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....

Emperor,Penguins,(aptenodytes,Forsteri)with,Chicks,In,The,Colony,On,The

Researchers led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> have uncovered a vast and ancient landscape hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. 



This remarkable finding, which reveals <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/east-antarctica_hidden-landscape_1big.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valleys and ridges</a> formed by rivers millions of years ago, not only sheds light on the mysterious sub-ice terrain but also has significant implications for understanding the ice sheet's response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-east-antarctic-ice">Beneath the East Antarctic ice</h2>



Utilizing advanced technologies, the research team harnessed satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques to map an extensive 32,000 km2 area beneath the ice sheet. Their findings uncovered a landscape that bears striking similarities to the glacially modified terrains seen in regions like North Wales, UK, but with a history that predates the inception of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> ice.



This ancient terrain, believed to have been shaped by river systems at least 14 million years ago, could even precede the initial growth of the East Antarctic ice, estimated to have begun around 34 million years ago. The revelation of such old geographical features under the ice has captivated scientists and highlighted the necessity of exploring these hidden realms to comprehend Antarctica's past, present, and future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-the-past">A window into the past</h2>



The existence of such a well-preserved subglacial landscape implies a notable long-term temperature stability within the region. The intricacies of this terrain play a significant role in dictating the ice flow and the ice sheet's overall resilience amidst climatic shifts.



Lead author, Professor Stewart Jamieson, from Durham University's Department of Geography, drew an astonishing comparison. He stated, “The land underneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is less well known than the surface of Mars.” 



Jamieson emphasized the urgency in understanding this hidden landscape, as it significantly influences how the ice might respond to climate variations. The study marks a critical step forward in polar science. By offering insights into the ice sheet's ancient history, it helps scientists prepare for, and react to, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-shelves-are-dwindling-at-a-startling-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming scenarios</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-a-concealed-world">Insights from a concealed world</h2>



According to Professor Neil Ross, co-author of the study from <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, the discovery is remarkable in its implications for understanding the ice sheet's long-term history and potential future changes. The project, which he describes as having been a "slow burn," has ultimately led to an exciting publication that significantly contributes to the field of polar science.



Beyond its immediate findings, the study is part of a broader research initiative. The team has previously identified hidden mountain ranges, canyons, and subglacial lakes in Antarctica. These new findings will help them piece together the entire complex world existing beneath the icy façade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-through-the-east-antarctic-ice">Seeing through the East Antarctic ice</h2>



The investigation into this concealed world was not solely reliant on direct observation. Researchers employed satellite imagery capturing subtle undulations on the ice sheet’s surface, which offered clues about the landscape below. 



Additionally, radio-echo sounding technology enabled them to see through the ice and map the subglacial geography. This confirmed the ancient landscape's existence in several locations.



Their findings suggest the potential for other undiscovered landscapes within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-prevent-a-catastrophic-meltdown-of-the-worlds-largest-ice-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet, waiting to be revealed through further research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-subglacial-exploration">Continuing the subglacial exploration</h2>



Eager to build on their discoveries, the research team, supported by organizations such as the UK Research and Innovation’s Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>), the US National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, plans ongoing exploration of this subglacial world.



Professor Jamieson expressed the team's commitment to this challenging endeavor. He acknowledged the need to explore unsurveyed regions in order to comprehend the extensive history of the ice sheet and its underlying landscape.



In summary, this research illuminates a realm hidden from human eyes, challenging assumptions about the Antarctic region's geological history and climate patterns. 



By revealing a landscape preserved for millions of years, the scientists underscore the importance of these subglacial explorations in predicting Antarctica's response to contemporary and future environmental challenges. The journey beneath the ice, it seems, is just beginning.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42152-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Ancient river landscape lies beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Researchers led by Durham University have uncovered a vast and...

A study from <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> has brought to light surprising findings on the effects of fires in North America's boreal forests. 



The research reveals that the post-fire shift from coniferous to deciduous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/">trees</a> is not permanent, which is contrary to previous beliefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciduous-trees-nbsp">Deciduous trees&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, wildfires in the region led to the dominance of deciduous trees over their coniferous counterparts. Deciduous trees, known for their rapid growth, absorb more carbon and reflect more light. This leads to a cooler climate and a reduced likelihood of subsequent fires.



The study's findings, however, reveal a more complicated picture. While the boreal forests indeed turn more deciduous post-fire, they do not remain in this state.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coniferous-trees-nbsp">Coniferous trees&nbsp;</h2>



Approximately three to four decades after a fire, a shift back toward coniferous trees begins. To reach this conclusion, the experts analyzed satellite imagery from boreal forests spanning three decades.



The researchers also found that there was no overall shift toward deciduous cover. This is because the abrupt loss of coniferous forests to wildfire was offset by the gradual increase in coniferous forests in areas that had not recently burned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tremendous-dynamics-nbsp">Tremendous dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



“We confirmed that fires clearly shift forests from conifer to deciduous cover, but when we look at those changes over many decades, we find deciduous trees begin to be replaced again by conifer trees three to four decades following fire,” said study co-author Professor Scott Goetz. “There are tremendous dynamics taking place, but when we tally those all up, the net feedbacks to climate were fairly small.”



“This was somewhat surprising because several recent studies suggested there were shifts toward deciduous forests at local to regional scales,” said study co-author Logan Berner, assistant research professor in SICCS.&nbsp;



“While our study indicates there have not been whole-sale shifts in forest composition during recent decades, we anticipate that continued climate warming and increased wildfire activity could lead to pronounced changes in forest composition over the coming decades.”



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



The study's insights hold significant importance, especially in the light of increasing fire disturbances observed in these forests in recent years. With climate changes making the environment warmer and drier, both the pattern of fires and post-fire recovery of the forests could be affected.



Brendan Rogers from the Woodwell Climate Research Center emphasized the importance of these findings. After a summer that witnessed record-breaking fires in Canada, understanding the compositional shifts of these forests in response to fires over time becomes paramount.&nbsp;



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



“As we think about fire management approaches, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate fire risk to local communities and infrastructure, this study provides a critical foundation for future research,” said Rogers.&nbsp;



“Especially after a summer of record-breaking fires in Canada, understanding how the composition of these forests will shift and respond to fire over time is crucial to informing best management practices and protecting people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-boreal-vulnerability-experiment">Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment</h2>



Conducted as a part of NASA’s Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), the team utilized high-resolution satellite imagery captured by the Landsat series of satellites. This allowed them to quantify changes in forest composition and the associated climate feedback effects.



The research was led by Richard Massey, a former postdoctoral scholar at Northern Arizona University. It is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01851-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>. 



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Unexpected changes: What happens to boreal forests after fire?

A study from Northern Arizona University has brought to light...

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms, according to the results of a recent clinical trial conducted by researchers from the renowned <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a>.



The study reveals that even just one session of heated yoga per week might provide therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with moderate to severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-is-just-as-effective-as-drugs-for-treating-depression/">depression</a>.



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



The trial involved a total of 80 participants, all of whom had been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression. They were divided into two groups: one practiced 90-minute sessions of Bikram yoga in a room heated to 105°F, while the second group was waitlisted and only took part in the yoga sessions after their waiting period.



The initial analysis included 33 participants from the yoga group and 32 from the waitlist group. Those in the yoga group were recommended to attend at least two classes each week, but on average, they participated in about 10.3 classes over the two-month period.



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



At the end of the eight weeks, yoga participants saw a notably greater drop in symptoms of depression compared to those on the waitlist. This was measured using the clinician-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-CR) scale.



Overall, 59.3 percent of individuals in the yoga group experienced a reduction of 50 percent or more in their depressive symptoms. By contrast, only 6.3 percent of waitlist participants reported the same improvement.



Remarkably, 44 percent of the yoga participants achieved such low IDS-CR scores that they were considered to be in remission from their depression, compared to just 6.3 percent in the waitlist group. Even participants who took part in just one yoga session a week reported reduced symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-medication-based-approach-nbsp">Non-medication based approach&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Maren Nyer is the Director of Yoga Studies at MGH's Depression Clinical and Research Program and an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.



“Yoga and heat-based interventions could potentially change the course for treatment for patients with depression by providing a non-medication–based approach with additional physical benefits as a bonus,” said Dr. Nyer.



“We are currently developing new studies with the goal of determining the specific contributions of each element - heat and yoga - to the clinical effects we have observed in depression.”



However, senior author Dr. David Mischoulon emphasized the need for further studies. He suggests comparing heated and non-heated yoga to determine if the heat itself, especially considering the promising evidence for whole body hyperthermia, offers any added advantages in treating depression.



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



Heated yoga, commonly referred to as "hot yoga," is a style of yoga practiced in a room heated to temperatures between 85°F to 105°F (29°C to 40°C), with a humidity of 40 to 60 percent. The heat is believed to help practitioners sweat out toxins, increase flexibility, and improve circulation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-popular-forms-of-hot-yoga-nbsp">Popular forms of hot yoga&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bikram-yoga">Bikram Yoga</h4>



This is a specific sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room set to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. Classes last for 90 minutes.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moksha-modo-yoga">Moksha/Modo Yoga</h4>



This is a set sequence of postures practiced in a slightly cooler room than Bikram, around 95°F to 100°F (35°C to 37°C). The sequence and temperature can vary slightly depending on the studio.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-vinyasa">Hot Vinyasa</h4>



Unlike the set sequences of Bikram and Moksha, hot vinyasa classes can vary in their sequence. The room is usually heated, but temperatures can range depending on the studio.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



<ul>
<li>Increased flexibility: The heat can make it easier for muscles to stretch.</li>



<li>Detoxification: Sweating can help flush toxins from the body.</li>



<li>Improved circulation: The heat can enhance blood flow.</li>



<li>Mental focus: The challenging environment can help practitioners hone their concentration and mental discipline.</li>
</ul>



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4088/JCP.22m14621)">Journal of Clinical Psychiatry</a>.



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Heated yoga shows promise as a treatment for depression

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms,...

With their striking appearance and remarkable hunting skills, kingfishers are fascinating creatures. In a recent study, scientists have taken a closer look at the genetic makeup of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/">birds</a> to understand the secrets behind their unique ability to plunge-dive into water without harming their brains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-headfirst">Diving headfirst</h2>



Imagine diving headfirst into a pool – it’s no easy feat. The force of the water can be surprisingly jarring, even more so when approached at an incorrect angle.&nbsp;



Yet, the kingfisher seems to have mastered this act, diving headfirst to catch fish. The question is: how do they manage this without sustaining any brain damage?



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



The study, published in the journal Communications Biology, was focused on a comparison of the DNA of 30 different kingfisher species. The goal was to identify genes that could give insight into the birds' specialized diet and their unique diving abilities.&nbsp;



Chad Eliason, the study’s first author and a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago, said: "It’s a high-speed dive from air to water, and it’s done by very few bird species." The potential risk of such dives has made the kingfisher's ability a point of scientific intrigue.



“For kingfishers to dive headfirst the way they do, they must have evolved other traits to keep them from hurting their brains,” said study senior author Shannon Hackett.



This theory is further supported by the fact that not all kingfishers have a fish-centric diet. Some eat land-based prey such as insects, lizards, and even other kingfishers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-evolution-nbsp">Diverse evolution&nbsp;</h2>



Prior research by co-authors Jenna McCollough and Michael Andersen, both from the University of New Mexico, revealed that kingfishers evolved their fish-eating habits multiple times rather than from a single fish-eating ancestor.&nbsp;



“The fact that there are so many transitions to diving is what makes this group both fascinating and powerful, from a scientific research perspective,” says Hackett. “If a trait evolves a multitude of different times independently, that means you have power to find an overarching explanation for why that is.”



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



To investigate, the researchers analyzed the DNA of 30 species of kingfishers. They sourced the kingfisher DNA from specimens at the Field Museum’s collections. Using advanced sequencing techniques, they generated the entire genetic code of each bird.



The analysis revealed that diving kingfishers had several genetic modifications related to diet and brain structure. Notably, mutations were found in the AGT gene, associated with dietary flexibility in other species, and the MAPT gene, which is linked to tau proteins affecting feeding behavior.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tau-proteins-nbsp">Tau proteins&nbsp;</h2>



The role of tau proteins is critical. They stabilize structures inside the brain, but an excess can be harmful. In humans, for instance, conditions like traumatic brain injuries and Alzheimer’s are tied to a buildup of tau. This raises questions about how kingfishers mitigate the risks associated with frequent diving.



Hackett’s own experience sparked her curiosity about tau proteins. “I learned a lot about tau protein when I was the concussion manager of my son’s hockey team."&nbsp;



“I started to wonder, why don’t kingfishers die because their brains turn to mush? There’s gotta be something they're doing that protects them from the negative influences of repeatedly landing on their heads on the water’s surface."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-pressure-nbsp">Selective pressure&nbsp;</h2>



Hackett suspects that tau proteins may be something of a double-edged sword. “The same genes that keep your neurons in your brain in all nice and ordered are the things that fail when you get repeated concussions if you're a football player or if you get Alzheimer's." 



"My guess is there’s some sort of strong selective pressure on those proteins to protect the birds’ brains in some way.”&nbsp;



The team's next challenge is to understand how these genetic mutations impact the proteins produced and how these changes equip the bird's brain to handle the stresses of diving.



“Now, we know which of the underlying genes are shifting that help create the differences that we see across the kingfisher family,” said Eliason. “But now that we know which genes to look at, it created more mysteries. That’s how science works.”



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How do kingfishers dive without hurting their brains?

With their striking appearance and remarkable hunting skills, kingfishers are...

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been found on the summits of 20,000-foot volcanoes in the Andes mountains. The revelation raises new questions about the remarkable survival instincts of these small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-mice-dont-just-survive-but-thrive-with-physical-impairments/">rodents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hostile-environment-nbsp">Hostile environment&nbsp;</h2>



The initial findings date back to expeditions in the 1970s and ’80s when archaeologists reported stumbling upon mouse cadavers atop towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mice-volcanoes-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andean volcanoes</a>.



These peaks, situated in the driest desert on Earth, present a hostile environment with freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and punishing gale-force winds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-pilgrimages-nbsp">Sacred pilgrimages&nbsp;</h2>



Given the daunting surroundings, researchers initially believed that these rodents might have been transported to such heights by the Incas, who considered these summits sacred and often made pilgrimages spanning over a thousand miles.&nbsp;



The peaks served as altars for Capacocha, a ritual wherein children were sacrificed to various Incan gods. It was theorized that mice might have accidentally found their way amidst the supplies or were deliberately brought as part of the animal sacrifices.



“You can’t fault the archaeologists for thinking this way, because what other explanation is there? Nothing could be living up there, so they had to have been brought there," said Professor Jay Storz of the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astounding-discoveries">Astounding discoveries</h2>



However, Storz and his team inadvertently challenged this narrative in early 2020 when they captured a live leaf-eared mouse at an astounding altitude of 22,000 feet on Llullaillaco, a volcano on the Chile-Argentina boundary. This marked the first-ever instance of a mammal being discovered alive at such an altitude.



Furthermore, the team reported discovering 13 more mummified leaf-eared mice on the summits of nearby volcanoes - Salín, Púlar, and Copiapó.&nbsp;



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



Through carbon-14 analysis, the experts determined that most of these mummies were relatively recent, with some dating post-1955. This contradicted the earlier belief that these mice were brought by the Incas, especially since the Incas had fallen to Spanish invaders centuries before the mummies' dated time.



Compelling genetic evidence further validated the mice's natural presence at these heights. DNA analysis by collaborators from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a> revealed that the genetic variation of these high-altitude mice was consistent with those found in the lower regions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/salar-de-atacama-the-salt-flats-of-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Desert</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skilled-mountaineers-nbsp">Skilled mountaineers&nbsp;</h2>



“Our genomic data indicate no: that the mice from the summits, and those from the flanks or the base of the volcanoes in the surrounding desert terrain, are all one big happy family,” said Storz. He said it was more evidence that the mummies were not hitchhikers but mountaineers.



Intriguingly, observations also reveal an equal gender ratio among the mummies and evidence of local mouse burrows. This suggests that these rodents have not only ventured to these heights but are also sustaining a life high up on the volcanoes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-lived-in-extreme-mountains">Mice lived in extreme mountains</h2>



The Puna de Atacama, where these mice reside, is so extreme that it has served as a practice ground for NASA’s Mars missions.&nbsp;



“Even at the base of the volcanoes, the mice are living in an extreme, Martian environment,” said Storz. “And then, on the summits of the volcanoes, it’s even more so. It feels like outer space.



“It just boggles the mind that any kind of animal, let alone a warm-blooded mammal, could be surviving and functioning in that environment. When you experience it all firsthand, it even further impresses upon you: How in God’s name is anything living up there?”



Yet, many questions remain. While the high altitudes offer refuge from predators like foxes, mountain lions, and birds of prey, what drives these mice to endure the harsh conditions of these summits remains a mystery.



Image Credit: Jay Storz, University of Nebraska–Lincoln



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Mummified mice lived in Mars-like conditions in the Andes mountains

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been...

3d.,Illustration.,Man,On,Top,Of,A,Mountain,Observing,The

In a universe that stretches beyond the farthest horizons of our imagination, the question persists: are we alone? Scientists from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> are spearheading a monumental project to answer this question. Their new initiative scours the cosmos for "technosignatures," or indicators of technology used by alien species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probing-the-cosmos-for-technosignatures">Probing the cosmos for technosignatures</h2>



Professor Evan Keane, Associate Professor of Radio Astronomy at Trinity's School of Physics and the project's lead, is navigating uncharted celestial territories. The team is utilizing the Irish Low Frequency Array (<a href="https://lofar-surveys.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR</a>) telescope, along with its Swedish counterpart. They are utilizing a novel approach that amplifies the search capacity exponentially, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/technosignature_plot-map_Credit-Trinity-University_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitoring millions of star systems</a> that may harbor life-sustaining environments.



For over six decades, the scientific community has been on a relentless quest to intercept extraterrestrial communications through radio signals. However, traditional methodologies, largely reliant on single observatories, have faced significant limitations. Earth's own cacophony of radio interference often muddles potential signals from deep space. This interference has prompted the need for a more refined technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-through-the-noise">Breaking through the noise</h2>



This venture, a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, the <a href="https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiative/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakthrough Listen initiative</a>, and <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/infrastructure/oso/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Onsala Space Observatory</a>, marks a paradigm shift in extraterrestrial intelligence research. By employing a network of telescopes, the team can explore the vastly under-examined lower radio frequencies. These fall between 110 -- 190 MHz, and were previously inaccessible due to technological constraints.



The Breakthrough Listen program, lauded for its comprehensive approach to the search for advanced extraterrestrial life, has been instrumental in this project. It leverages the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/I-LOFAR_telescope_listening-array_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR stations in Ireland</a> and Sweden, minimizing the probability of "false positive" signals. 



Unfortunately, false positives are commonplace due to terrestrial radio interference. However, this innovative method elevates the precision and reliability of the search, filtering out Earth's radio 'clutter' and honing in on potential alien broadcasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-needle-in-a-haystack">Cosmic needle in a haystack</h2>



The project's initial phase encompassed an extensive sweep of 1.6 million star systems. These systems were identified by the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia mission</a> and NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS mission</a> as potential hotspots for extraterrestrial activity. While these preliminary scans haven't identified clear technosignatures, the team emphasizes that the search is in its infancy.



Professor Keane reflects on the profound implications of their work. He stated, "The conditions for life, perplexingly common, suggest a universe brimming with possibilities. The sheer commonality of life's prerequisites compels us to seek our cosmic counterparts."



He further illustrates the rationale behind their radio-focused strategy, grounded in the assumption that extraterrestrial beings might use technologies akin to ours. "Radio frequencies," Professor Keane explains, "emerge as a logical choice for interstellar communication, considering our reliance on similar technologies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-boundaries-for-technosignatures">Pushing boundaries for technosignatures</h2>



Owen Johnson, a pioneering PhD candidate at Trinity, expresses the exhilaration of venturing into the unknown. "This survey isn't just about finding other civilizations," Johnson explains. "It's about stretching the capabilities of our technology, potentially leading to discoveries that we can't even predict."



The team anticipates significant advancements on the horizon, with planned upgrades to the LOFAR network that will expand the accessible radio spectrum for the search. Future explorations will harness machine learning for data analysis. This approach could delve into billions of star systems, a process Johnson finds fascinatingly ironic. He said, "It's a curious thought that we might ultimately rely on artificial intelligence -- our own creation -- to discover other life in the universe."



As humanity stands on the cusp of potential interstellar connection, this research not only signifies a leap in our quest to understand our place in the cosmos but also underscores an eternal curiosity that propels us into the stars. The universe awaits, vast and teeming with unanswered questions. Perhaps, through endeavors like these, we inch ever closer to discovering our place within it.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/acf9f5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Searching for technosignatures from intelligent life in the cosmos

In a universe that stretches beyond the farthest horizons of...

Researchers have discovered that bumblebees make complex decisions when foraging for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/">nectar</a>, and they prioritize immediate rewards over energy efficiency.



While observing bumblebees' interactions with slippery artificial flowers, the experts found that they make choices to maximize the rate of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/">energy</a> return, or the amount of sugar collected each minute.



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



“Bumblebees can make decisions ‘on the fly’ about which nectar sources are the most energetically economical,” said study first author Jonathan Pattrick.&nbsp;



“By training bumblebees to visit artificial slippery flowers and using different ‘nectars’ with high, medium or low amounts of sugar, we found that they could make a trade-off between the energy content of the nectar and how difficult it was to access.”



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



This behavioral pattern stands in contrast to honeybees, which have been found to prioritize energy efficiency in their foraging. Pattrick suggests that the distinct lifestyles of bumblebees and honeybees might be responsible for this variance.&nbsp;



“Bumblebees have a different lifestyle to honeybees: they only store a small amount of nectar in the nest and so have to make the most of every available opportunity to forage,” Pattrick said.&nbsp;



“This difference between species may be why the bumblebees adopt a strategy such that their foraging is of more immediate benefit to the colony, even if it means they have to work harder, while honeybees take a relatively more measured approach to how hard they work – this should prolong their working lifespan.”



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



The team, working at the University of Cambridge, UK, used specially designed artificial flowers with slippery surfaces to study this trade-off. These flowers were placed both vertically and horizontally.&nbsp;



The researchers also used a custom computer program to record the minute behaviors of the bumblebees as they opted to gather high-sugar nectar from the slippery flowers, which necessitated hovering, or chose flowers they could land on with lower sugar concentrations. This rigorous method resulted in a total of 60,000 individual behavioral observations.



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



The data showed that bumblebees were making decisions based on the rate of energy return. Earlier studies, relying on observing bees in their natural settings, had left some ambiguity regarding their decision-making process.



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



Pattrick noted the significance of these findings for understanding bee behaviors and their interaction with flowers.&nbsp;



“Identifying the currency used by nectar-foraging bumblebees helps provide a framework for understanding how bumblebees make foraging decisions," said Pattrick.



“This information can be used to make predictions about the sorts of flowers the bees are likely to be visiting. In turn, this could inform choices of the flowers to plant in field margins and is also relevant to crop breeders who want to make varieties which are ‘better’ for bumblebees.”



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



However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The researchers believe that future studies should delve deeper to determine if bumblebees consistently use this decision-making currency across varied foraging contexts.&nbsp;



The team also expressed admiration for the bumblebee's cognitive abilities, with Pattrick stating, "We find it amazing that, even with a relatively simple brain, bumblebees are able to make such complex energetic decisions."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.108071">iScience</a>.



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Bumblebees choose immediate rewards over energy efficiency

Researchers have discovered that bumblebees make complex decisions when foraging...

Recent simulations conducted using the UK's national supercomputer have provided concerning insights into the fate of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). The research suggests that substantial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-ice-sheet-melting-in-past-decade-is-worst-in-recorded-history/">melting</a> is inevitable, posing serious questions about our ability to control or adapt to the resulting sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inevitable-melting">Inevitable melting</h2>



The scientists used the supercomputer to explore the ocean-driven melting patterns of the WAIS. Their goal was to discern how much melting is inevitable and what portion can still be influenced by managing greenhouse gas emissions.



Despite considering climate fluctuations such as El Niño, the results were alarming. They showed minimal difference between moderate emission scenarios and the ambitious targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement.&nbsp;



The study revealed that even if global temperature rise is restricted to the optimal target of 1.5°C, the rate of melting would be three times faster than that experienced in the 20th century.



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



The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is currently shedding ice at an alarming rate, standing as Antarctica's primary contributor to rising sea levels.&nbsp;



Past models have suggested that the Southern Ocean's warming, especially in the Amundsen Sea region, is the driving force behind this phenomenon.&nbsp;



If the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted, it would elevate the global sea level by as much as five meters. Such a rise would have dire consequences for the millions residing along coastlines worldwide.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-to-prepare-nbsp">Time to prepare&nbsp;</h2>



“It looks like we’ve lost control of melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. If we wanted to preserve it in its historical state, we would have needed action on climate change decades ago," said Dr. Kaitlin Naughten, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.



"The bright side is that by recognizing this situation in advance, the world will have more time to adapt to the sea level rise that’s coming. If you need to abandon or substantially re-engineer a coastal region, having 50 years lead time is going to make all the difference.”



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



Dr. Naughten's team simulated several 21st-century scenarios. These projections either met the Paris Agreement's targets or followed standard paths for medium to high carbon emissions.



A significant takeaway was the striking similarity in outcomes for the three lower-range emission scenarios. All of them anticipated a considerable warming of the Amundsen Sea, leading to increased ice-shelf melting.&nbsp;



Although the worst-case scenario predicted even more melting, it was deemed unlikely since it assumes a rapid increase in emissions after 2045.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



While the study paints a somber picture, it does not negate the value of active mitigation against climate change impacts.



“We must not stop working to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. What we do now will help to slow the rate of sea level rise in the long term," said Dr. Naughten.



"The slower the sea level changes, the easier it will be for governments and society to adapt to, even if it can’t be stopped.”



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West Antarctic Ice Sheet: Melting rate will triple, even with climate action

Recent simulations conducted using the UK's national supercomputer have provided...

In an extraordinary revelation, researchers from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> have shed light on how a fragment of the moon could have transitioned to becoming a near-Earth asteroid. 



The study is focused on the asteroid Kamo`oalewa, which was proposed by a UArizona team in 2021 to be a fragment of the moon.&nbsp;



Now, after two years, another research group at the same university has provided further insight, suggesting a unique trajectory that could have made such a transformation possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-fragments-nbsp">Lunar fragments&nbsp;</h2>



Study senior author Professor Renu Malhotra noted that so far, only distant asteroids from beyond the orbit of Mars have been considered a source of near-Earth asteroids. "We are now establishing that the moon is a more likely source of Kamo`oalewa."



This raises intriguing prospects of the presence of many undiscovered lunar fragments within the near-Earth asteroid population.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



The researchers were particularly interested in two unique aspects of Kamo'oalewa. First, it is designated as Earth's quasi-satellite. This term is reserved for asteroids that have orbits resembling Earth's so closely that they give the illusion of orbiting the Earth, even though their actual path is around the sun. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="ORIAumVsss-3108364-12187" type="single"]</div>



The other peculiar aspect of Kamo`oalewa is its longevity, said Jose Daniel Castro-Cisneros, the study's lead author and a graduate student in the Department of Physics.&nbsp;



Unlike other celestial objects that occupy Earth-like orbits temporarily, Kamooalewa is expected to remain Earth's companion for millions of years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroid-impact">Meteoroid impact</h2>



Interestingly, a 2021 study had already hinted at Kamo`oalewa's lunar origins. The asteroid's spectrum was distinctly different from other near-Earth asteroids but closely mirrored that of the moon. This led to the theory that a meteoroid impact might have ejected this fragment from the lunar surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-like-orbits-nbsp">Earth-like orbits&nbsp;</h2>



In the current study, the researchers set out to investigate the feasibility of a lunar fragment adopting a quasi-satellite orbit. The challenge is that moon fragments capable of escaping the gravitational pull of both Earth and the moon usually don't end up in Earth-like orbits.&nbsp;



However, using precise numerical simulations which accounted for gravitational impacts from all planets, the team found that certain lunar fragments can land in such orbits. Kamo`oalewa might just be one of these fragments, a result of a lunar impact occurring in the last few million years.



Throughout its history, the moon has been bombarded by asteroids, which is evident in the numerous impact craters preserved on its surface, explained Malhotra. Impacts cause lunar material to be ejected from the moon's surface, but most of that material usually falls back on the moon, she said.



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



According to the researchers, the study's findings could help understand more about near-Earth asteroids, which are considered a hazard to Earth. Malhotra noted that more detailed studies of Kamo`oalewa and determining this asteroid's origin in a specific impact crater on the moon will provide useful insights on impact mechanics.



Castro-Cisneros said the team is planning to identify the specific conditions that allowed the orbital pathway of Kamo`oalewa.&nbsp;



"We looked at Kamo`oalewa's spectrum only because it was in an unusual orbit," said Malhotra. "If it had been a typical near-Earth asteroid, no one would have thought to find its spectrum and we wouldn't have known Kamo`oalewa could be a lunar fragment."



Video Credit: Jose Daniel Castro-Cisneros/University of Arizona



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8339513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Near-Earth asteroid may be a fragment of the moon

In an extraordinary revelation, researchers from the University of Arizona...

World,Map,,Earth,Flat,View.,Detailed,World,Physical,Map,In

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of Earth's history - a lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-rift-massive-crack-could-split-the-continent-in-half/">continent</a> called Argoland. Around 155 million years ago, a 5,000-kilometer chunk broke off of western Australia and began its solitary drift.&nbsp;



The void that was left behind is marked by a basin deep below the ocean known as the Argo Abyssal Plain. But, where did Argoland actually go?



A new study from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> reveals that while Argoland might not exist as a singular mass today, it has not vanished entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-argoland">The journey of Argoland</h2>



Scientists have relied on the underwater Argo Abyssal Plain as evidence of Argoland's past existence. The seabed structure suggests that the detached continent drifted northwestward, potentially towards present-day Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



But the mystery deepens, as the vast continent-sized footprint of Argoland is conspicuously absent beneath Southeast Asian islands. Instead, these islands sit atop smaller continental fragments, encircled by significantly older oceanic basins.



This led geologists to dive deeper into the fate of Argoland. They found that the lost continent hasn't completely disappeared - it has simply shattered into fragments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-hidden-tales">Earth's hidden tales</h2>



Earth's crust varies in weight, comprising heavier oceanic sections and lighter continental chunks. Interestingly, these lighter portions might be lurking below sea level, much like Greater Adria, another lost continent.&nbsp;



Greater Adria's journey ended when it submerged into the Earth's mantle, leaving its top layer behind, which later morphed into the mountains of Southern Europe. Argoland, by contrast, left no evidence in the form of folded rocks.



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



Utrecht University geologist Douwe van Hinsbergen emphasized the significance of tracing these continents.&nbsp;



“If continents can dive into the mantle and disappear entirely, without leaving a geological trace at the Earth’s surface, then we wouldn’t have much of an idea of what the Earth could have looked in the geological past. It would be almost impossible to create reliable reconstructions of former supercontinents and the Earth’s geography in foregone eras," said van Hinsbergen.



“Those reconstructions are vital for our understanding of processes like the evolution of biodiversity and climate, or for finding raw materials. And at a more fundamental level: for understanding how mountains are formed or for working out the driving forces behind plate tectonics; two phenomena that are closely related.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-of-information-nbsp">Islands of information&nbsp;</h2>



Van Hinsbergen and his colleague Eldert Advokaat were curious about what the geology of Southeast Asia may reveal about Argoland.&nbsp;



“But we were literally dealing with islands of information, which is why our research took so long. We spent seven years putting the puzzle together," said Advokaat.&nbsp;



“The situation in Southeast Asia is very different from places like Africa and South America, where a continent broke neatly into two pieces. Argoland splintered into many different shards. That obstructed our view of the continent’s journey.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragmented-continent-nbsp">Fragmented continent&nbsp;</h2>



But then, Advokaat realized that these fragments converged at their current locations simultaneously, painting a once cohesive picture. Today, the remnants of Argoland can be found beneath the jungles of Indonesia and Myanmar.



This fragmentation was characteristic. Argoland was never a single, solid landmass. Instead, it was an 'Argopelago,' a collection of microcontinental chunks interspersed with older oceanic basins. This aspect aligns with other known entities like Greater Adria and Zeelandia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-planet">An evolving planet</h2>



The investigation by Advokaat and Van Hinsbergen seamlessly links the geological systems between the Himalayas and the Philippines. Their explorations unravel why Argoland fragmented so intensely.&nbsp;



Around 215 million years ago, the continent underwent rapid fracturing, breaking into slender splinters. This theory was further supported through field studies on islands such as Sumatra, Borneo, and Timor.



The story of Argoland is not one of complete disappearance but of transformation. As the world continues to evolve, this lost continent serves as a compelling reminder of the ever-shifting nature of our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana Research</a>.



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Argoland: Unraveling the mysteries of a lost continent

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> reveals that spending time with a romantic partner is good for your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-living-near-the-seaside-enjoy-better-health/">health</a>, even if that time together is spent asleep. 



The research was focused on a protein that is found at higher levels in the blood when inflammation is present in the body.&nbsp;



Inflammation is a natural and vital part of the body's immune response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can be indicative of poor health.



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



"Social relationships are an important driver of health, and inflammation has been proposed as a key neurobiological mechanism to explain this effect," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Behavioral researchers have focused on social relationship quality to further explain the association, yet recent research indicates that relationship quality may not be as robust a predictor as previously thought."



"Here, building on animal models of social bonds and recent theory on close relationships, we instead investigated merely being in the physical presence of one’s romantic partner. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that spending more time co-present with a loved partner in everyday life would be associated with lower C-reactive protein."



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



For the investigation, the experts recruited 100 people in romantic relationships.&nbsp;



Over the course of a month, the participants provided blood samples three times. During each lab visit, the individuals reported on how much time they had spent in the same physical space as their partner in the previous 24 hours



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



"Results from multi-level models showed that when one reported spending more time in the physical presence of their partner they had lower CRP – an effect that was independent from social relationship quality explanations from the prior literature, including romantic relationship quality, hostility, and loneliness," wrote the researchers.



"These findings move past global assessments of social isolation to consider a novel everyday behavior that is of great interest in the non-human animal literature - spending time together - as a potential mechanism linking high-quality relationships and physical health in adult humans."



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



According to the Mayo Clinic, a high level of CRP in the blood has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. Elevated CRP over a long period of time has also been linked to health issues such as diabetes, obesity and cancer.



"For the first time to our knowledge, we showed that simply spending more time in the physical presence of a loved partner was associated with lower levels of CRP the next day," concluded the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-having-a-romantic-partner">Health benefits of having a romantic partner</h2>



Engaging in healthy romantic relationships can offer a range of emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits. For example, the support of a romantic partner can lead to decreased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health">Heart health</h3>



Some studies suggest that being in a committed relationship or being married reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



Romantic relationships may also act as a buffer against depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. The companionship and emotional support provided by a partner can be a source of comfort.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-function-nbsp">Immune function&nbsp;</h3>



Some research suggests that happily married individuals or those in stable relationships have better immune function compared to those who are single or in unhappy relationships.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-relief">Pain relief</h3>



The comfort and physical touch provided by a romantic partner can release oxytocin, which can act as a natural painkiller.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-healing">Improved healing</h3>



The emotional and psychological support from a partner can enhance the body's ability to heal faster after injury or surgery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-habits">Better habits</h3>



Being in a relationship might encourage healthier habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reduced substance abuse, as partners can motivate and hold each other accountable.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-life">Longer life</h3>



Some studies have found a correlation between being in a romantic relationship and increased lifespan. The reasons might be related to improved mental and physical health and stronger social networks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159122003828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain, Behavior, and Immunity</a>.



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Spending time with a romantic partner can improve your health

A new study from the University of North Carolina at...

Children infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omicron-is-much-more-deadly-than-the-seasonal-flu/">Omicron</a> variant of COVID-19 remain infectious for an average of three days after testing positive, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> and Stanford University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-policies">School policies</h2>



The research suggests that the prevalent school policy mandating a five-day isolation period for infected children is more than sufficient, and should be reevaluated.



“We're basically saying five days is more than sufficient; public-health and education leaders may consider shorter durations,” said co-author Neeraj Sood, Director of the COVID-19 Initiative and a senior fellow at the USC Schaeffer Center.



The analysis showed that by day five, 18.4 percent of the infected children remained contagious. By day ten, this number dropped significantly to 3.9 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccination-status-nbsp">Vaccination status&nbsp;</h2>



In a noteworthy observation, the researchers found no significant link between the duration of infectivity and vaccination status. This indicates that school re-entry guidelines may not need to distinguish between vaccinated and non-vaccinated students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-isolation-nbsp">Children's isolation&nbsp;</h2>



The topic of children's isolation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a matter of significant concern for parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers.



Isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. By ensuring that children who have contracted the virus stay away from others during their infectious period, it reduces the risk of community transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-nbsp">Educational impact&nbsp;</h2>



Extended periods of isolation can disrupt children's education. Especially given the educational interruptions children have already faced during the pandemic, it's essential to find a balance between health safety and educational continuity.



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



Apart from the educational impact, prolonged isolation can also affect children's mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.&nbsp;



Thus, it's crucial to ensure that kids have the necessary support during these times, whether it's through virtual interactions, engaging activities, or counseling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-isolation-protocols-nbsp">Self-isolation protocols&nbsp;</h2>



The findings of the USC study may ultimately lead to a more informed approach to self-isolation protocols for children.



These protocols – which have been implemented in school districts from New York City to Los Angeles – have been guided by little data so far, said the researchers.



“We want to protect the other children in the school who could potentially get infected, but at the same time, we don't want to disrupt education for the child who is infected, given the amount of disruption that's already happened,” said Sood. “The duration of infectivity is an important parameter into figuring out what the optimal duration of self-isolation should be.”



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



For the study, the researchers partnered with a virus testing enterprise, examining nasal swabs from 76 children aged 7-18 from Los Angeles County who tested positive for the Omicron variant.&nbsp;



Nikhilesh Kumar, lead author and a Medicine student at the USC Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the goal was to "capture how infectivity changed over the 10-day window."



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



The results are in line with prior research on Omicron-infected adults, which found no correlation between vaccination and infectivity duration. However, adults exhibited slightly prolonged infection durations, with a median of five days.



But as Sood noted, with the virus’s propensity to mutate, ongoing research will be necessary. “We need to continue doing studies like this because the next variant may have a longer or shorter duration of infectivity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Pediatrics</a>.



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Children may be isolating too long for COVID-19 infection

Children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 remain infectious...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features 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

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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...