Human societies often focus on dangers that exist here on Earth, but there are moments when the threats might come from much farther away.



Scientists have long wondered about cosmic events that can affect our planet’s biology. Some have been exploring whether powerful stellar explosions could be tied to catastrophic shifts in Earth’s distant past.



The idea that blasts from massive stars might have influenced global conditions is catching attention. 



Two large-scale losses of life have drawn renewed interest from researchers who see a pattern in the timing of star explosions and severe changes in Earth’s environment.



In a new study from <a href="https://www.keele.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keele University</a>, lead author Dr. Alexis Quintana, formerly of Keele and now at the <a href="https://www.ua.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alicante</a>, worked with Dr. Nick Wright from Keele to examine the distribution of massive stars in our region of the galaxy.



The study found that the rate of these stars going supernova near Earth appears to match two large ancient losses of life that happened 372 million years ago and 445 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-mass-extinctions">Past mass extinctions</h2>



Scientists refer to these moments in Earth’s past as the late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-newest-oldest-forest-recently-discovered-is-full-of-calamophyton-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devonian</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-worms-sparked-explosive-evolutionary-period-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician</a> events. 



The first occurred about 372 million years ago and led to the disappearance of around 70 percent of all species, shifting the balance of aquatic life.



The second happened 445 million years ago, removing 60 percent of marine invertebrates at a time when life mostly existed in the sea.



Researchers have struggled to nail down a clear spark for those events, though many have pointed to an erosion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-will-the-hole-disappear-for-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone layer</a>. 



Some now propose that cosmic detonations may have stripped away that protective layer, allowing intense ultraviolet light to reach Earth’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovas-within-earth-s-reach">Supernovas within Earth's reach</h2>



The authors say it is "a great illustration for how massive stars can act as both creators and destructors of life". 



These stars generate heavy elements that make planets possible, but their demise can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">produce bursts of radiation</a>.



The team embarked on what they call a “census” of nearby massive stars, known as OB stars, within around 3,260 light-years of the Sun.



OB stars are giants that can collapse under gravity when they run out of fuel, leading to an explosion that releases <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense waves of energy</a>.



The researchers then calculated how often these explosions might happen within 65 light-years of Earth, which is about 20 parsecs.



By comparing those estimates with the frequency of major losses of life linked to external triggers, they found a match that points to a nearby supernova as a likely suspect in the late Devonian and Ordovician events.



“We calculated the supernova rate close to Earth and found it to be consistent with the rate of mass extinction events on our planet that have been linked to external forces such as supernovae,” Dr Wright explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-a-supernova-do-to-earth">What would a supernova do to Earth</h2>



The study suggests that a supernova near Earth might erode the ozone layer, spark chemical reactions that produce acid rain, and expose organisms to harmful solar radiation.



“Supernova explosions bring heavy chemical elements into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-reveal-the-first-detailed-image-of-a-dying-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar medium</a>, which are then used to form new stars and planets. Dr. Quintana explained. 



"But if a planet, including the Earth, is located too close to this kind of event, this can have devastating effects."



If enough shielding is lost, regions of the planet might become biologically hazardous. This could halt the growth of some organisms while allowing others to take over previously occupied niches.



Dr Wright added, “Supernova explosions are some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kilonova-explosion-light-years-away-would-devastate-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most energetic explosions in the universe</a>. If a massive star were to explode as a supernova close to the Earth, the results would be devastating for life on Earth. This research suggests that this may have already happened.”



He and his colleagues see the new data as helpful for understanding how elements move around the galaxy and form the basis for new celestial objects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Supernova events are believed to happen at a rate of about one or two per century in galaxies such as the Milky Way. The chance of one erupting in our immediate neighborhood is low, though not impossible.



The researchers note that stars like Antares and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergiant-star-betelgeuse-may-have-a-buddy-causing-it-to-flicker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Betelgeuse</a> might run out of fuel in the next million years or so, yet they sit far enough away that the effects on Earth are likely limited.



The project’s census of massive stars also aids in studying black holes and neutron stars, which arise from the aftermath of stellar collapses.



The data can support improvements to gravitational wave detectors, which help scientists pinpoint the origins and structure of cosmic events.



By refining how often massive stars explode, astronomers can hone their forecasts for how often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational waves</a> ripple through space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-supernovas-and-future-study">Earth, supernovas, and future study</h2>



Plenty of questions remain about the ways in which these explosions can set off harmful changes in Earth’s environment.



Some experts wonder how quickly the atmosphere recovers if solar radiation spikes. Others are curious if life on land reacts differently from life at sea when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-particle-acceleration-new-source-of-cosmic-rays-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> increase.



Although researchers highlight a connection between supernovae and serious biological upheavals, there could be additional processes at work.



These blasts may seed the universe with valuable ingredients while also posing potential dangers when they happen too close for comfort.



The evidence is still coming together, but it points to a story where Earth’s ancient tragedies may have a cosmic explanation. Scientists plan to keep tracking massive stars in our galaxy to see what more can be learned.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/537/4/3332/8038277" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Two of Earth's mass extinctions were caused by something much worse than asteroids

Human societies often focus on dangers that exist here on Earth, but there are moments when the threats might come from much farther away. Scientists have long wondered about cosmic events that can affect our planet’s biology. Some have been exploring whether powerful stellar explosions could be tied to catastrophic shifts in Earth’s distant past. The idea that blasts from massive stars might have influenced global conditions is catching attention. Two large-scale losses of life have drawn renewed interest from researchers who see a pattern in the...

Encephalitis,,Yellow,Fever,,Malaria,Disease,,Mayaro,Or,Zika,Virus,Infected

Leaders and health experts across multiple African nations have raised alarm bells about the escalating malaria crisis, calling it the most severe in two decades. 



In a series of urgent appeals at the United Nations General Assembly last Friday, they emphasized the dire need for immediate, decisive action to curb the spread of this deadly disease, particularly in light of new challenges.



Malaria has long been a persistent threat in Africa, claiming lives at alarming rates. The continent bears the burden of 96% of malaria-related deaths worldwide, with children under the age of five representing up to 80% of these fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setbacks-in-eradication-efforts">Setbacks in eradication efforts</h2>



Efforts aimed at malaria treatment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/malaria-carrying-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eradication</a> are facing unprecedented setbacks. A prominent one is the insufficiency of funding to combat the disease effectively. Additionally, there is a decreased effectiveness of malaria drugs, hampering treatment efforts. 



A highly concerning development is the evolved resistance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-mosquitoes-eradicate-malaria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> to insecticides. This new resistance has experts urging the need to "get ahead of it before it outsmarts us."



President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau succinctly encapsulated the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are at a critical juncture. If we don’t act swiftly…we will undoubtedly see malaria upsurges and epidemics."



The <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>'s recent report disclosed a worrying trend: progress in combating malaria has either stalled or regressed in over 13 countries. This stagnation, coupled with the lack of access to lifesaving treatments for many, could seriously impede the goals to eliminate the disease by 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-renewed-commitment">Call for renewed commitment</h2>



Julio Rakotonirina, the Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the <a href="https://au.int/en/commission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Union Commission</a>, underscored the importance of sustained political commitment and the translation of such commitment into tangible actions. He emphasized that, given most African Union member states are currently off-track to achieve malaria elimination by 2030, extensive work remains to be done.



The current malaria crisis in Africa is at a critical crossroad, and the time to act is now. Leaders and health experts are fervently calling for comprehensive strategies and full financing to battle malaria, including addressing the new challenges that have arisen. 



The insufficiency of funds, declining efficacy of drugs, and the adaptation of mosquitoes to insecticides necessitate innovative solutions and international cooperation to prevent further loss of life, especially among children.



A multifaceted approach, involving consistent political commitment, augmented funding, community engagement, and scientific innovation, is pivotal to outsmarting the disease and achieving the 2030 elimination goals. The call from African leaders is clear: the world must unite in its efforts to eliminate malaria and safeguard future generations from this ancient foe.



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African leaders call for urgent action on malaria

Leaders and health experts across multiple African nations have raised...

Image,Of,African,Lady,In,Face,Mask,With,Thumbs,Up-child

In a blow to global health endeavors, the Independent Monitoring Board (IBM) of the <a href="https://polioeradication.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Polio Eradication Initiative</a> (GPEI) revealed that the mission to completely eradicate polio might miss its crucial objectives this year. 



The international strategy had aimed to halt the spread of wild polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the last remaining endemic countries, and curb the vaccine-derived strain, which is accountable for outbreaks worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stubborn-persistence">Stubborn persistence</h2>



Despite a staggering 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988 owing to widespread vaccination drives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-polio-vaccine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete obliteration</a> of this infectious disease remains an uphill battle. Polio's endurance hinders global health aspirations to see it become the second disease after smallpox, eradicated in 1980, to be completely wiped out.



However, Aidan O'Leary, Director of Polio Eradication at the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), asserts, "It can be done. And we need to make sure we finish the job." His resolve underscores the international community’s commitment to achieving a polio-free world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-polio-landscape">Current polio landscape</h2>



To date, this year has witnessed only seven documented cases of wild polio, with five in Afghanistan and two in Pakistan. O'Leary is optimistic about halting the spread of this strain by early 2024, albeit a few months past the initial target, holding out hope for the complete eradication of wild polio by 2026.



However, the vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) present a more formidable challenge. These originate from the mutated live virus in the oral polio vaccine, posing risks to unvaccinated populations if mutations turn virulent. Shockingly, recent instances of paralysis in children due to VDPVs are around 50 times higher than those from wild poliovirus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-challenges">Addressing the challenges</h2>



The GPEI conceded the challenges presented in IBM's review, acknowledging the ongoing struggles, particularly in areas facing insecurity. Eradicating vaccine-derived outbreaks is anticipated to be an especially lengthy process. 



O'Leary emphasized prioritizing vaccination and surveillance in areas like the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northwestern Nigeria, south-central Somalia, and northern Yemen, where VDPVs are rampant. "This is what is needed to shift the game," O'Leary highlighted, implying a possible recalibration of timelines but a steadfast commitment to eradication efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persisting-amidst-adversity">Persisting amidst adversity</h2>



Despite the hurdles, the concerted actions and unwavering dedication of the international community bring a ray of hope in the fight against polio. 



While the journey to eradicate polio is fraught with unprecedented challenges, the resilience and adaptability showcased by global health organizations and workers are pivotal in navigating the road ahead. The recalibration of strategies and a focus on the most affected regions are crucial to advancing towards a world free from the shadows of polio.



In summary, the path to polio eradication is intricate, marked by unforeseen obstacles and continuous learning. The setbacks experienced this year underscore the necessity for adaptability, fortitude, and a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions in the global fight against polio.



The ongoing endeavors and the relentless spirit of the global community illuminate the pathway to triumph over this debilitating disease, instilling hope for a polio-free future.



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Global campaign to eradicate polio is falling short

In a blow to global health endeavors, the Independent Monitoring...

Traces of ancient proteins found in fossilized dinosaur feathers may shed new light on the evolution of feathers, according to a study from <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/">University College Cork</a>.



The research was led by Dr. Tiffany Slater and Professor Maria McNamara of UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science. The experts collaborated with scientists based at Linyi University and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-proteins">Fossil proteins</h2>



"Fossil proteins are valuable tools in evolutionary biology. Recent technological advances and better integration of experimental methods have confirmed the feasibility of biomolecular preservation in deep time, yielding new insights into the timing of key evolutionary transitions," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



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



The team analyzed 125-million-year-old feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus and the early bird Confuciusornis from China, in addition to a 50-million-year-old feather from the United States.



While previous research indicated that modern feathers have a different composition than ancient feathers, the new study reveals that they share the same protein composition.&nbsp;



According to the experts, this confirms that the chemistry of feathers originated much earlier than previously thought.&nbsp;



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



“It’s really exciting to discover new similarities between dinosaurs and birds,” said Dr. Slater.&nbsp;



“To do this, we developed a new method to detect traces of ancient feather proteins. Using X-rays and infrared light we found that feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus contained lots of beta-proteins, just like feathers of birds today.”&nbsp;



The team ran experiments to investigate how feather proteins break down during the fossilization process. This helped the experts interpret the chemical signals preserved in the fossil feathers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weird-chemistry">Weird chemistry</h2>



“Modern bird feathers are rich in beta-proteins that help strengthen feathers for flight,” said Dr. Slater.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Previous tests on dinosaur feathers, though, found mostly alpha-proteins. Our experiments can now explain this weird chemistry as the result of protein degradation during the fossilization process."&nbsp;



"So although some fossil feathers do preserve traces of the original beta-proteins, other fossil feathers are damaged and tell us a false narrative about feather evolution.”&nbsp;



The researchers noted that experiments show that feather beta-proteins can survive moderate thermal maturation. "As predicted by our experiments, analyses of Mesozoic feathers confirm that evidence of feather CBPs can persist through deep time," they wrote.



“Traces of ancient biomolecules can clearly survive for millions of years, but you can’t read the fossil record literally because even seemingly well-preserved fossil tissues have been cooked and squashed during fossilization," said study senior author Professor Maria McNamara.



"We’re developing new tools to understand what happens during fossilization and unlock the chemical secrets of fossils. This will give us exciting new insights into the evolution of important tissues and their biomolecules. “



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02177-8">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Modern bird feathers contain traces of dinosaur feathers

Traces of ancient proteins found in fossilized dinosaur feathers may...

Recent research suggests that prehistoric societies might have modified human bones for ritualistic uses. 



This discovery was made during an international study led by Zita Laffranchi and Marco Milella from the University of Bern, in collaboration with Rafael Martínez Sánchez of the <a href="https://www.uco.es/internacional/extranjeros/en/about-uco">University of Cordoba</a>.&nbsp;



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



Historically, cuts and marks found on ancient bone remains often led the scientific community to attribute their use to human consumption.&nbsp;



However, the research's analysis of over 400 remains, both adults and adolescents, from the Cueva de los Mármoles in Priego de Córdoba has presented a different narrative. These remains are housed in the local Archaeological Museum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bones-used-as-tools">Bones used as tools</h2>



The team used high-resolution molds and electron microscopes to study the bones. Their observations indicate that many marks on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-pterosaur-bones-found-in-australia-date-back-107-million-years/">bones</a> are consistent with a cleaning process, suggesting the bones were likely used as tools rather than for consumption.



Martínez Sánchez highlights the challenge of distinguishing the purpose behind the bone marks, especially since these bones were found on the cave's surface and could have undergone various taphonomic changes, such as animal activity or trampling.&nbsp;



However, the study leans away from the hypothesis of consumption. Instead, it finds evidence for a meticulous cleaning process suitable for tool use, such as a fibula with a pointed end, a modified tibia, and a skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burial-practices-nbsp">Burial practices&nbsp;</h2>



Carbon-14 dating unveiled three distinct funerary periods within the cave, with the earliest dating back to 3800 BC during the Neolithic. This period saw a surge in the use of dolmens, or stone tombs, for collective burials. Such burial practices signify a society deeply connected with its ancestors.



This research aligns with the Megalithic era, a time when the marks on the bones, believed to be inconsistent with consumption, support the theory that human remains were repurposed as instruments. Martínez Sánchez proposes that these remains might have been used in rituals inside the cave.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ritualistic-practices">Ritualistic practices</h2>



The team's findings challenge pre-existing beliefs, suggesting that human remains, from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age, were used for cultural and ritualistic practices long after their deposition.&nbsp;



"It seems that there was the idea of grouping the dead in the same place, cleaning the remains, and using the bones as instruments, perhaps related to some type of ritual performed inside the cavity," said Martínez Sánchez.



These rituals apparently spanned a great period of time, from the end of the Neolithic to the Bronze Age - a time "in which we did not expect to find that bodies were still deposited in this cavity," said Martínez Sánchez.



The study not only uncovers the practices of ancient societies but also emphasizes the complexities and intricacies of our ancestors' relationship with the deceased.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/">PLoS One</a>.



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New study sheds light on Neolithic rituals involving human bones

Recent research suggests that prehistoric societies might have modified human...

The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya australis, endemic to southeastern Australia, has been bleak. Over the past three years, there has been a concerning loss of coral aggregations in the Port Stephens estuary, historically its largest habitat.&nbsp;



This species is not only vital in its own right, as one of the Federal Government's 100 priority species on the Threatened Species Strategy, but also serves as an essential habitat for other species, most notably the Endangered White’s seahorse and baby snapper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-for-the-corals">New hope for the corals</h2>



A study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04298-x">Marine Biology</a> offers a glimmer of hope for the endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-have-a-vegetarian-side-that-keeps-them-alive-in-nutrient-poor-areas/">corals</a>. The research reveals new insights into the reproductive life of this coral species, offering hope for its future survival.



The lead researcher, <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au/">Southern Cross University</a> PhD candidate Meryl Larkin, said the paper was a welcome turnaround from her earlier work, which showed how badly the species had been decimated by shifts in sediment and La Niña flood events.&nbsp;



“Our discoveries open new doors for conservation strategies, including potential restoration efforts,” she said. “It has given us real hope we can keep this coral off the extinction list.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-reproduction-of-corals-nbsp">Understanding the reproduction of corals&nbsp;</h2>



Corals can reproduce both sexually and asexually, with some being hermaphroditic or distinctly male and female. Before this study, the reproductive dynamics of Dendronephthya australis remained a mystery.



Larkin utilized diverse methods, from histological analyses of fresh specimens to lab-based studies. She was conducting lab work at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute when she observed, for the first time, eggs and sperm within coral fragments from different colonies, indicating the existence of separate male and female colonies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-the-lab">Breakthrough in the lab</h2>



Larkin then achieved a pioneering feat - successfully developing IVF methods for the coral, achieving larval settlement in a lab, and reintroducing coral babies back into the wild where they continue to thrive.



“This was a major step forward in the prospect of recovery by the species because, from just a few remaining colonies, we were able to produce hundreds of new individual corals,” said Larkin.&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



She noted that the findings could be used to support the growth of wild populations and create new coral colonies to repopulate areas of habitat where they previously flourished.&nbsp;



Larkin’s research, sponsored by Southern Cross University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, highlights the vital importance of understanding reproductive processes and early life stages to grasp the dynamics of a species.



“Reproduction and early life stages are fundamental for understanding the dynamics of any species, particularly marine invertebrates,” said Larkin. “These stages are essential for population establishment and growth, and understanding them helps us identify threats and extinction risks.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-purple-cauliflower-soft-coral">More about the purple cauliflower soft coral</h2>



The purple cauliflower soft coral is aptly named for its distinctive appearance, resembling the branching, clustered look of cauliflower, tinged with a purple hue.&nbsp;



Unlike hard corals that build reefs with their calcium carbonate skeletons, soft corals possess a more flexible structure, which often gives them a more fluid, tree-like appearance underwater.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



Endemic to south-eastern Australia, the largest populations of the purple cauliflower soft coral have been historically found in the Port Stephens estuary in New South Wales. Here, they thrive in estuarine environments, preferring areas with strong tidal flows that bring in ample nutrients.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological Importance</h3>



The soft coral plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem. Not only does it contribute to the biodiversity of its marine habitat, but it also offers shelter and a breeding ground for various marine species. In such roles, it supports the larger marine food web and helps maintain ecological balance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



Dendronephthya australis is one of the 100 priority species listed on the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Strategy. Over recent years, the coral has experienced a significant decline, especially in the Port Stephens estuary where there has been a complete loss of aggregations (clusters of colonies).&nbsp;



Factors contributing to its decline include shifts in sediment, La Niña flood events, and potentially other human-induced stressors like pollution and habitat destruction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-strategies">Reproductive strategies</h3>



Coral reproduction is a fascinating and complex subject. The recent groundbreaking research led by Meryl Larkin has unveiled some mysteries of the Dendronephthya australis's reproductive life.&nbsp;



The study revealed that these corals have distinct male and female colonies - a fact unknown before this research. Understanding the reproductive strategies of such corals is crucial for their conservation, as it opens doors to potential restoration efforts.



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Understanding the sex lives of endangered soft corals could save them

The outlook for the endangered purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya...

Spider,Web,Or,Cobweb,With,Water,Drops,After,Rain,Against

Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms, creating fibers with a toughness six times superior to that of Kevlar, a material prominently used in bulletproof vests. 



This revolutionary work is the first to fabricate full-length spider silk proteins through silkworms, presenting a methodology that might give rise to an eco-friendly substitute to prevalent synthetic commercial fibers such as nylon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-synthetic-fiber-issues">Tackling synthetic fiber issues</h2>



Synthetic fibers like nylon have been widely used, but they pose environmental concerns due to their ability to release detrimental microplastics and their production from fossil fuels leading to greenhouse gas emissions. 



Scientists, therefore, have been exploring spider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> as a sustainable alternative, given its exceptional mechanical properties and potential applications in various fields like medical sutures, textiles, military, aerospace technology, and biomedical engineering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovating-spider-silk-production">Innovating spider silk production</h2>



Silkworm silk is the only large-scale commercialized animal silk fiber, with proven rearing techniques. Junpeng Mi, a PhD candidate at the College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering at <a href="https://english.dhu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donghua University</a>, reveals that utilizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Spider-Silk-fibers_transgenic-silkworms_CREDIT-Junpeng-Mi_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetically modified silkworms </a>opens avenues for the low-cost, mass commercialization of spider silk fibers. 



This alternative is not just innovative but solves persistent issues in spider silk synthesis, such as applying a protective “skin layer” to the silk, allowing it to endure humidity and exposure to sunlight. Genetically modified silkworms, by virtue of having a similar protective layer on their fibers, overcome this problem, making them the ideal conduit for spider silk production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-step-in-silk-synthesis">Evolutionary step in silk synthesis</h2>



To achieve the synthesis, Mi and his team integrated spider silk protein genes into the silkworm’s DNA, ensuring the expression in their glands. This intricate process involved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-created-a-transparent-squid-allowing-them-to-see-inside-while-its-still-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas9</a> gene editing technology and countless microinjections into fertilized silkworm eggs, a step Mi described as one of the most significant challenges of the study. 



Observing the red glow in the silkworms’ eyes under a fluorescence microscope indicated the success of gene editing, a moment of triumph and excitement for the team. Further, “localization” modifications were crucial to align the transgenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider silk proteins</a> with proteins in the silkworm glands, ensuring the proper spinning of the fiber. 



The team also proposed a “minimal basic structure model” of silkworm silk to guide these modifications, a concept that Mi emphasizes as a crucial shift from previous research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-with-engineered-spider-silk">Future with engineered spider silk</h2>



Junpeng Mi foresees the application of insights gained from this study to further enhance the toughness and strength of spider silk fibers by developing genetically modified silkworms capable of producing spider silk fibers from both natural and engineered amino acids. 



This introduces the possibility of over one hundred engineered amino acids, unveiling immense potential for the development of engineered spider silk fibers.



Mi is confident about the potential for large-scale commercialization of this innovation, promising a sustainable and versatile material that could revolutionize industries, offering solutions ranging from more comfortable clothing and advanced bulletproof vests to medical sutures catering to global demand exceeding 300 million procedures annually.



In summary, this pioneering research marks a significant leap towards environmentally friendly and sustainable material production, confronting the ecological drawbacks of synthetic fibers. It paves the way for extensive applications, impacting numerous domains, reinforcing the potential of bioengineered products in addressing modern-day challenges. 



As scientists venture deeper into the realms of spider silk synthesis, the anticipation of more discoveries and innovations in this domain holds promise for a future where sustainability and technology converge.



More about spider silk 



The complete study is available in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2590-2385(23)00421-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Matter</a>.



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Spider silk produced by genetically modified silkworms is 6x stronger than Kevlar

Scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk using genetically modified silkworms,...

Children's success at primary school can be greatly influenced by their fathers, according to a new study by the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>.&nbsp;



The research shows that a child's academic performance is enhanced when their fathers engage in activities such as reading, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playing-action-video-games-can-improve-reading-skills/">playing</a>, storytelling, drawing, and singing.



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



The researchers analyzed test scores of five and seven-year-olds using data from the Millenium Cohort Study, which tracked children born between 2000-02 as they grew up.&nbsp;



The data was gathered from almost 5,000 households in England with both parents present. The analysis showed that three-year-olds performed better academically by the age of five when they had fathers who regularly played with them



The father's involvement at the child's age of five further enhanced the child's Key Stage Assessment scores at the age of seven.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharing-childcare-responsibilities-nbsp">Sharing childcare responsibilities&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Helen Norman, the lead researcher from Leeds University Business School, emphasized the importance of fathers sharing childcare responsibilities with mothers.&nbsp;



“Mothers still tend to assume the primary carer role and therefore tend to do the most childcare, but if fathers actively engage in childcare too, it significantly increases the likelihood of children getting better grades in primary school. This is why encouraging and supporting fathers to share childcare with the mother, from an early stage in the child’s life, is critical," said Dr. Norman.&nbsp;



In contrast, when mothers engaged in the same activities with their children, they influenced their emotional and social behaviors more than their educational achievements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-father-engagement-nbsp">Father engagement&nbsp;</h2>



The research team encourages fathers to dedicate as much time as possible for interactive activities with their children. For fathers with demanding jobs, sparing even just ten minutes a day can make a significant difference in their children's educational progress.



Furthermore, the study also suggests that schools and early education providers should consistently collect contact details for both parents, and develop strategies to engage fathers specifically.&nbsp;



“Our analysis has shown that fathers have an important, direct impact on their children’s learning. We should be recognizing this and actively finding ways to support dads to play their part, rather than engaging only with mothers, or taking a gender-neutral approach," said study co-author Dr Jeremy Davies, Head of Impact and Communications at the Fatherhood Institute.&nbsp;



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



"This study shows that even small changes in what fathers do, and in how schools and early years settings engage with parents, can have a lasting impact on children's learning. It's absolutely crucial that fathers aren't treated as an afterthought," said Andrew Gwynne MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fatherhood.



The findings are consistent with a 2022 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9790630/">report</a> led by Gillian M. Waters of the University of Bradford, which noted that the children of parents who treat play as valuable are more likely to have higher cognitive abilities, better social skills, and show greater independence. The current study emphasizes the potential for fathers, in particular, to give their children an educational advantage.



The research, which was funded by the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/esrc/">Economic and Social Research Council</a> (ESRC), was presented in an online webinar on September 20, 2023. Dr. Norman and Dr. Davies, along with a panel of parental engagement experts and fathers, provided insights and discussed the significant findings.



The <a href="https://business.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/download/314/piece-report">study</a> is published on the Leeds University Business School website.



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Fathers give children an educational advantage by simply playing with them

Children's success at primary school can be greatly influenced by...

A recent study has revealed that socially vulnerable groups in the West, particularly in Oregon and Washington, face a heightened exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-amount-of-co2-released-by-wildfires-in-2021/">wildfires</a>. As wildfire risks amplify, these findings spotlight a critical intersection of environmental and societal challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-social-vulnerability">Understanding social vulnerability</h2>



Social vulnerability refers to specific traits of individuals or communities, including age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, that increase their likelihood of harm from potential hazards.&nbsp;



Over the decade from 2011 to 2021, there was a significant rise in the exposure of socially vulnerable individuals to wildfires in Oregon, Washington, and California. The exposure of such groups increased threefold compared to the previous decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequitable-effects-nbsp">Inequitable effects&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Erica Fleishman is a professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/">Oregon State University</a> and also directs the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute



“There has been general knowledge that the number of destructive wildfires and total impacted population are increasing and that hazards have inequitable effects on people,” said Professor Fleishman.&nbsp;



“This research is helping us understand how much more risk people are facing, where and why. The risks are clearly higher for the people who are going to have more difficulty recovering.”



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



The study was led by doctoral student Arash Modaresi Rad from Boise State University and his mentor, Mojtaba Sadegh, an associate professor of Civil Engineering.&nbsp;



The researchers examined satellite imagery, U.S. Census data, and population maps to grasp the links between wildfire exposure and social vulnerability from 2000 through 2021.



During this time span, roughly 500,000 individuals in Oregon, Washington, and California were directly affected by wildfires. A significant majority of these affected individuals resided in California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-risks">Disproportionate risks</h2>



The researchers used data from the Social Vulnerability Index from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This index gauges a community's readiness and ability to address and recover from hazards, using parameters like socioeconomic status, minority status, housing, and transportation.&nbsp;



The analysis showed that while fire risks surged for everyone, socially vulnerable groups faced a disproportionate escalation in risk.



The variations in vulnerability among the three states are pronounced. For instance, in California, a mere 8% of those affected by wildfires were from high vulnerability groups, translating to almost 37,000 individuals.&nbsp;



In contrast, Oregon and Washington saw exposure rates of 45% and 44% respectively for their socially vulnerable populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-vs-rural-exposure">Urban vs. rural exposure</h2>



One intriguing revelation from the study was the difference in wildfire exposure based on urban and rural settings. California's majority of exposed individuals lived in cities, while those in Oregon and Washington predominantly resided in rural areas.



“These data show that there is no single strategy for wildfire preparation and response,” Fleishman said. “Instead, they indicate responses might be honed to reflect the needs of individual communities with different risk factors.”



In some areas, that may mean paying particular attention to residents who are older or mobility limited, and in other areas, it might mean adapting materials to ensure they can reach non-English speaking communities, said the researchers.



“The underlying factors, such as business decisions, that exacerbate climate change and increase wildfire risk also decrease the resilience of at-risk communities,” Sadegh said. “A more just and equitable economy can mitigate the compounded effects of physical and social vulnerabilities.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4615">Science Advances</a>.



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Wildfires amplify risks for socially vulnerable populations in Western states

A recent study has revealed that socially vulnerable groups in...

Two recent studies led by <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a> has found that, although human-made ponds both sequester and release greenhouse gases, when added up, they may unfortunately be net emitters.&nbsp;



These studies aim to elucidate the consequential impacts of both anthropogenic and natural ponds on the global greenhouse gas budget – a field still shrouded in uncertainty.



“Global climate models and predictions rely on accurate accounting of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage,” said Meredith Holgerson, an assistant professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell and the senior author of both studies.



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



Prior estimates by Holgerson and her team suggest that ponds, categorized as bodies of water five hectares (12 acres) or smaller – with an estimated total of one billion such ponds globally – could be responsible for approximately five percent of global methane emissions.&nbsp;



However, the real figure might range from half to double of this estimate, highlighting the necessity for accurate measurements across diverse water bodies.



The first paper, “<a href="https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lol2.10351">High Rates of Carbon Burial Linked to Autochthonous Production in Artificial Ponds</a>,” published on August 18 in the journal Limnology and Oceanography Letters, examined the amount of carbon sequestered in 22 of the Cornell Experimental Ponds. Established in 1964, these 50 identical ponds offer meticulously controlled environments and a wealth of data from preceding research, enabling scientists to assess the impact of management activities on carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sinking-rates">Carbon sinking rates</h2>



Through a comprehensive examination of past management practices and in-depth measurements of sediment cores and thickness, the researchers determined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-sinks-are-a-powerful-weapon-against-climate-change/">carbon sinking</a> rates in these ponds. The findings revealed that these rates were comparable to those of wetlands and mangroves and surpassed those of lakes.



The experts also discovered the influential role of aquatic flora, fish, and certain nutrient ratios on carbon sinking rates. Proper nutrient balance enhances plant growth, leading to increased carbon deposition at the pond’s bottom after plant decay.



Despite the paucity of data on organic carbon sequestration in natural ponds, the extrapolation of their findings allowed the researchers to gauge the total carbon sinking rate in both natural and artificial ponds globally.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that these ponds might account for 65 percent to 87 percent of the total carbon sequestered by all lakes, underscoring a global underestimation of carbon sequestration in ponds and lakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-nbsp">Greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The second study, “<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL104235">High Intra-Seasonal Variability in Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Temperate Constructed Ponds</a>,” published on September 19 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, delved into the seasonal variance in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, from four Cornell Experimental Ponds.



“Global estimates of greenhouse gas budgets from ponds are highly uncertain, in part due to lack of temporal measurements,” said study lead author Nicholas Ray, a postdoctoral fellow in Holgerson’s lab.&nbsp;



The researchers found that methane, a gas 25 times more impactful on global warming than carbon dioxide, constituted the majority of the annual emissions, with significant seasonal fluctuations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-monitoring-is-needed">Regular monitoring is needed</h2>



The research outlined how ponds assimilate carbon dioxide during the plant growth season in early summer and release it later, with methane emissions being consistent but varying greatly on a week-to-week basis, indicating the necessity of regular monitoring.



Moreover, the study highlighted the correlation between water stratification, methane production, and increased emissions, emphasizing the significance of frequent sampling in mitigating methane levels.&nbsp;



The microbial production of methane on pond beds was found to be contingent on low-oxygen conditions, which is disrupted when water is mixed by winds or sudden cooling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-mitigation-strategies-nbsp">Methane mitigation strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Both studies reveal that, due to the substantial methane emissions, ponds are net contributors to greenhouse gases, overshadowing the carbon sequestered in the sediments.&nbsp;



However, the studies also highlight the potential for transitioning ponds from net emitters to net absorbers of greenhouse gases through the application of methane mitigation strategies, such as the use of bubblers or underwater circulators.



“If we could reduce that methane number, we could potentially flip these ponds from being net emitters to net sinks, but we have to get a handle on that methane,” Holgerson concluded.



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Ponds release more greenhouse gases than they store

Two recent studies led by Cornell University has found that,...

Portrait,Of,Woman,With,Dog

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-dogs-have-exceptional-learning-capacities/">Dogs</a> may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions, but their capacity to grasp human feelings and even parts of our language is remarkable.&nbsp;



Those who love dogs realize that these furry companions offer more than just playing fetch and pleading for snacks. They have evolved into compassionate confidants and crucial contributors to the emotional health of their owners.



Recently, the language tutoring company <a href="https://preply.com/">Preply</a> conducted a survey involving more than 1,000 dog owners in America to delve deeper into the interaction between humans and dogs, unveiling the complexities of their communication skills and ways of connecting with humans.&nbsp;



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



<ol>
<li>The typical American dog comprehends 18 words used by humans.</li>



<li>For one in three owners, dogs are more emotionally attuned to them than their partners.</li>



<li>77 percent of those surveyed feel their dogs truly listen to them.</li>



<li>Beyond basic commands, the word “love” tops the list of human words understood by dogs.</li>



<li>Around one-third of owners note their dogs’ excitement during FaceTime calls.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-recognizing-human-language-nbsp">Dogs recognizing human language&nbsp;</h2>



The survey revealed that the average dog in America understands 18 words, a vocabulary extending beyond the usual commands. Interestingly, “love” and “happy” are among the recognized words, indicating dogs’ awareness of affectionate and positive terms.&nbsp;



These findings add another layer to our comprehension of dogs’ cognitive abilities, suggesting that a profound emotional connection exists between dogs and humans.&nbsp;



A substantial 66 percent of those surveyed perceive their dogs more as humans than pets, showcasing the familial status of dogs in households.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-ten-words">Top ten words</h2>



Here are the top 10 words that the dogs recognize (excluding widely used commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “outside” etc.):



<ol>
<li>Love</li>



<li>Car</li>



<li>Cookie</li>



<li>Bye-bye</li>



<li>Baby</li>



<li>Grandma</li>



<li>Home&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ice cream</li>



<li>TV</li>



<li>Happy</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-beyond-words-nbsp">Communication beyond words&nbsp;</h2>



The essence of communication is deeply rooted in the desire for connection, which is evident in the interactions between dogs and their owners.&nbsp;



The survey demonstrates that communication transcends words, fostering a deep emotional understanding, acknowledged by both dog owners and language enthusiasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-understood-by-canine-companions-nbsp">Feeling understood by canine companions&nbsp;</h2>



The study reveals that dogs serve as empathetic listeners, with nearly half of the owners conversing with their dogs multiple times daily.&nbsp;



The frequency of these dialogues varies across genders and generations, but the outcome remains consistent – 77 percent of owners feel emotionally heard by their dogs. This indicates that dogs offer not just companionship but genuine emotional support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unparalleled-emotional-understanding">Unparalleled emotional understanding</h2>



The emotional rapport between dogs and humans is clearly unique, with dogs often providing more comfort than human partners.&nbsp;



A notable proportion of both male and female dog owners feel more understood by their dogs than their partners, emphasizing the extraordinary empathetic nature of our four-legged friends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-interests-and-technological-interaction">Shared interests and technological interaction</h2>



The survey also suggests that dogs are attuned to their owners’ interests and technological habits.&nbsp;



A considerable number of dogs exhibit excitement during video calls and react positively to social media sounds, showcasing their connection to our emotional states and experiences, even in the digital realm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-participants-in-communication-nbsp">Active participants in communication&nbsp;</h2>



Thus, the relationship between humans and dogs is significantly influenced by both spoken and emotional language.&nbsp;



Despite their inability to articulate human words or understand our colloquialisms, dogs respond to our emotions and expressions, proving they are active participants in communication rather than just passive recipients of our words.&nbsp;



These findings shed new light on how communication extends beyond spoken language, and could be applied in better understanding how humans learn new languages and devising novel approaches to teach linguistic skills.



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American dogs know 18 words, and "love" is at the top of the list

Dogs may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions,...

Beautiful,Mandrill,Portrait,Closeup,,Baboon,Monkey,With,Colorful,Face,And

In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of Bristol explored the correlation between the color vision and coloration of primates. 



Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that primate species with superior color vision are not necessarily more likely to exhibit red skin or fur coloration. This disrupts longstanding assumptions, suggesting the need for more nuanced explorations into the evolution of color in primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-the-colorful-paradigm-in-primates">Redefining the colorful paradigm in primates</h2>



Historically, the vividness of primates' skin and fur has been linked to their enhanced color vision. The prevalent belief postulated that the enhanced ability to discern colors, particularly in distinguishing between red and green, has facilitated the evolution of vivid color traits in primates, enabling them to communicate effectively regarding fertility or social rank within their species. 



This advanced color visual system is generally considered to have evolved primarily to spot ripe red fruits or nutritious young red leaves among foliage easily. However, this new research has challenged this perspective, exploring the relationship between the color visual system and coloration in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> more thoroughly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-spectrum">Investigating the spectrum</h2>



Lead author Robert MacDonald and his team methodically analyzed various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate species</a>, categorizing them based on their colorful traits, such as red skin on the genital region or face and red-orange fur on different parts of the body. 



The researchers juxtaposed this color information with each species’ color visual ability, while considering factors such as diurnal or nocturnal lifestyles and the size of the social groups they inhabit. The central inquiry revolved around whether species with advanced color vision were more likely to have red coloration, with control for other potential influencing factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-findings">Implications of the findings</h2>



MacDonald’s findings cast a shadow on the hitherto accepted notions about the evolution of color in primates, asserting that superior color vision does not necessarily correlate with colorful skin or fur. 



“The fact that we didn't find that species with better color vision are more likely to be colorful contradicts some long-held assumptions,” states MacDonald, hinting at a potential reshaping of understanding about what colorful red skin or fur is used for in individual species.



This development underscores that while substantial research has investigated primate coloration, the community still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the pressures that have shaped the evolution of color in humanity’s closest relatives. 



As MacDonald and his team dissected the association between color vision and coloration, it became evident that the utility of red skin or red-orange fur may pertain more to social communication across various primate species, even those with less developed color vision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-relevance-of-colorful-primate-study">Broader relevance of colorful primate study</h2>



While primates, compared to other mammals, are exceptions in exhibiting vibrant colorations, the varied hues within primate species serve crucial communicative roles, signaling diverse biological and social information. 



Thus, red coloration in the primate world might have evolved not merely as a product of enhanced color vision but rather as a multifunctional tool, serving crucial roles in interspecies communication, which could be unrelated to their ability to perceive color.



The revelation that species with enhanced color vision are not more colorful contradicts widely held beliefs about the relationship between color vision and coloration in primates, and it calls for deeper explorations into the evolutionary pressures and benefits that have driven the development of color in these species.



This research, anchored by Robert MacDonald from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biolinnean/blad089/7269140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>, unravels a novel perspective on the relation between color vision and coloration in primates, severing the perceived direct link between enhanced color vision and the development of vibrant red traits. 



These new insights necessitate a revisit and reevaluation of existing theories, promoting a deeper understanding of the role and evolution of color within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-sacrifice-sleep-to-meet-lifes-daily-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate</a> species, shedding light on the myriad unknown facets of our colorful closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



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Colorful primates, oddly enough, don't have great color vision

In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of...

NASA's Artemis 2 crew, positioned to usher in a new era of lunar exploration, recently carried out a simulated launch at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Space Center</a> to practice for their upcoming mission to the moon in 2024. This simulation marked a pivotal stride in the crew's preparation, offering a hands-on precursor to the array of operations requisite for the actual launch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-sequence">Simulation sequence</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/artemis2_crew_moon-launch_dress-rehearsal_NASA_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dressed in their spacesuits</a>, the crew traversed to the launch pad and ascended the mobile launcher, poised to transport them inside the formidable Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft in the impending mission. 



Although the actual rocket and Orion were not present during this simulation, NASA officials emphasized the value of the exercise in preparing the crew for the operational intricacies of journeying to the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artemis-2-crew-and-their-mission">Artemis 2 crew and their mission</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis 2 mission</a> represents NASA’s first manned moon launch since Apollo 17 in 1972. The esteemed crew consists of NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, NASA Pilot Victor Glover, NASA Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen. 



This mission is not just a stride in space exploration but also a symbol of diversity and international cooperation, with Glover being the first person of color, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to participate in such a mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subsequent-testing-phases">Subsequent testing phases</h2>



Post the launch day simulation, the crew is scheduled to undergo a series of diverse tests, including imagery, water flow, hydrogen tank flow, and environmental control system tests, along with emergency egress and firing room demonstrations. 



These evaluations are crucial, with one specific test focusing on the audio loop used for communication between the launch team and astronauts inside Orion during the launch countdown and a switch test for a potential pad abort scenario.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leveraging-past-successes">Leveraging past successes</h2>



NASA intends to incorporate engineering insights gained from the successful launch of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis 1</a> in 2022. The assimilation of these "lessons learned" is paramount in fortifying the mission’s foundation and refining operational dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipation-and-preparation">Anticipation and preparation</h2>



While the mission’s scheduled launch in 2024 still has the crew and the world in anticipation, these preliminary exercises and simulations are critical in ensuring the crew's proficiency in handling the spacecraft and mitigating potential issues that might arise during the actual launch. 



NASA’s statement shed light on the importance of these preparative phases, as they facilitate a smoother alignment of operations required to transport the crew to the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symbol-of-progress-and-diversity">A symbol of progress and diversity</h2>



Artemis 2 stands as a beacon of hope in space exploration, with its crew reflecting a diverse blend of backgrounds and nationalities. The mission manifests the collaborative spirit of space exploration, highlighting inclusivity and international cooperation in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of our universe.



In summary, the launch simulation at Kennedy Space Center marks a significant phase in the meticulous preparation for the Artemis 2 mission. Every test and demonstration undertaken by the crew is a step closer to realizing the mission’s goals, ultimately contributing to the collective pursuit of knowledge and exploration. 



As NASA amalgamates lessons from the past and implements innovative strategies, the world keenly watches, awaiting the day the diverse and talented Artemis 2 crew embarks on their journey to the moon.



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NASA's Artemis 2 crew rehearses for upcoming moon launch

NASA's Artemis 2 crew, positioned to usher in a new...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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