowledges the need for a deeper understanding of how exposure to contaminants, in conjunction with other threats such as diseases, impacts amphibian populations.



By providing a comprehensive view of methylmercury variation in amphibians, this study marks a significant step forward in unraveling the complex interplay between environmental contaminants and amphibian health and conservation.



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Amphibians threatened by mercury, with unknown health impacts

The first wide-scale assessment of methylmercury, a very poisonous form...

As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic emerged, one of the most pronounced impacts was observed on cruise ships. A disproportionate number of cruise ship passengers were infected with the virus and stranded onboard for quarantine.&nbsp;



This scenario highlighted the urgent need for improved ventilation on cruise ships to distribute fresh air, especially in cabins and other enclosed areas, to reduce viral transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airborne-viruses-nbsp">Airborne viruses&nbsp;</h2>



A new study published by the <a href="https://www.aip.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Institute of Physics</a> investigated how ventilation can influence the transmission of airborne viruses in a standard cruise ship cabin. This examination was based on the guidelines established both before and after the pandemic.



“The most recent standards and regulations on room safety regarding the airborne transmission of viruses focus on high rates of air exchange,” said study co-author Dimitris Drikakis. 



“But this can be inefficient in terms of energy consumption, can compromise passenger comfort as it generates strong air drafts, and most importantly, can spread saliva droplets up to five times more when passengers cough.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computer-simulations">Computer simulations</h2>



To comprehend the implications thoroughly, Drikakis and his team simulated virus droplets resulting from a cough in a typical cruiser cabin designed for two or more occupants. These simulations factored in varying ventilation rates and the positioning of the individual coughing.&nbsp;



The range for computational fluid dynamics testing was broad, between 1.5 to 15 air changes per hour (ACH), encompassing scenarios from minimal ventilation to rates that surpassed the newest recommendations.



“The study reveals that a higher ventilation rate is not the best strategy to avoid spreading airborne diseases,” said Drikakis. “Complete evaporation of the saliva droplets may not necessarily mean all viruses or bacteria become instantly inactive. Therefore, we should aim at minimum droplet spreading inside the cabin and different ventilation strategies for occupied cabins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ideal-ventilation-strategy-nbsp">Ideal ventilation strategy&nbsp;</h2>



Upon evaluating the results, the research team proposed an ideal ventilation strategy. Systems should function at medium flow rates of about 3 ACH when cabins are occupied and then ramp up to 15 ACH for a minimum of 12 minutes post-vacancy.&nbsp;



This method ensures a complete air refreshment for subsequent occupants. Additionally, they advocate for a "clearance wait time" of at least 12 minutes for rooms of comparable sizes, maintaining a minimum of 15 ACH.



“Our main argument for the proposed values is the necessity to minimize droplet spreading while maintaining good ventilation levels, comfort, and energy consumption,” stated Drikakis.&nbsp;



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



This approach offers a more energy-efficient solution and elevates passenger comfort - a stark contrast to the practice of leveraging higher ventilation rates.



“Our main argument for the proposed values is the necessity to minimize droplet spreading while maintaining good ventilation levels, comfort and energy consumption,” said Drikakis. “Keeping ventilation at the proposed values reduces energy consumption and improves passenger comfort in contrast to the use of higher ventilation rates.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/5.0169992" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>.



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Cruise ships rethink ventilation to minimize viral spread

As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, one of the most pronounced...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/">University of Sydney</a> has revealed a concerning decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat common infections in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-may-be-isolating-too-long-for-covid-19-infection/">children</a> and babies worldwide.&nbsp;



This alarming resistance to antibiotics is leading to outdated global guidelines and a subsequent rise in avoidable deaths, particularly in regions such as South-East Asia and the Pacific.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-updates-urgently-needed">Updates urgently needed</h2>



The study highlighted that many antibiotics, which are recommended by the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>), show less than 50 percent effectiveness in combating childhood infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. 



This indicates that the global guidelines on antibiotic use urgently require updates. It is worth noting that these findings are further supported by data in the journal "Lancet South East Asia."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thousands-of-preventable-deaths">Thousands of preventable deaths</h2>



Regions facing the brunt of this crisis include South-East Asia and the Pacific, specifically nations like Indonesia and the Philippines. Thousands of preventable child deaths in these areas result from the growing antibiotic resistance each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-health-threat">Global health threat</h2>



The WHO has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top 10 global public health threats.&nbsp;



Among newborns, approximately three million sepsis cases are reported worldwide every year, leading to almost 570,000 deaths. A significant portion of these deaths can be attributed to antibiotics that are ineffective in treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria resistant</a> to them.



Of particular concern, the antibiotic ceftriaxone, commonly used in Australia to treat a myriad of child infections, is now found to be effective in only one out of three cases of newborn sepsis or meningitis. Another drug, gentamicin, often prescribed alongside aminopenicillins, is similarly losing its efficacy.



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



Study lead author Dr. Phoebe Williams is an infectious disease specialist at the University’s School of Public Health and <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/infectious-diseases-institute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute</a>. Her research is focused on reducing antimicrobial resistance in high-burden healthcare settings in Southeast Asia.



Antimicrobial resistance poses a more significant threat to children as newer antibiotics are less frequently tested on them.



For the study, the experts scrutinized 6,648 bacterial isolates from 11 countries, relying on data from 86 publications.&nbsp;



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



Dr. Williams said the study should be a wake-up call for the whole world, including Australia. "We are not immune to this problem - the burden of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial resistance</a> is on our doorstep," she said.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increase-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antibiotic resistance</a> is rising more rapidly than we realize. We urgently need new solutions to stop invasive multidrug-resistant infections and the needless deaths of thousands of children each year.”



“Antibiotic clinical focus on adults and too often children and newborns are left out. That means we have very limited options and data for new treatments.”



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



Currently, Dr. Williams is researching the potential of an older antibiotic, fosfomycin, to counteract multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections in Australian children. She's also actively collaborating with the WHO’s Paediatric Drug Optimisation Committee to expedite children's access to effective antibiotics.



Study senior author Paul Turner is the director of the Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit at Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap and a professor at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



“This study reveals important problems regarding the availability of effective antibiotics to treat serious infections in children,” said Turner. “It also highlights the ongoing need for high quality laboratory data to monitor the AMR situation, which will facilitate timely changes to be made to treatment guidelines.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100291">The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia</a>.&nbsp;



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Antibiotics for childhood infections are becoming ineffective

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

Scientists have uncovered a new species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sarabosaurus-dahli-a-newly-discovered-mosasaur-species-provides-incredible-evolutionary-insights/">mosasaur</a>, a marine lizard that thrived during the late Cretaceous. The 24-foot beast offers intriguing clues about the evolution of these ancient creatures.



The species has been named Jormungandr walhallaensis in reference to the Norse sea serpent and the North Dakota city of Walhalla near its discovery site.&nbsp;



“The tale of Jormungandr paints a wonderful picture and helps contribute to our understanding of the northernmost regions of the interior seaway, especially with the mosasaurs, and discoveries such as these can pique scientific curiosity," said study co-author Nathan Van Vranken from Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-questions-nbsp">Evolutionary questions&nbsp;</h2>



Mosasaurs, as large carnivorous aquatic lizards, have long captivated the scientific community. The very term "mosasaur" even predates "dinosaur."&nbsp;



The discovery of the first mosasaur more than 200 years ago sparked numerous queries. Among them: their evolutionary journey towards developing flippers and full aquatic adaptation, which is believed to have occurred three or perhaps even four times.&nbsp;



Another mystery revolves around their kinship – are they more closely related to monitor lizards or snakes? The recent study is helping to answer these questions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awe-inspiring-fossil">Awe-inspiring fossil</h2>



In 2015, experts unearthed an awe-inspiring fossil in northeastern North Dakota. This specimen includes an almost intact skull, jaws, cervical spine, and several vertebrae.



Amelia Zietlow, the study's lead author and a PhD student at the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/">American Museum of Natural History</a>’s Richard Gilder Graduate School, provides a vivid description: “If you put flippers on a Komodo dragon and made it really big, that’s basically what it would have looked like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-mosasaurs-nbsp">Iconic mosasaurs&nbsp;</h2>



A detailed examination revealed that Jormungandr possessed characteristics found in two iconic mosasaurs: Clidastes, the more primitive and smaller variant, and Mosasaurus, a formidable creature stretching nearly 50 feet, which existed alongside the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.&nbsp;



Notably, this new species, estimated at 24 feet, boasted flippers, a shark-like tail, "angry eyebrows" due to a bony ridge on its skull, and a somewhat stumpy tail, shorter than its body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-sea-monsters-nbsp">Giant sea monsters&nbsp;</h2>



“As these animals evolved into these giant sea monsters, they were constantly making changes,” said Zietlow. “This work gets us one step closer to understanding how all these different forms are related to one another.”



The study suggests that Jormungandr existed about 80 million years ago and was an evolutionary precursor to the colossal Mosasaurus.



“This fossil is coming from a geologic time in the United States that we don’t really understand,” said study co-author Clint Boyd from the North Dakota Geological Survey. “The more we can fill in the geographic and temporal timeline, the better we can understand these creatures.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://digitallibrary.amnh.org/items/13b0485f-c73f-47f9-8d1d-0d4ab6aaedfb">Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History</a>.



Image Credit: © Henry Sharpe



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Jormungandr: 24-foot lizard is a new link in mosasaur evolution

Scientists have uncovered a new species of mosasaur, a marine...

A recent study highlights the crucial role played by Earth's upper atmosphere in shaping large geomagnetic storms. The study underscores the profound influence these storms can have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/communications-satellites-may-disrupt-astronomical-observations/">satellite</a> communications, with potential disruptions to power grids, radio signals, and GPS.



The international collaborative study was led by <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan and the University of New Hampshire in the United States. The research offers intriguing new insights into the development of geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind">Solar wind</h2>



Historically, the Sun has been perceived as the primary driver of geomagnetic storms. The Sun's outer layer, composed of hot charged particles, emits a solar wind which interacts with Earth's magnetosphere.&nbsp;



These interactions with the magnetic field around our planet are known to influence space weather, affecting both Earth and our technological assets in space.



Central to the magnetosphere is the magnetotail, which extends in the direction of the solar wind. Within it lies the plasma sheet region, dense with charged particles or plasma. This region acts as a reservoir for particles that infiltrate the inner magnetosphere, triggering the currents behind geomagnetic storms.



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



The goal of the study was to determine the proportion of plasma in the magnetosphere originating from Earth, especially during geomagnetic storm events.&nbsp;



The team focused on a significant geomagnetic storm that occurred between September 7-8, 2017, caused by a huge coronal mass ejection from the Sun. This storm disrupted the magnetosphere, leading to interference with crucial communication systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ion-transport-dynamics-nbsp">Ion transport dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



To understand the ion transport dynamics during the storm, the team leveraged data from various space missions, like the NASA/Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, the Japanese Arase mission, the ESA/Cluster mission, and the NASA/Wind mission.&nbsp;



By distinguishing ions from the solar wind and the ionosphere, the experts identified significant changes in the near-earth plasma sheet's composition and characteristics, which directly influence the progression of a geomagnetic storm.&nbsp;



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



“The most important discovery was that at the beginning of the geomagnetic storm, the plasma changed from mostly solar to mostly ionospheric,” explained study lead author Lynn Kistler. “This shows that the geomagnetic storm drives more outflow from the Earth’s ionosphere, and that the ionospheric plasma can move quickly throughout the magnetosphere.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Overall, our research contributes to understanding the development of geomagnetic storms by showing the importance of Earth’s ionospheric plasma."



“We found compelling evidence that plasmas from not only the Sun but also the Earth drive a geomagnetic storm. In short, the properties of the plasma sheet (the density, the particle energy distribution, the composition) will affect geomagnetic storms, and these properties are different for different sources.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41735-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Geomagnetic storms are influenced by Earth's atmosphere

A recent study highlights the crucial role played by Earth's...

A study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> reveals that if immediate measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are not taken, the world is on track for 1.5°C of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">warming</a> before 2030. 



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



The research is the most recent and detailed analysis of the global carbon budget. The carbon budget is essentially an estimate of how much carbon dioxide we can emit while still limiting global warming to specific temperature increases.



The Paris Agreement, an international treaty signed by 196 countries, established a goal of capping the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels. The greater goal is to limit this temperature increase to 1.5°C. Progress on these targets is often measured using the remaining carbon budget.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dwindling-carbon-budget-nbsp">Dwindling carbon budget&nbsp;</h2>



The Imperial study has discovered that the carbon budget is significantly smaller than prior estimates. The researchers estimate that for a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C, there are less than 250 gigatons of carbon dioxide left in the global carbon budget.



The experts warn that if carbon dioxide emissions remain at 2022 levels of about 40 billion gigatons per year, the carbon budget will be exhausted by around 2029, committing the world to warming of 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.



This dwindling carbon budget is attributed to two main factors: the relentless rise in global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, and a refined understanding of the cooling effect of aerosols, which has been decreasing globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-are-not-doing-enough">We are not doing enough</h2>



Dr Robin Lamboll, the study's lead author, highlighted the severity of the situation. “Our finding confirms what we already know – we’re not doing nearly enough to keep warming below 1.5°C."



“The remaining budget is now so small that minor changes in our understanding of the world can result in large proportional changes to the budget. However, estimates point to less than a decade of emissions at current levels."



"The lack of progress on emissions reduction means that we can be ever more certain that the window for keeping warming to safe levels is rapidly closing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-climate-report">UN Climate Report</h2>



Dr Joeri Rogelj, a professor of Climate Science &amp; Policy at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, noted that these findings align with the UN Climate Report from 2021.&nbsp;



“That report from 2021 already highlighted that there was a one in three chance that the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C could be as small as our study now reports," said Dr. Rogelj.



“This shows the importance of not simply looking at central estimates, but also considering the uncertainty surrounding them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-definitive-answers">Definitive answers</h2>



For those wondering about the 2°C target, the study estimates the carbon budget for that is around 1,200 gigatons. Without intervention, this budget could be expended by 2046.



While there's been debate about the precise remaining carbon budget due to various influencing factors, this research is more definitive. The experts used advanced climate modeling to address uncertainties, which means their estimates more reliable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-zero">Net zero</h2>



One of the key takeaways is the concept of net zero, which refers to balancing out emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. The study suggests there's a lot we don’t know about how the climate will react as we approach net zero.&nbsp;



For instance, while factors like melting ice might cause further warming, increased vegetation growth could absorb significant carbon dioxide, leading to a cooling effect.



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



Dr. Lamboll said these uncertainties further highlight the urgent need to rapidly cut emissions. “At this stage, our best guess is that the opposing warming and cooling will approximately cancel each other out after we reach net zero."



“However, it’s only when we only when we cut emissions and get closer to net zero that we will be able to see what the longer-term heating and cooling adjustments will look like."



“Every fraction of a degree of warming will make life harder for people and ecosystems. This study is yet another warning from the scientific community. Now it is up to governments to act.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01848-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Window to avoid 1.5°C warming is nearly closed, study reveals

A study led by researchers at Imperial College London reveals...

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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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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