Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs of life beyond Earth. This gas sustains breathing and enables animals and plants to flourish. Now, researchers suggest that oxygen might also point to advanced technology. 



If an exoplanet’s atmosphere holds enough oxygen, it may not only support organisms but also help them spark fire, build structures, and craft machinery.



A study in Nature Astronomy presents this view, highlighting oxygen’s value as more than just a sign of biology. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-civilization-and-technology">Oxygen, civilization, and technology</h2>



Leading this research are <a href="https://www.pas.rochester.edu/people/faculty/frank_adam/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adam Frank</a>, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, and <a href="https://www-en.fisica.uniroma2.it/phone-directory/balbia_en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amedeo Balbi</a>, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Roma Tor Vergata, Italy.



Together with their team, they set out to explore whether oxygen is a key factor in allowing extraterrestrial civilizations to emerge and thrive through the development of technology.



“We are ready to find signatures of life on alien worlds,” Frank says. “But how do the [oxygen] conditions on a planet tell us about the possibilities for intelligent, technology-producing life?” 



This question drives efforts to examine oxygen’s role beyond respiration and metabolism, especially in relation to large-scale industrial activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-oxygen-matters-for-civilizations">Why oxygen matters for civilizations</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a> on Earth accounts for the bulk of our oxygen on our planet, thanks to countless organisms that use sunlight to make food. 



Because this process produces so much oxygen, it has been considered a biosignature. A planet with significant oxygen levels hints that life may be present, but Frank and Balbi argue that oxygen also has a second function.



“<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In our paper</a>, we explore whether any atmospheric composition would be compatible with the presence of advanced technology,” Balbi says. “We found that the atmospheric requirements may be quite stringent.”



The link to technology comes from open-air combustion. Smelting metals, cooking food, and powering engines all rely on oxygen. 



Any alien civilization that forges metals would need a certain percentage of oxygen in its air to keep fires burning reliably. That percentage, according to Earth’s history, appears to be around 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-the-18-threshold">Fire and the 18% threshold</h2>



“You might be able to get biology -- you might even be able to get intelligent creatures -- in a world that doesn’t have oxygen,” Frank says, “but without a ready source of fire, you’re never going to develop higher technology because higher technology requires fuel and melting.” 



He calls attention to fire’s role in shaping tools, infrastructure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy production</a>. Metalworking, for instance, depends on sustaining flames hot enough to melt ore and craft refined structures.



Frank and Balbi refer to this requirement as an “oxygen bottleneck.” A planet might host life forms of various kinds, yet remain stuck without the combustion needed to fuel industrial breakthroughs. 



“The presence of high degrees of oxygen in the atmosphere is like a bottleneck you have to get through in order to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen in the atmosphere</a>, you’re not going to have a technological species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-create-technosignatures">Oxygen + technology create "technosignatures"</h2>



Frank thinks that exoplanets with oxygen levels at or above 18 percent should be at the top of our search list. 



“Targeting planets with high oxygen levels should be prioritized because the presence or absence of high oxygen levels in exoplanet atmospheres could be a major clue in finding potential technosignatures,” Frank says. 



Planets that exceed this level may have the capacity for factories, infrastructure, or communication networks.



Balbi notes that interpreting any possible signal of intelligent life will be challenging. 



“The implications of discovering intelligent, technological life on another planet would be huge,” adds Balbi. “Therefore, we need to be extremely cautious in interpreting possible detections. 



Their study suggests that astronomers should be skeptical of potential technosignatures from a planet with insufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric oxygen</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technosphere-vs-biotechnosphere">Technosphere vs. biotechnosphere</h2>



Frank and Balbi’s perspective also covers the idea of a technosphere, which is the collective output of an advanced civilization. 



Factories, vehicles, and power grids all fit under this label. They rely on resources provided by the planet’s biosphere but stretch beyond purely natural processes. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burning fuels in open air</a> has been central to every major industrial leap, from forging steel to generating electricity.



When these technologies reach a global scale, they form a biotechnosphere. This term applies to the interplay of living systems and technology -- essentially, how organisms and machines coexist. 



On Earth, that includes everything from smartphones to farms, all running side by side. A well-established biotechnosphere might produce clear signals in the atmosphere: waste gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual heat patterns</a>, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals not normally found in nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-machines-and-ecosystems">Balancing machines and ecosystems</h2>



History shows that as technology expands, it can sometimes damage or alter environments. Factories might pump pollutants into the air, while deforestation removes habitats that produce oxygen. 



Yet there is an ongoing move toward cleaner energy and more efficient resource use. If any alien civilization follows a similar path, we might detect certain byproducts in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineered molecules</a>.



Though the focus is on oxygen, other factors matter too, such as temperature and access to metals or fuels. A planet may need stable conditions for life to progress to a point where industry becomes possible.



That said, Frank and Balbi’s findings highlight how oxygen stands out among these factors, because it directly enables combustion processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-progress-in-earth-s-past">Fire and progress in Earth’s past</h2>



Earth’s own development through advances in technology offers insight into how vital oxygen has been for technical achievements.



Once our atmosphere had enough of it, humans learned to manipulate fire for cooking and for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">making stronger materials</a>. 



From simple smithing to modern manufacturing, every stage of growth involved open-air combustion.



“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have oxygen in the atmosphere, you’re not going to have a technological species,” Frank says. 



This idea underlines how a single factor -- oxygen -- can open or close the door to industrial progress, altering a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s entire future path</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-technology-and-next-steps">Oxygen, technology, and next steps</h2>



Observatories now in the works may soon gather data about exoplanet atmospheres in detail. Detecting a high oxygen content could mark a world that supports advanced living organisms. 



The next task is to look for proof of industry or technology, sometimes called technosignatures. These might appear as chemical emissions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-radio-signal-reaches-earth-after-8-billion-years-frb-20220610a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio signals</a>, or specific spectral lines.



If these two checks-- oxygen above 18 percent and evidence of artificial activity -- both yield results, we will have a strong indication that we share the universe with another technological civilization. 



That reality could reshape how we see ourselves and our place among the stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Understanding the significance of atmospheric oxygen can also inspire reflection on our home planet. Human industries <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rely heavily on combustion</a>, from running cars to powering factories. This has changed Earth’s ecosystems. 



As we learn more about how oxygen in an atmosphere enables or limits technology, we might gain new ideas on how to manage our own balance between growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a>.



Ultimately, Frank and Balbi’s argument shows that oxygen may do far more than keep living cells alive. It might be the clearest signal of whether a planet can support the technologies that shape modern societies. 



By recognizing the 18 percent threshold, scientists can refine their search for advanced life and possibly move closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone, or is someone else using fire to reshape their world?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Oxygen levels on exoplanets reveal presence of alien technology

Scientists have long looked to oxygen when searching for signs of life beyond Earth. This gas sustains breathing and enables animals and plants to flourish. Now, researchers suggest that oxygen might also point to advanced technology. If an exoplanet’s atmosphere holds enough oxygen, it may not only support organisms but also help them spark fire, build structures, and craft machinery. A study in Nature Astronomy presents this view, highlighting oxygen’s value as more than just a sign of biology. Oxygen, civilization, and technology Leading this research are...

Deep beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, lies a frigid, dark subglacial lake filled with tales yet to be discovered. More enigmatic than even the planets of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/">solar system</a>, these mysterious lakes have remained largely unexplored due to their inaccessibility.&nbsp;



However, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in one such lake, known as Mercer Lake, by studying the chemical fingerprint of the water, microbes, and sediments found there. This has led to a surprising revelation about the geologic history of the region, as well as new insights into the carbon cycle of these extreme ecosystems.



In the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022AV000846">AGU Advances</a>, the researchers describe how they examined the carbon cycle within Mercer Lake to determine the sources of energy for the lake's resilient microbial inhabitants.&nbsp;



The findings provide the first-ever description of how these hardy microbes obtain and utilize carbon, the energy source of choice for most life forms, in such a hostile environment.



The data obtained from the sediment, microbes, and carbon cycle also allowed the scientists to infer the geological history of the region, with results that defied their expectations. Previously, it was believed that the ice covering Mercer Lake had been stable for hundreds of thousands of years.&nbsp;



However, the new findings confirm that the lake was connected to the ocean around 6,000 years ago, when the West Antarctic Ice Sheet was significantly smaller than it is today. This period marked a time of relative climate stability following the last ice age, and even compared to the ongoing anthropogenic climate change.



Ryan Venturelli, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.mines.edu/">Colorado School of Mines</a>, stated: "This is the first time we have unequivocal geologic proof that the grounding line of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which is like its shoreline where the ice meets the ocean, was at least 250 kilometers further inland than it is today – possibly more."&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



Venturelli conducted the research alongside her former PhD advisor, marine geologist Brad Rosenheim from the <a href="https://www.usf.edu/">University of South Florida</a> College of Marine Science.



Their research indicates that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated approximately 155 miles (about 250 kilometers) just a few thousand years ago, only to regrow to its current size. This information is crucial for validating ice sheet models and improving our understanding of the dynamic nature of these ice formations.



The samples analyzed in the study were collected during the historic Subglacial Antarctic Lake Scientific Access (SALSA) expedition, funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a>. The 25-member team, including Venturelli and Rosenheim, worked tirelessly in the challenging conditions of Mercer Lake, located a few hundred miles from the South Pole.&nbsp;



Utilizing a clean-access, custom hot water drill, they managed to retrieve the longest sediment core ever taken from a subglacial lake, measuring approximately seven feet in length. This feat required drilling through more than half a mile of ice, all the while racing against time as the water-filled hole began to refreeze.



This achievement marks only the second time in history that a sediment core has been extracted from a subglacial lake, with the first occurring in 2013 at Lake Whillans.&nbsp;



Rosenheim believes that their work represents a significant advancement in our understanding of these mysterious ecosystems. "We'd thought the glacier retreated back to where it is now, but it went back well beyond that, which indicates the ice is a lot more dynamic than we realized. Now we need to incorporate this new understanding into models so we can better predict what may happen in the future as the planet warms."



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



The scientists have combined geochemistry tools, including isotopes and radiocarbon dating, to understand how carbon cycles through this extraordinary ecosystem. The findings not only shed light on the resilience of microbial life in these hidden lakes but also provide valuable insights into the geological history of the region.



Venturelli noted that the research has finally confirmed the maximum extent of the last deglaciation.



The team discovered that microbes in the lake are feeding off carbon that is 6,000 years old, a time when the region was still connected to the ocean. This evidence challenges previous assumptions about the stability and extent of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.



In the absence of sunlight, the microbial life in these subglacial lakes relies on alternative sources of energy. Brent Christner, a study co-author and microbe expert from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a>, explained that in Mercer Lake, microbes utilize chemical energy from physical processes associated with the ice sheet itself.&nbsp;



As the ice moves, the rock beneath it is ground into fine particles, which are then mobilized in the water. Microbes, primarily bacteria and Archaea, access these minerals for energy during a process called chemosynthesis. Archaea are unique microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as hot springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.



Venturelli explained that the pool of carbon in the sediment at the bottom of Mercer Lake is at least 100 times larger than any other carbon pool in the cycle, and the microbes use it efficiently.&nbsp;



In addition, they also utilize carbon introduced into the system from water bodies upstream. The subglacial lakes, connected by a network of water and sediment transport, function more like a braided subglacial river system than isolated lakes.



<h2 id="h-why-the-results-of-this-study-are-important">Why the results of this study are important</h2>



Understanding the fate of the Antarctic ice sheet has significant implications for global sea-level rise. If the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet were to melt, some estimates suggest that coastlines worldwide could see an increase of more than nine feet.&nbsp;



Despite the alarming potential consequences of climate change, Venturelli remains hopeful, stating that their work highlights the dynamic nature of ice sheets and the need to investigate the reversibility of these processes. By probing the mechanisms that caused the ice sheet to re-advance to its current state, scientists can better predict future scenarios.



With over 650 subglacial lakes estimated to exist in Antarctica, scientists have only just begun to explore their mysteries. Venturelli emphasizes the importance of examining the base of the glacier, particularly the water and sediment in these subglacial lake systems, to unearth exciting findings.&nbsp;



This study demonstrates that sometimes a new perspective is needed to unlock the secrets hidden within some of the most remote and enigmatic ecosystems on Earth.



As scientists continue to unravel the secrets of subglacial lakes and the dynamic history of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, these discoveries will undoubtedly prove invaluable in informing our understanding of climate change and the future of our planet.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">More about the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is an enormous mass of ice covering approximately 1.9 million square kilometers of Antarctica. It is considered one of the most vulnerable ice sheets on Earth due to its marine-based nature and the presence of underlying warm ocean currents.&nbsp;



As climate change intensifies, the WAIS is experiencing significant ice loss, leading to concerns about its future stability and the potential consequences for humanity and the environment.



One of the primary drivers of ice loss in the WAIS is the warming of ocean waters, which has accelerated the melting of the ice sheet from below. In addition, warmer air temperatures have led to increased surface melting and a higher frequency of ice-shelf disintegration events.&nbsp;



These processes contribute to the destabilization of the WAIS, with several glaciers – such as the Pine Island, Thwaites, and Smith glaciers – experiencing rapid retreat and thinning.



The potential collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet carries severe implications for humanity and the environment, primarily due to its impact on global sea levels. If the entire WAIS were to melt, it is estimated that sea levels could rise by more than nine feet (around 3 meters).&nbsp;



Such a rise in sea levels would have catastrophic consequences for coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems worldwide. Millions of people living in low-lying areas would be displaced, while countless plant and animal species would face the risk of extinction due to habitat loss.



<h2 id="h-issues-other-than-rising-sea-levels-caused-by-the-loss-of-wais">Issues other than rising sea levels caused by the loss of WAIS</h2>



Beyond sea-level rise, the loss of the WAIS would also have implications for global ocean circulation and weather patterns. The influx of freshwater from the melting ice sheet could disrupt ocean circulation, potentially affecting regional climate systems and marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



This, in turn, could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, fisheries, and the overall functioning of Earth's climate system.



The recent discoveries in subglacial lakes, such as Mercer Lake, have highlighted the dynamic nature of the WAIS and the need for a better understanding of the processes that drive its behavior.&nbsp;



As scientists continue to study these enigmatic ecosystems and the history of the WAIS, it is crucial to improve our ability to predict its future evolution and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of its potential collapse.



Addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable development practices will be key to slowing down the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and preserving the delicate balance of Earth's climate system.



&nbsp;By taking action now, we can help safeguard our planet for future generations and protect the rich biodiversity of our world's coastal regions.



—-



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Antarctic ice sheet was more dynamic than previously thought

Deep beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, lies a frigid,...

The “biological age” is a concept increasingly used in medicine to describe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-health-benefits-of-city-life-are-diminishing/">health</a> of an individual’s cells and tissues. Unlike the chronological age, the biological one is more flexible, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, disease, lifestyle changes, and environmental exposures.&nbsp;



Although there have been hints that biological age might be reversible, a new study led by the <a href="https://brighamandwomens.org/">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a> has provided the first strong evidence – both from preclinical models and humans – that when stress is relieved, biological age can be restored.&nbsp;



The experts found that, while stress from surgery, pregnancy, and severe Covid-19 increased signs of biological age, these markers were reversed following recovery -&nbsp; a discovery which may have major implications for testing anti-aging drugs. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.03.015">Cell Metabolism</a>. &nbsp;



“Traditionally, biological age has been thought to just go up and up, but we hypothesized that it’s actually much more dynamic,” said study lead author Jesse Poganik, a researcher at the Brigham’s <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/research/departments/genetics/overview">Division of Genetics</a>. “Severe stress can trigger biological age to increase, but if that stress is short lived, the signs of biological aging can be reversed.”



The scientists collected data related to biological age from several situations likely to cause severe physiological stress. In one experiment, they collected blood samples from elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery immediately before the surgery, a few days after the surgery, and before discharge from the hospital.&nbsp;



While signs of biological age increased among patients receiving emergency surgery to repair a hip fracture, they returned to baseline four to seven days after the surgery – a pattern not seen among patients receiving other non-trauma surgeries.



In another experiment, by examining blood samples from pregnant mice and humans from early, late phases of pregnancy, and after giving birth, the experts witnessed a consistent pattern in both mice and humans: biological age increased during the pregnancy, peaking around the time of delivery, but resolved postpartum.



Finally, the researchers examined blood samples from Covid-19 patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). In this case, although the investigation revealed an increase in biological age that was partially resolved by the time of discharge from the ICU for female patients, no significant change was observed among male patients, suggesting that a severe infectious disease such as Covid-19 can induce a reversible increase in biological age, but with more nuanced and sex-specific results.



Since not all people recover their biological age at the same rate or to the same extent, better understanding how and why biological age increases and how to boost recovery is necessary. 



Moreover, since the “clocks” used in this study were biomarkers, they may reflect biological age but could also be driven by other factors that have not yet been identified, calling for further research to disentangle the complex causality behind biological aging.



“Our findings challenge the concept that biological age can only increase over a person’s lifetime and suggest that it may be possible to identify interventions that could slow or even partially reverse biological age. When stress was relieved, biological age could be restored. This means that finding ways to help the body recover from stress could increase longevity,” concluded senior author Vadim Gladyshev, a professor of Medicine at Bingham.



<h2 id="h-stress-and-biological-aging">Stress and biological aging&nbsp;</h2>



Stress and biological age are interconnected, as chronic stress can contribute to accelerated biological aging. Biological age refers to the functional and physiological age of an individual, which may differ from their chronological age. Several factors influence biological age, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Chronic stress is one such factor that has been shown to have a negative impact on biological age.



<h3 id="h-stress-can-affect-biological-age-in-various-ways">Stress can affect biological age in various ways:</h3>



<h4 id="h-telomere-shortening">Telomere shortening</h4>



Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide. Shorter telomeres have been associated with aging and age-related diseases. Chronic stress has been shown to accelerate telomere shortening, which in turn, may increase biological age.



<h4 id="h-inflammation">Inflammation</h4>



Chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation is an important contributor to the aging process and has been linked to various age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.



<h4 id="h-oxidative-stress">Oxidative stress</h4>



Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage cells and DNA, contributing to aging and age-related diseases.



<h4 id="h-hormonal-imbalance">Hormonal imbalance</h4>



Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances, such as elevated cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have been linked to accelerated aging, as they can negatively affect various systems in the body, including the immune system, metabolism, and cognitive function.



<h4 id="h-negative-impact-on-lifestyle">Negative impact on lifestyle</h4>



Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse. These lifestyle factors can negatively impact biological age by promoting the development of age-related diseases and deteriorating overall health.



In conclusion, chronic stress can accelerate biological aging through various mechanisms, including telomere shortening, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. It is essential to manage stress effectively and adopt a healthy lifestyle to promote overall health and well-being, which in turn may slow down the aging process.



<h2 id="h-best-strategies-for-reducing-stress">Best strategies for reducing stress</h2>



Reducing stress is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Here are some effective strategies to help manage and reduce stress:



<h3 id="h-exercise">Exercise</h3>



Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.



<h3 id="h-mindfulness-and-meditation">Mindfulness and meditation</h3>



Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to better manage stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help you relax and reduce stress.



<h3 id="h-sleep">Sleep</h3>



Getting adequate, quality sleep is crucial for stress management. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to promote good sleep hygiene.



<h3 id="h-social-support">Social support</h3>



Connect with friends and family to share your feelings and concerns. Social support has been shown to help alleviate stress and improve mental health.



<h3 id="h-time-management">Time management</h3>



Prioritize tasks, break them down into smaller steps, and set realistic deadlines to help manage stress related to work or daily responsibilities.



<h3 id="h-healthy-diet">Healthy diet</h3>



Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help provide the necessary nutrients for managing stress and maintaining overall health.



<h3 id="h-limit-caffeine-and-alcohol">Limit caffeine and alcohol</h3>



Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can contribute to increased stress levels. Limit your intake and opt for water, herbal tea, or other non-alcoholic beverages instead.



<h3 id="h-practice-gratitude">Practice gratitude</h3>



Focus on the positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude daily. This can help shift your mindset and reduce stress.



<h3 id="h-seek-professional-help">Seek professional help</h3>



If stress becomes unmanageable, consider seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide guidance and support.



<h3 id="h-engage-in-hobbies">Engage in hobbies</h3>



Participate in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, gardening, painting, or playing a musical instrument.



Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to explore various stress-reduction techniques and find the ones that work best for you.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Stress-induced increases in biological age can be reversed

The “biological age” is a concept increasingly used in medicine...

A new study led by the <a href="http://www.uwyo.edu/">University of Wyoming</a> and <a href="https://go.okstate.edu/">Oklahoma State University</a> has argued that the U.S. federal government’s management of wild horses will likely fail without major legal and policy changes.&nbsp;



According to the experts, since contrasting societal views have led to an approach which simultaneously manages horses on the range as wildlife, livestock, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/">pets</a>, current government programs of managing wild horses are incapable of succeeding.



“For the federal government to sustain healthy populations, ecosystem health, and fiscal responsibility, lawmakers must properly define how feral equids should be labeled. Each label (wild, livestock, pet) has validity, and management plans can be implemented to optimize equid populations with other land uses. Furthermore, providing a clear definition of feral equids will determine the legal tools that can be applied for their management,” the authors explained.



Although the fossil record provides evidence that there were horses in North America previously, they went extinct about 10,000 years ago. Thus, the horses that currently inhabit the continent are descendants of livestock that underwent thousands of years of domestication and artificial selection. Moreover, most of the large predators which could help limit their population growth went extinct at the end of Pleistocene.&nbsp;



Since horses have no natural predators, cannot be legally hunted, and are no longer slaughtered as livestock in the U.S., their populations have nearly doubled over the past decade. In addition, the number of horses removed from the range by the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/">Bureau of Land Management</a> (BLM) and held in government facilities and private lands has grown by 33 percent, with BLM spending more than $550 million since 2013 to support these captive populations.



“The BLM has increased the number of individuals removed from the wild in each of the past four years, leading to decreases in the on-range population,” the authors wrote. “However, the total on-range population is still approximately 50,000 individuals above the maximum (appropriate management level), and the recent moderate decrease in on-range individuals is directly correlated with an increase in the off-range population and subsequent expenditures.”



According to the scientists, removing wild horses from their Western range to place them in long-term holding is not an efficient solution, since such a method “simply exports the issue elsewhere - including the imperiled tallgrass prairie ecosystem - with unknown ecological effects.” And while fertility control has helped to a certain degree, there are still too many horses on the range for such an approach to work.&nbsp;



These problems are compounded by the fact that wild horses are treated differently from other wildlife, since the federal Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 prohibits their hunting, while the BLM’s practice of gathering and removing wild horses from the range resembles livestock operations rather than wildlife management. At the same time, “adoption programs, sales restrictions, and the abolition of slaughter have resulted in feral equids effectively serving as society’s pets.”&nbsp;



In the experts’ opinion, a better alternative would be choosing one of the labels – wild, livestock, or pets – and apply different rules for the management of each category.&nbsp;



“As a wild species that lacks sufficient predation to keep most populations in check, a hunting or culling program, like those for other wild ungulates, could slow their population growth. As livestock, gathers and removals that lead to sale or slaughter would limit growth and give the animals the monetary value they currently lack. As pets, simultaneously conducting large-scale removals and administering fertility control, including permanent sterilization (and potentially euthanasia), could reduce population sizes and slow growth,” the authors explained.



“The current state of feral horse and burro management in the United States is unsustainable and will continue to be a painful resource sink without fundamental changes to the law. We recommend that the U.S. federal government should officially declare the status of feral equids as either wild, livestock, or pets and should provide the BLM and (U.S. Forest Service) the legal latitude and funding to develop and implement respective management options,” they concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad033">BioScience</a>.



<h2 id="h-wild-horses-in-the-american-west">Wild horses in the American West</h2>



The history of wild horses in the American West is an intriguing tale of resilience, adaptation, and survival. The wild horses that roam the western landscape today, also known as mustangs, are descendants of domesticated horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers and settlers in the 16th century.



<h3 id="h-early-introduction">Early introduction</h3>



The initial wave of horses arrived with the Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés in 1519, and later with colonizers like Juan de Oñate in the late 16th century. The horses were of various breeds, including Andalusians, Barbs, and Garranos, and they were primarily used for transportation, agriculture, and warfare.



<h3 id="h-escaped-and-released-horses">Escaped and released horses</h3>



Over time, many horses escaped from the Spanish settlements or were released into the wild. These animals began to breed and form feral populations, which eventually led to the emergence of the mustang. The term "mustang" comes from the Spanish word "mestengo," which means "stray" or "ownerless" animal.



<h3 id="h-expansion-and-adaptation">Expansion and adaptation</h3>



As the Spanish territories expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, the mustangs' range also grew. They adapted to the harsh conditions of the American West, developing characteristics such as hardiness, endurance, and agility. The Native American tribes of the Great Plains, like the Comanche and the Sioux, quickly recognized the value of these horses and began to capture and domesticate them for transportation, hunting, and warfare.



<h3 id="h-the-horse-s-impact-on-native-american-cultures">The horse's impact on Native American cultures</h3>



The introduction of horses had a profound impact on the lives of Native Americans, transforming their cultures, economies, and modes of warfare. The tribes that mastered horsemanship became powerful and influential in the region, and horses became central to their way of life.



<h3 id="h-19th-century-westward-expansion">19th-century westward expansion</h3>



As Euro-American settlers moved westward in the 19th century, they encountered vast herds of wild mustangs. Ranchers began capturing and using these horses for work, breeding them with other breeds to create the American Quarter Horse and other popular stock horse breeds. 



<h3 id="h-wild-horse-protection-and-management">Wild Horse Protection and Management</h3>



In the 20th century, concerns about the mustangs' dwindling numbers led to efforts to protect and manage the remaining herds. In 1971, the US Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which aimed to protect, manage, and control the populations of wild horses and burros on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) were tasked with managing these animals, using techniques like roundups and adoptions to maintain sustainable herd sizes.



Today, wild horses continue to be an iconic symbol of the American West, representing freedom, resilience, and the untamed spirit of the frontier. Efforts to protect and manage their populations are ongoing, with the goal of preserving these magnificent animals for future generations to appreciate.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Experts propose a new strategy for managing wild horses

A new study led by the University of Wyoming and...

Scientists from <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> have recently proposed an intriguing hypothesis to explain the rarity of insects in marine environments, a question that has puzzled scientists for decades.&nbsp;



The research team, led by Professor Tsunaki Asano, has attributed this phenomenon to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/">evolution</a> of a unique chemical mechanism that hardens insects' shells, which gives them an advantage on land but a disadvantage in the sea.



<h2 id="h-insects-have-conquered-the-land-but-not-the-seas">Insects have conquered the land, but not the seas</h2>



Insects are among the most successful organisms on Earth, accounting for the majority of biomass of all terrestrial animals and playing a significant role in the global ecosystem.&nbsp;



Despite their abundance on land, however, insects are strikingly rare in marine environments. This perplexing disparity has left scientists searching for answers.



Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics have revealed that insects and crustaceans belong to the same family, Pancrustacea.&nbsp;



Insects branched off from their crustacean ancestors and adapted to life on land, but both groups share a common feature: an exoskeleton composed of a wax layer and a hard cuticle (see image <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/insects-in-ocean_infographic_Tokyo-Metropolitan-University_1big.jpg">here</a>).&nbsp;



In previous work, Asano's team discovered that insects evolved a unique gene responsible for creating an enzyme called multicopper oxidase-2 (MCO2), which allows them to harden their cuticles using oxygen.



MCO2 mediates a reaction in which molecular oxygen oxidizes compounds known as catecholamines in the cuticle, transforming them into agents that bind and harden the surface. This is distinct from crustaceans, who rely on calcium from seawater to harden their cuticles.&nbsp;



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



The researchers argue that the terrestrial environment, with its abundant oxygen, is more favorable for insects, whereas the ocean, with its relative lack of oxygen and presence of better-adapted organisms, is less hospitable.



But the benefits of MCO2 for insects don't end with shell hardening. The MCO2 pathway produces a cuticle that is not only protective but also lightweight.&nbsp;



The team postulates that this lightweight material enabled insects to climb plants, glide, and eventually fly, allowing them to migrate and occupy previously unoccupied ecological niches. This diversification and expansion is a significant factor in the insects' incredible success on land.&nbsp;



In contrast, crustacean shells are much denser, with a strong correlation between density and the degree of calcification.



While insects are not the only arthropods to have adapted to life on land, the characteristics of their cuticles are key to their success in terrestrial environments.&nbsp;



The researchers believe that MCO2 is a defining feature of insects, even going so far as to say, "no MCO2, no insects." This groundbreaking work offers a fresh perspective on the role that cuticle hardening might play in insect evolution and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.



<h2 id="h-more-about-insects">More about insects</h2>



Insects are a diverse and fascinating group of organisms, belonging to the class Insecta within the phylum Arthropoda.&nbsp;



They are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on Earth, with over a million described species and estimates suggesting that millions more are yet to be discovered. Insects can be found in virtually every habitat, from the highest mountains to the deepest caves, and they play a critical role in many ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for other organisms.



<h3 id="h-some-key-characteristics-of-insects-include">Some key characteristics of insects include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-body-structure">Body structure</h4>



Insects typically have a segmented body divided into three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head contains sensory organs, such as compound eyes and antennae, as well as mouthparts adapted for feeding. The thorax bears three pairs of legs and, in many species, two pairs of wings. The abdomen houses the digestive, reproductive, and excretory systems.



<h4 id="h-exoskeleton">Exoskeleton</h4>



Insects have a hard, protective exoskeleton made of a material called chitin. The exoskeleton provides support, protection from predators and harsh environments, and helps prevent water loss.



<h4 id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h4>



Insects undergo either complete or incomplete metamorphosis during their life cycle. Complete metamorphosis consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, as seen in butterflies, beetles, and flies. Incomplete metamorphosis involves three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, which occurs in insects like grasshoppers and true bugs.



<h4 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h4>



Most insects reproduce sexually, with males and females producing sperm and eggs, respectively. Some species, however, are capable of asexual reproduction through processes such as parthenogenesis.



<h4 id="h-respiration">Respiration</h4>



Insects breathe through a series of tiny tubes called tracheae that connect to the outside of their body through small openings called spiracles. Oxygen diffuses through these tubes and reaches the cells directly, while carbon dioxide is expelled through the same system.



<h4 id="h-communication-and-behavior">Communication and behavior</h4>



Insects exhibit a wide range of behaviors, including communication through chemical signals (pheromones), visual displays, and auditory signals. Many insects are social, with some, like ants and bees, forming complex colonies with division of labor and intricate communication systems.



<h4 id="h-diet">Diet</h4>



Insects have diverse feeding habits, ranging from herbivores that feed on plant material to carnivores that prey on other insects or animals. Some insects, like butterflies and bees, consume nectar from flowers, while others, such as mosquitoes and ticks, feed on the blood of their hosts.



<h4 id="h-economic-and-ecological-importance">Economic and ecological importance</h4>



Insects have significant ecological and economic impacts. They are essential for pollination of many plants, including agricultural crops, and they help recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. Insects also serve as a vital food source for numerous other species. However, some insects are pests, causing damage to crops, transmitting diseases, and invading homes.



<h4 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h4>



Many insect populations are declining due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. It is crucial to protect insect biodiversity, as they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing essential services to humans.



—-



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Why do so few insect species live in the ocean? Scientists think they know

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have recently proposed an intriguing...

The American <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-way-transmission-of-coronavirus-confirmed-between-humans-and-minks/">mink</a> is an invasive species in Europe that was first introduced from North America during the 1920s for fur farming. Soon after their introduction, individual minks escaped from fur farms due to poor housing facilities or deliberate releases by activists and started to spread throughout Europe, with many mink populations becoming established in the wild.&nbsp;



Currently, scientists worry that this invasive species may threaten European native species and biodiversity, while also facilitating the circulation of various infectious diseases, including mink-related strains of Covid-19.&nbsp;



Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uclm.es/?sc_lang=en">University of Castilla-La Mancha</a> in Spain has compiled data from 34 databases covering 32 countries to map this species’ distribution across Europe in order to help officials develop reliable risk assessment and risk management policies. 



The analysis revealed a progressive spread of the American mink in most European countries, including the Baltic States, France, Germany, Iceland, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;



Although the mink is reported to be absent from some areas, such as parts of Norway, Iceland, and the UK, and data is still deficient for countries in south-eastern Europe, the findings suggest that, over the past 15 years, the species has continued to spread across Europe, and can be currently found across most of the continent.



“The study underscores the urgent need for effective control strategies and continued monitoring of American mink populations across Europe to prevent further harm to biodiversity and potential transmission of zoonotic diseases,” said senior author Joaquin Vicente, an expert in the health and population monitoring of wildlife at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. 



“The research findings will be valuable to policymakers, conservationists, and other stakeholders working to protect European ecosystems and public health.”



The authors conclude that population monitoring of the American mink in Europe requires a coordinated effort, which should be particularly intensified in regions currently lacking data, such as southeastern Europe. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mam.12315">Mammal Review</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-invasive-species">More about invasive species&nbsp;</h2>



Invasive species refer to non-native species that are introduced to a new environment and have a negative impact on the native species and the ecosystem. Invasive species can be plants, animals, or microorganisms, and they can cause significant economic, environmental, and social problems.



The introduction of invasive species often happens through human activities such as trade, transportation, and travel. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to the decline or even extinction of the native species. 



They can also alter the physical characteristics of the environment, such as the water chemistry or the soil composition, which can further impact the native species and ecosystem.



In addition to their impact on the environment, invasive species can also have economic consequences. They can reduce crop yields, damage infrastructure, and increase management costs, among other effects. Invasive species can also have social impacts, such as reduced recreational opportunities and reduced quality of life.



Efforts to control or eradicate invasive species can be challenging and expensive. Prevention through measures such as education, regulation, and early detection is often the most effective approach. 



Once established, control measures may include physical, chemical, or biological methods, such as manual removal, herbicides, or biological control agents. However, it is important to consider the potential unintended consequences of these methods and to ensure that they are applied in a responsible and sustainable way.



<h2 id="h-some-of-the-most-threatening-invasive-species">Some of the most threatening invasive species</h2>



There are many invasive species that are considered to be highly threatening due to their ability to rapidly spread and negatively impact the environment, economy, and/or human health. Here are a few examples:



<h3 id="h-burmese-python">Burmese Python</h3>



Native to Southeast Asia, the Burmese Python is an invasive species in Florida, where it has become established and has had a significant impact on native wildlife populations.



<h3 id="h-zebra-mussel">Zebra Mussel&nbsp;</h3>



Native to Europe and Asia, the Zebra Mussel has invaded waterways throughout North America, where it can damage water treatment facilities, clog pipes, and outcompete native species.



<h3 id="h-asian-carp">Asian Carp</h3>



Originally from China, the Asian Carp has invaded many waterways in North America, where it poses a threat to the food web by outcompeting native fish and disrupting ecosystems.



<h3 id="h-emerald-ash-borer">Emerald Ash Borer</h3>



This invasive beetle is responsible for killing millions of ash trees in North America, resulting in significant economic and ecological impacts.



<h3 id="h-giant-hogweed">Giant Hogweed</h3>



Originally from Asia, this invasive plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and produce a toxic sap that can cause severe burns and blisters on human skin.



These are just a few examples of the many invasive species that can pose a threat to the environment, economy, and/or human health. It is important to be aware of invasive species in your area and take steps to prevent their spread.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Invasive American mink has spread throughout Europe

The American mink is an invasive species in Europe that...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> has recently designed a virtual eight-week moderate-intensity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yoga-together-with-regular-exercise-improves-heart-health/">yoga</a> program dedicated specifically to full-time working adults experiencing symptoms of stress. In the trial, the experts enrolled 86 low-active, full-time working adults to participate in three self-paced remote yoga workouts each week, and assessed their anxiety and stress levels, as well as their cognitive health.&nbsp;



The results showed significant decreases in stress and anxiety and improved working memory, suggesting that yoga can effectively contribute to physical and mental well-being. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10865-022-00385-4">Journal of Behavioral Medicine.</a>



“There is some literature that has directly compared yoga to aerobic exercise, and we’ve known for quite a long time that aerobic exercise has benefits for the brain,” said study senior author Sean Mullen, an associate professor in the <a href="https://ahs.illinois.edu/kch-home">Department of Kinesiology &amp; Community Health</a> at Illinois. “Our research investigates complex movements - not just riding a bicycle or walking in a straight line, but multi-planar movements that require navigating one’s space a little differently and being conscious of movement, technique, and breathing.”



For instance, participants were guided through self-paced instructional videos in learning a well-known yoga exercise called Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), consisting in a progression of poses emulating the rising and setting of the sun, in order to assess if learning such new chains of yoga sequences could improve working memory in a similar way as learning a new dance.



“Having to move through multiple active postures, as opposed to static holds, should theoretically improve attentional abilities or inhibition control. Going through the flow could potentially improve spatial memory,” Mullen explained.



While the analysis revealed significant reductions in stress and anxiety and an increase in working memory, further research is needed to clarify how yoga may impact other elements of cognitive functioning.&nbsp;



“The reductions in anxiety and improvements in short-term working memory suggest that it is possible to practice moderate-intensity yoga at home and still reap the benefits of reducing stress and anxiety without compromising safety,” Mullen said.



According to Mullen, participants’ overwhelmingly positive response was another encouraging outcome of the trial. “When participants are willing to recommend the program to friends and family, that’s great. To me, that suggests we were successful and that everyone involved had a good time.”



The scientists plan to continue their investigation of mind-body interventions and promote adherence to exercise by developing new technologies to gamify cognitively challenging activities such as yoga, kickboxing, or martial arts, while testing their neurological effects in increasingly larger cohorts.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-health-benefits-of-yoga">More about the health benefits of yoga</h2>



Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is known for its numerous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Some of these benefits include:



<h3 id="h-improved-flexibility">Improved flexibility</h3>



Practicing yoga regularly can help increase flexibility by stretching and lengthening muscles, which can also help to prevent injury.



<h3 id="h-increased-muscle-strength">Increased muscle strength&nbsp;</h3>



Yoga poses require you to use your muscles to support your body weight, which can help to build strength and tone muscles.



<h3 id="h-improved-balance">Improved balance</h3>



Many yoga poses require balance, which can help to improve overall stability and body coordination.



<h3 id="h-better-posture">Better posture</h3>



Yoga encourages proper alignment of the spine and strengthens the muscles that support good posture.



<h3 id="h-enhanced-respiratory-function">Enhanced respiratory function</h3>



The breathing techniques used in yoga can help to improve lung capacity, oxygen intake, and overall respiratory function.



<h3 id="h-stress-reduction">Stress reduction</h3>



Yoga's focus on mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation can help to reduce stress and anxiety.



<h3 id="h-improved-mental-clarity">Improved mental clarity</h3>



Practicing yoga regularly can help to increase concentration, memory, and cognitive function.



<h3 id="h-enhanced-emotional-well-being">Enhanced emotional well-being</h3>



Yoga can help to promote self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a sense of inner peace.



<h3 id="h-increased-body-awareness">Increased body awareness</h3>



Yoga helps you become more aware of your body and its movements, which can lead to improved body confidence and overall self-image.



<h3 id="h-pain-management">Pain management</h3>



Yoga has been shown to help alleviate chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, and headaches.



<h3 id="h-improved-sleep-quality">Improved sleep quality</h3>



The relaxation techniques and stress reduction associated with yoga can help to improve sleep quality.



<h3 id="h-boosted-immune-system">Boosted immune system</h3>



Yoga has been shown to help reduce inflammation and support immune function.



<h3 id="h-enhanced-cardiovascular-health">Enhanced cardiovascular health</h3>



Yoga can help to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.



It's important to note that individual experiences with yoga may vary, and some of the health benefits may be more pronounced for some people than others. As with any exercise routine, it's essential to listen to your body, practice within your limits, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-history-of-yoga">More about the history of yoga</h2>



Yoga has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. While the exact origins of yoga are debated among scholars, it is widely believed to have originated in ancient India around 5,000 years ago.



<h3 id="h-pre-classical-yoga">Pre-classical Yoga</h3>



The earliest references to yoga can be found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, dating back to around 1500-1000 BCE. During this time, yoga was primarily a set of spiritual practices aimed at cultivating inner awareness and self-realization. Early practices of yoga were passed down orally from teacher to student and were later documented in texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.



<h3 id="h-classical-yoga">Classical Yoga</h3>



Around 400 CE, the Indian sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms that systematized the philosophy and practice of yoga. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga), which include ethical principles, physical postures, breath control, concentration, and meditation, ultimately leading to self-realization and spiritual liberation. This period is known as the classical period of yoga.



<h3 id="h-post-classical-yoga">Post-classical Yoga</h3>



After Patanjali, yoga continued to evolve and adapt to various cultural and philosophical influences. During this period, Tantra Yoga emerged, focusing on techniques to cleanse and balance the body's energy centers (chakras) and awaken the dormant spiritual energy (kundalini). Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, also emerged during this time and laid the foundation for modern yoga.



<h3 id="h-modern-yoga">Modern Yoga</h3>



Yoga began to spread to the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the influence of Indian gurus like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. In the 20th century, yoga masters like T. Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and Swami Sivananda further popularized and expanded upon yoga practices, creating their own styles and lineages.



Today, yoga is practiced worldwide, with various styles and approaches that combine elements of traditional yoga with contemporary fitness and wellness trends. Some popular styles of yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, and Yin, among many others. Yoga continues to evolve and adapt to the needs and interests of practitioners, while its core principles of self-realization, mindfulness, and inner peace remain constant.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Yoga can reduce stress and improve brain health

A team of researchers led by the University of Illinois...

As cities gobble up increasingly more natural spaces, a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-birds-lay-larger-eggs/">birds</a> have adapted to live alongside traffic, noise, skyscrapers, and large numbers of humans. In order to help cities strengthen biodiversity through better urban planning, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) has recently identified the most important traits that help birds adapt to urban living.



“Identifying traits that help wildlife adapt or even thrive in cities can help urban planners bolster biodiversity by, for example, increasing green spaces, planting more and taller trees, building more varied potential habitats, or reducing housing density,” explained study lead author Monte Neate-Clegg, a postdoctoral fellow in Ornithology at UCLA. “It can also help conservation biologists to identify which types of species are most threatened by urbanization.”



The researchers used data on over 125 million individual bird sightings from the public science project <a href="https://ebird.org/home">eBird</a> to calculate an “urban association index” - which describes how closely each bird species is associated with living in cities – and applied it to 3,768 bird species in 137 cities across six continents.



“Many of the most common urban birds globally are very familiar to us here in the U.S., including the house sparrow, barn swallow, osprey, and peregrine falcon,” said senior author Morgan Tingley, an associate professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA.&nbsp;



“Although, interestingly, the species with the strongest associations with urban areas are actually three species of parakeet and a tanager from South America. Plus, of course, the feral pigeon.” Moreover, bird families with high average scores on the index included starlings, swallows, swifts, parrots, blackbirds, and orioles.



The birds with the highest urban associated index shared a variety of traits that allow them to thrive in urban settings, including smaller body size, lower territoriality, greater ability to fly over long distances – a trait known as “dispersal ability” – broader dietary preferences and habitat niches, and larger clutch sizes. Such traits make it easier for birds to find food and suitable nesting places in cities, while raising offspring that survive.



“In a city like Los Angeles, for example, the American crow is a cosmopolitan species whose broad diet, arboreal nesting habits, and long lifespan favor life in the concrete jungle. In contrast, canyon wrens are highly territorial insectivores with low dispersal ability that shun cities and keep to steep, rocky terrain,” Neate-Clegg&nbsp;explained.



However, cities’ geographical properties – such as latitude, population sizes, or surrounding terrain – moderated the importance of these traits. For instance, while a broad diet was found to be more important in temperate cities such as New York, habitat generalists were more prevalent in tropical cities such as Bogotá.&nbsp;



Moreover, if in cities with small populations and plentiful natural surroundings such as Anchorage, Alaska, large birds like bald eagles - which feed on fish from rivers and lakes - can easily thrive, sprawling, densely populated cities like Bangkok usually feature smaller birds that don’t require much raw land and can adapt to consuming a variety of foods to survive.



“Thus, the importance of trait filters in birds varies predictably across cities, indicating biogeographic variation in selection for urban tolerance that could explain prior challenges in the search for global patterns. A globally informed framework that predicts urban tolerance will be integral to conservation as increasing proportions of the world’s biodiversity are impacted by urbanization,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.024">Current Biology</a>.



<h2 id="h-which-birds-are-common-in-cities">Which birds are common in cities?</h2>



The types of birds commonly found in cities can vary depending on the location and habitat of the city. However, here are some of the most common bird species found in urban areas:



<h3 id="h-pigeons">Pigeons</h3>



Pigeons are one of the most common bird species found in cities around the world. They are adaptable and can survive on a diet of seeds and scraps.



<h3 id="h-sparrows">Sparrows</h3>



Sparrows are also common in urban areas, and they are known for their distinctive chirping songs. They can often be found in gardens and parks.



<h3 id="h-starlings">Starlings</h3>



Starlings are a species of bird that have adapted well to urban environments. They are known for their ability to mimic other birds' songs and sounds.



<h3 id="h-seagulls">Seagulls</h3>



Seagulls are a common sight in coastal cities, and they are opportunistic feeders that will eat almost anything.



<h3 id="h-crows-and-ravens">Crows and ravens</h3>



These birds are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and they are often found in urban areas scavenging for food.



<h3 id="h-house-sparrows">House sparrows</h3>



House sparrows are small birds that are found in cities worldwide. They are known for their brown and gray plumage and their habit of nesting in buildings and other man-made structures.



<h3 id="h-canadian-geese">Canadian geese</h3>



Canadian geese are migratory birds that often spend the winter in urban areas. They are known for their distinctive honking calls and their large size.



Overall, many species of birds can be found in urban areas, and the ones listed above are just a few of the most common.



<h2 id="h-how-do-birds-thrive-in-cities">How do birds thrive in cities?</h2>



Birds have adapted to living in urban environments by changing their behavior, habitat use, and diets. Here are some ways in which birds thrive in cities:



<h3 id="h-nesting">Nesting</h3>



Birds build nests in various urban environments, including buildings, trees, and even on the ground. Many birds also use nesting boxes or birdhouses provided by humans.



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Urban birds have adapted to eating a wide range of foods, including insects, seeds, fruits, and human food scraps. Some species, such as pigeons and gulls, have become particularly adept at scavenging in urban areas.



<h3 id="h-flight">Flight</h3>



Birds have plenty of space to fly in urban areas, and they use rooftops and other structures as perches and launch sites. Additionally, urban areas often have less wind turbulence, which makes it easier for birds to fly.



<h3 id="h-light">Light</h3>



Urban areas often have a lot of light pollution, which can disrupt some bird species' migratory patterns. However, other species, such as owls and nightjars, have adapted to living in areas with artificial light.



<h3 id="h-temperature">Temperature</h3>



Urban areas can be warmer than rural areas due to the urban heat island effect, which can benefit some bird species. However, this effect can also be harmful if temperatures become too high.



Overall, while living in urban areas can present challenges for birds, many species have adapted to thrive in these environments.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Which traits help birds thrive in urban areas?

As cities gobble up increasingly more natural spaces, a variety...

A re-examination of data from the <a href="https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/">Voyager spacecraft</a>, coupled with advanced computer modeling, has led to a groundbreaking discovery by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> scientists.&nbsp;They now believe that four of Uranus' largest moons - Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon - likely contain an ocean layer sandwiched between their cores and icy crusts (see image <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/e-pia25500-new-uranus-1041.jpg">here</a>).



This new research is the first to delve into the evolution of the interior makeup and structure of all five major moons of Uranus, including Miranda, and suggests that four of these moons may harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/">oceans</a> that could be tens of miles deep.



Uranus boasts at least 27 moons in total, with the four largest ranging in size from Ariel, which measures 720 miles (1,160 kilometers) across, to Titania, which spans 980 miles (1,580 kilometers) in diameter. Scientists have long speculated that Titania, due to its larger size, would be more likely to retain internal heat generated by radioactive decay.&nbsp;



The other moons were previously thought to be too small to retain enough heat to prevent an internal ocean from freezing, particularly given that heating caused by the gravitational pull of Uranus is only a minor heat source.



<h2 id="h-studying-uranus-from-afar-before-launching-a-mission">Studying Uranus from afar before launching a mission</h2>



The 2023 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey conducted by the National Academies prioritized the exploration of Uranus. In anticipation of a potential mission, planetary scientists are concentrating their efforts on studying the ice giant and its mysterious system.&nbsp;



The recent study, published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21562202">Journal of Geophysical Research</a>, not only provides insight into how a future mission might explore the moons of Uranus, but also has broader implications for understanding other celestial bodies, according to lead author Julie Castillo-Rogez of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.



“When it comes to small bodies - dwarf planets and moons - planetary scientists previously have found evidence of oceans in several unlikely places, including the dwarf planets Ceres and Pluto, and Saturn’s moon Mimas," said Castillo-Rogez.



“So there are mechanisms at play that we don’t fully understand. This paper investigates what those could be and how they are relevant to the many bodies in the solar system that could be rich in water but have limited internal heat.”



To conduct their research, the scientists revisited data from the 1980s Voyager 2 flybys of Uranus and combined it with findings from ground-based observations. They then developed computer models that incorporated additional discoveries from NASA's Galileo, Cassini, Dawn, and New Horizons missions, each of which unveiled ocean worlds.&nbsp;



These models also included insights into the chemistry and geology of Saturn's moon Enceladus, Pluto and its moon Charon, and Ceres - all icy bodies similar in size to the moons of Uranus.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



The research team made use of advanced computer modeling to analyze the porosity of their surfaces. They discovered that the moons' surfaces are likely insulated enough to retain the internal heat necessary for hosting an ocean.&nbsp;



Moreover, they identified a potential heat source within the moons' rocky mantles, which release hot liquid and could help maintain a warm environment for an ocean—particularly in Titania and Oberon, where the oceans may even be warm enough to potentially support habitability.



By investigating the composition of the oceans, scientists can also gain insights into the materials that may be present on the moons' icy surfaces, depending on whether substances from the subsurface were pushed up through geological activity.&nbsp;



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



Observations from telescopes have revealed evidence that at least one of the moons, Ariel, has material that flowed onto its surface, possibly from icy volcanoes, relatively recently.



Miranda, the innermost and fifth largest moon, also exhibits surface features that appear to be of recent origin, suggesting it may have held enough heat to maintain an ocean at some point. However, recent thermal modeling indicates that Miranda is unlikely to have hosted water for long, as it loses heat too rapidly and is probably frozen now.



Castillo-Rogez explained that internal heat isn't the only factor contributing to a moon's subsurface ocean. The study's key finding reveals that chlorides, along with ammonia, are likely abundant in the oceans of Uranus' largest moons.&nbsp;



Ammonia is known to act as an antifreeze, and the modeling also suggests that salts present in the water would provide an additional antifreeze source, helping to maintain the moons' internal oceans.



<h2 id="h-many-questions-left-unanswered">Many questions left unanswered</h2>



Despite these groundbreaking discoveries, many questions about Uranus' large moons remain. Castillo-Rogez acknowledges the need for further research: “We need to develop new models for different assumptions on the origin of the moons in order to guide planning for future observations.”&nbsp;



Unraveling the mysteries of these moons will help scientists and engineers select the most suitable instruments for studying them. For instance, knowing that ammonia and chlorides may be present would mean that spectrometers, which identify compounds by their reflected light, would need to use a wavelength range covering both types of compounds.



Furthermore, this knowledge can aid in designing instruments capable of probing the deep interior for liquid. Generally, searching for electrical currents contributing to a moon's magnetic field is the best way to detect a deep ocean, as demonstrated by the Galileo mission scientists at Jupiter's moon Europa.&nbsp;



However, the cold water in the interior oceans of moons like Ariel and Umbriel could hinder the oceans' ability to carry these electrical currents, presenting a new challenge for scientists working to uncover what lies beneath the surface of these enigmatic celestial bodies.



The integration of this wealth of data has allowed scientists to deepen our understanding of the moons of Uranus and the potential for water-rich bodies throughout our solar system.



<h2 id="h-more-about-uranus">More about Uranus</h2>



Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and the third largest in our solar system, with a diameter of about 31,518 miles (50,724 kilometers). It is an ice giant, like Neptune, and consists primarily of hydrogen and helium along with various ices such as water, ammonia, and methane.&nbsp;



It has a unique pale blue-green color due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects the blue-green hues. Uranus also has a distinct feature: its axis is tilted at an extreme angle of 98 degrees relative to its orbit, causing the planet to essentially rotate on its side.



Uranus has a ring system composed of 13 faint rings that are predominantly made up of dust and small chunks of rock. It also has a complex system of at least 27 known moons, named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope.&nbsp;



The five largest moons are Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon, each displaying distinct geological features and characteristics.



<h3 id="h-miranda">Miranda</h3>



The innermost and smallest of the five main moons, Miranda has a diameter of about 290 miles (466 kilometers) and features a bizarre landscape with giant canyons, ridges, and icy cliffs. Some theories suggest that the moon might have experienced a massive impact or tectonic activity in the past.



<h3 id="h-ariel">Ariel</h3>



With a diameter of approximately 720 miles (1,160 kilometers), Ariel is the fourth largest moon of Uranus. It has a relatively smooth surface with some large impact craters and a network of fault valleys and ridges, indicating signs of past geological activity.



<h3 id="h-umbriel">Umbriel</h3>



Umbriel is the third largest moon, with a diameter of around 727 miles (1,169 kilometers). It has a dark and heavily cratered surface, indicating that it has been relatively inactive geologically.



<h3 id="h-titania">Titania</h3>



The largest moon of Uranus, Titania has a diameter of approximately 980 miles (1,580 kilometers). Its surface features deep canyons, vast plains, and large impact craters, suggesting a mix of geological processes.



<h3 id="h-oberon">Oberon</h3>



With a diameter of about 945 miles (1,520 kilometers), Oberon is the second largest moon of Uranus. It has a heavily cratered surface with some large impact basins and mountainous terrain.



Recent studies have revealed that four of these major moons—Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon—likely contain subsurface oceans between their cores and icy crusts.&nbsp;



This discovery has sparked interest in understanding their potential habitability and the mechanisms that allow them to maintain liquid water beneath their surfaces.



While there is still much to learn about Uranus and its moons, these celestial bodies provide a fascinating glimpse into the diverse range of planetary systems and environments that exist within our solar system.



—-



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NASA: Four Uranus moons may have oceans that are miles deep

A re-examination of data from the Voyager spacecraft, coupled with...

<a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/meteors-and-meteorites/eta-aquarids/in-depth/">Eta Aquarids</a> is a dazzling meteor shower with an intriguing history that calls for all skywatchers to look up this weekend and witness a celestial spectacle.



The Eta Aquarids create a marvelous cosmic show that lights up the night every year in early May, treating us to a breathtaking display of meteors streaking across the sky. The meteor shower will peak this weekend on May 6, so grab your friends, family and let's dive into the dazzling world of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower.



<h2 id="h-the-intriguing-history-and-origins-of-the-eta-aquarids">The intriguing history and origins of the Eta Aquarids</h2>



The Eta Aquarids meteor shower, as the name suggests, is associated with the constellation Aquarius. It gets its name from Eta Aquarii, one of the brighter stars in the Aquarius constellation. However, the actual source of the meteor shower is a bit more famous than the star it's named after: none other than the legendary <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/comets/1p-halley/in-depth/">Halley's Comet</a>.



Yep, you read that right. The Eta Aquarids are actually debris left behind by Halley's Comet as it makes its way around the sun. And if that's not cool enough, Halley's Comet is also responsible for another meteor shower, the Orionids, which occurs around October. Talk about a multitasking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-comet-ever-spotted-is-hurtling-toward-earth/">comet</a>!



The Eta Aquarids meteor shower has been observed and recorded for over a thousand years, with some of the earliest documented sightings dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries in China. The shower was later observed by European astronomers in the late 19th century, and since then, it has become an annual event eagerly anticipated by skywatchers worldwide.



<h2 id="h-when-and-where-to-watch">When and Where to Watch</h2>



The Eta Aquarids shower typically occurs between April 19th and May 28th, but the peak of the shower usually falls around May 4th to 6th. During the peak, you can expect to see around 30 meteors per hour if you're blessed with clear skies and minimal light pollution. And don't worry if you can't catch the peak; the days leading up to and following the peak can still offer a worthwhile display of celestial fireworks.



The Eta Aquarids are best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere and the tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where the radiant - the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emanate - is highest in the sky. However, even if you're located further north, you can still catch a glimpse of the action, albeit with fewer meteors per hour.



To maximize your chances of witnessing this cosmic spectacle, find a dark spot away from city lights, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes. Then, look toward the eastern horizon, where the constellation Aquarius will be rising. You don't need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy the show, but they can be fun to use if you want to explore the night sky in greater detail.



<h2 id="h-the-diverse-perspectives-of-skywatchers">The Diverse Perspectives of Skywatchers</h2>



The beauty of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower is that it brings together a diverse group of people who share a common love for the night sky. From seasoned astronomers to casual stargazers, everyone can appreciate the celestial display put on by these meteors.



For scientists, the Eta Aquarids provide valuable data on the composition of Halley's Comet and the dynamics of meteor showers. Amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, on the other hand, find joy in capturing stunning images of the event and sharing their passion with others.&nbsp;



Families and friends often use the meteor shower as an opportunity to bond over a shared experience, while others find solace in the quiet moments of reflection that come from gazing at the stars.



One of the most fascinating aspects of the Eta Aquarids is how the shower is perceived and celebrated by different cultures around the world.&nbsp;



In some places, the meteor shower is seen as a sign of good fortune, while in others, it is believed to be the tears of a deity or a symbol of transformation.&nbsp;



These diverse interpretations add a layer of depth and intrigue to the event, making it an even more enriching experience for all who take the time to look up at the night sky.



<h2 id="h-tips-for-a-memorable-meteor-shower-experience">Tips for a Memorable Meteor Shower Experience</h2>



<h3 id="h-to-make-the-most-of-your-eta-aquarids-experience-consider-the-following-tips">To make the most of your Eta Aquarids experience, consider the following tips:</h3>



<h4 id="h-plan-ahead">Plan ahead</h4>



Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and choose a night with clear skies. Also, try to find a location that is far away from city lights to minimize light pollution.



<h4 id="h-dress-warmly">Dress warmly</h4>



Spending a night under the stars can get chilly, so dress in layers, and don't forget a blanket or a comfortable chair.



<h4 id="h-be-patient">Be patient</h4>



It may take some time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and the meteors may not appear right away. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience.



<h4 id="h-bring-company">Bring company</h4>



Watching a meteor shower is a fantastic experience to share with loved ones. Invite friends and family to join you, and make it a memorable night for everyone.



<h4 id="h-capture-the-moment">Capture the moment</h4>



If you're into photography, try your hand at capturing the beauty of the meteor shower. Experiment with different settings on your camera, and don't forget a tripod for those long exposures.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is a celestial event that has captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life for centuries. It's an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the universe and to share a magical experience with those around you.&nbsp;



So, whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a casual skywatcher, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the Eta Aquarids offer a dazzling display that's well worth staying up for. Happy stargazing!



<h2 id="h-more-about-halley-s-comet">More about Halley’s Comet</h2>



Halley's Comet, officially designated as 1P/Halley, is arguably the most famous and well-known comet in human history. Named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who first determined its periodic nature, this cosmic celebrity has been fascinating scientists and skywatchers alike for centuries. So, let's delve into the fascinating world of Halley's Comet and uncover its secrets.



<h3 id="h-a-brief-history-and-cultural-significance">A Brief History and Cultural Significance</h3>



Halley's Comet has been documented in historical records for over two millennia, with some of the earliest observations dating back to 240 BCE in ancient China. Throughout history, the comet has been considered both an omen of doom and a harbinger of change. For example, it is famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, where it is associated with the Norman conquest of England in 1066.



<h3 id="h-edmond-halley-and-the-comet-s-periodicity">Edmond Halley and the Comet's Periodicity</h3>



Halley's Comet owes its name to the 18th-century astronomer Edmond Halley, who, after examining historical records, concluded that the same comet was making an appearance roughly every 76 years. He predicted that it would return in 1758, and although he did not live to see his prediction come true, the comet's timely return cemented both his legacy and the comet's place in the annals of scientific history.



<h3 id="h-orbital-characteristics-and-composition">Orbital Characteristics and Composition</h3>



Halley's Comet is a short-period comet, meaning that it orbits the Sun in a relatively short time compared to other comets. Its elliptical orbit takes it as close as 0.59 astronomical units (AU) to the Sun (roughly between the orbits of Mercury and Venus) and as far away as 35 AU, which is beyond Neptune's orbit. The comet takes approximately 75-76 years to complete one orbit.



The nucleus of Halley's Comet is an irregularly-shaped, potato-like object measuring about 15 x 8 x 8 kilometers (9.3 x 5 x 5 miles). It is composed primarily of water ice, with traces of other volatile compounds such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane. The comet also contains a significant amount of dust and rocky material.



As Halley's Comet approaches the Sun, solar radiation causes the ice on its surface to evaporate, creating a glowing coma (an envelope of gas and dust) around the nucleus. Solar radiation and the solar wind also cause the formation of two tails: a dust tail and an ion tail. The tails always point away from the Sun due to the solar radiation pressure and the interaction with the solar wind.



<h3 id="h-visits-and-space-missions">Visits and Space Missions</h3>



Halley's Comet last passed closest to Earth in 1986, and its next visit is predicted to occur in 2061. The 1986 apparition was particularly significant because it marked the first time spacecraft had been sent to study a comet up close. The European Space Agency's Giotto probe was the most successful of these missions, returning valuable data and high-resolution images of the comet's nucleus.



<h3 id="h-in-summary">In Summary</h3>



Halley's Comet is a captivating celestial object that has inspired awe and wonder in people throughout history. Its periodic visits have shaped the course of human events and spurred scientific inquiry. As we eagerly await its return in 2061, we can continue to learn from its past appearances and the data collected from its encounters with our spacecraft.



—-



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The Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks this weekend

Eta Aquarids is a dazzling meteor shower with an intriguing...

Romantic,Venetian,Canals,-,Artwork,In,Painting,Style

Art has long been considered a powerful source of emotional and psychological impact on our lives. But in the digital age, with access to art no longer restricted to physical spaces like museums, can virtual experiences of art have a similar effect on our mood and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-spaces-in-childhood-improve-well-being-later-in-life/">well-being</a>?



A team of international researchers from the University of Vienna, the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a>, and the <a href="https://www.aesthetics.mpg.de/en.html">Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics</a> (MPIEA) sought to explore this question.&nbsp;



Their study, funded by the EU Horizon ART*IS Project, has recently been published as an open access article in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107764">Computers in Human Behavior</a>.



For the investigation, 240 participants were asked to view an interactive Monet Water Lily art exhibition provided by Google Arts and Culture.&nbsp;



By responding to a questionnaire, participants reported on various aspects of their experience, including their state of mind, the pleasure they felt when viewing the paintings, and how meaningful they found the experience to be.



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



The results indicated that even just a few minutes of virtual art viewing led to significant improvements in participants' mood and anxiety levels.&nbsp;



Study first author MacKenzie Trupp highlights the potential of digital art as a well-being tool, stating that “online art viewing is an untapped source of support for well-being that can be consumed as bite-sized bits of meaning-making and pleasure.”



In addition to the general benefits of viewing virtual art, the researchers also discovered that some participants were more receptive to art than others and, as a result, experienced greater benefits. This advantage was predicted using a metric called "aesthetic responsiveness." 



Edward A. Vessel of MPIEA, who developed the Aesthetic Responsiveness Assessment (AReA), explains that "aesthetic responsiveness describes how people react to diverse aesthetic stimuli, like art and nature. The results showed that individuals with high levels of art and aesthetic responsiveness benefit more from online art viewing due to having more pleasurable and meaningful art experiences."



This research holds significant implications for those who may be unable to visit museums or art galleries in person, such as individuals with health issues.&nbsp;



Moreover, the findings suggest that designers of interactive art exhibitions and similar online experiences should take into account individual differences in aesthetic responsiveness in order to maximize the potential benefits for users.



By shedding light on the benefits and limitations of experiencing art through digital media, this study paves the way for further exploration of how online art can contribute to enhancing well-being and overall quality of life.



<h2 id="h-more-about-art-as-therapy">More about art as therapy</h2>



Art as therapy, also known as art therapy or expressive arts therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the creative process of making and experiencing art to improve a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being.&nbsp;



Art therapy has been used to treat a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, as well as to foster personal growth and self-awareness. The therapeutic benefits of art can be observed in several key areas:



<h3 id="h-emotional-expression-and-catharsis">Emotional expression and catharsis</h3>



Engaging in artistic activities allows individuals to express their feelings and emotions, even those that may be difficult to articulate verbally. This emotional release can lead to a sense of relief, improved mood, and a better understanding of one's emotional state.



<h3 id="h-stress-reduction-and-relaxation">Stress reduction and relaxation</h3>



The process of creating art can be meditative and calming, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The act of focusing on a creative task can help shift attention away from stressors and alleviate tension.



<h3 id="h-self-awareness-and-self-discovery">Self-awareness and self-discovery</h3>



Art therapy can help individuals explore and understand their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By creating visual representations of their emotions, people can gain insight into their personal challenges, patterns, and coping mechanisms.



<h3 id="h-communication-and-social-skills">Communication and social skills</h3>



Art therapy can facilitate communication between individuals and their therapists, as well as among group therapy participants. By sharing their artwork and discussing the meaning behind it, people can improve their ability to express themselves and connect with others.



<h3 id="h-cognitive-abilities-and-problem-solving">Cognitive abilities and problem-solving</h3>



Engaging in creative activities can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Art therapy can also help individuals develop new perspectives on their issues and explore alternative solutions.



<h3 id="h-sense-of-accomplishment-and-self-esteem">Sense of accomplishment and self-esteem</h3>



Creating art can provide individuals with a sense of achievement, which in turn can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with feelings of worthlessness or low self-worth.



<h3 id="h-distraction-and-enjoyment">Distraction and enjoyment</h3>



Art therapy can provide a healthy and enjoyable distraction from life's challenges, promoting positive emotions and experiences. This can help individuals develop resilience and coping skills to better manage stress and difficult emotions.



It is important to note that art therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds, and no artistic talent or experience is required to participate. The focus of art therapy is on the process of creating and the personal meaning derived from the artwork, rather than the artistic merit of the finished piece. 



By utilizing art as a tool for healing, self-expression, and personal growth, individuals can experience a wide range of therapeutic benefits and improve their overall well-being.



—-



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Virtual art has a highly positive impact on mood and mental health

Art has long been considered a powerful source of emotional...

After more than three years of battling the devastating Covid-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-world-is-still-unprepared-for-the-next-pandemic/">pandemic</a>, which has claimed millions of lives and drastically altered daily life around the world, the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) announced on Friday that it was ending the emergency it had declared for the disease.&nbsp;



In a momentous step towards recovery and a new normal, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared, "With great hope, I declare Covid-19 over as a global health emergency."



The decision to end the emergency status, known officially as a "public health emergency of international concern," marks a turning point in humanity's evolving relationship with the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;



In practical terms, however, this decision does not lead to any major changes, as numerous countries have already lifted their states of emergency for Covid and removed most public health restrictions designed to control the virus. The United States, for example, is set to end its Covid emergency on May 11. Despite this, the virus will continue to maintain its pandemic status according to the WHO, much like HIV.



Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, who headed India's Public Health Foundation during the pandemic, told the NY Times that the decision to lift the emergency was appropriate, given the high levels of immunity to Covid worldwide, resulting from vaccination, infection, or both.&nbsp;



Dr. Reddy emphasized that Covid-19 "no longer possesses the same level of danger" and has reached "a level of equilibrium, a certain type of coexistence with the human host."



Furthermore, Dr. Reddy expressed that the end of the emergency status should be regarded as a moment of human accomplishment and a "celebration of science."&nbsp;



"It's important to recognize that what made the virus change its character is not only evolutionary biology, but also the fact that we have induced it to actually become less virulent, by vaccination, by masks, by a number of public health measures."



As of May 3, the WHO has reported 765,222,932 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 6,921,614 deaths globally. However, these numbers are considered to be a significant undercount of the true extent of the pandemic's impact. Independent researchers have estimated that the actual death toll from the virus could be much higher.



A year after the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 15 million more people had died in the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic than would have in normal times, the global health body has officially ended the emergency it had declared for the disease.&nbsp;



This figure demonstrates the extent to which countries had undercounted victims, with developing nations suffering the most. By the end of 2021, nearly eight million more people than expected had died in lower-middle-income nations.



Despite the official declaration, Covid-19 continues to spread. Between April 3 and 30, the WHO recorded 2.8 million new cases worldwide and more than 17,000 deaths. With many countries having reduced Covid testing, these figures likely represent a significant undercount.



Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Executive Director of <a href="https://amref.org/">Amref Health Africa</a>, stated that it was time to lift the emergency. “The danger of keeping it forever is diluting the tool - you need it to retain its force.” The declaration did help mobilize resources for Africa, but did little to counter the grim reality of what he called "vaccine injustice."&nbsp;



Amref continues to support vaccination efforts in 35 African countries, with continent-wide coverage now at 52%.



Dr. Gitahi also highlighted a positive outcome of the pandemic: unprecedented cooperation among African countries, including the creation of an African Union task force to coordinate vaccine procurement.



On May 3, the WHO issued an updated Covid management plan to guide countries in transitioning from emergency response to long-term Covid prevention and control over the next two years.&nbsp;



Speaking at a meeting of WHO experts in Geneva on Thursday, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that for the past 10 weeks, the number of weekly reported Covid deaths had been the lowest since March 2020. As a result, life has returned to normal in most countries, and health systems are rebuilding.



However, Dr. Ghebreyesus cautioned that critical uncertainties about the virus's evolution persist, complicating predictions of future transmission dynamics or seasonality.&nbsp;



"Surveillance and genetic sequencing have declined significantly around the world, making it more difficult to track known variants and detect new ones," said Dr. Ghebreyesus. Moreover, global access to lifesaving Covid treatments remains highly unequal.



Dr. Margareth Dalcolmo warned that the lifting of the global emergency should not be viewed as a milestone, but as an alert. She urged the world to "take this as a time to start being prepared for the next pandemic" and noted that respiratory viruses are expected to increase.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-covid-19-pandemic">More about the Covid-19 pandemic</h2>



The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread across the globe, affecting virtually every country. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.



Symptoms of Covid-19 can range from mild to severe, with some individuals remaining asymptomatic. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. In severe cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, and death, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions.



In response to the pandemic, countries around the world implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, face mask mandates, travel restrictions, and lockdowns. These measures had significant social, economic, and mental health impacts.



Scientists and researchers worked tirelessly to develop vaccines to combat the virus. Several Covid-19 vaccines, including those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson &amp; Johnson, have been authorized for emergency use and have been widely distributed. Vaccination campaigns have helped reduce transmission rates, hospitalizations, and deaths in many countries.



Throughout the pandemic, the virus has mutated, leading to the emergence of new variants. Some of these variants, such as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta strains, have shown increased transmissibility or the ability to partially evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination. This has posed challenges in controlling the pandemic and led to renewed surges in some areas.



The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of global cooperation in public health, the need for equitable distribution of resources like vaccines, and the value of investing in healthcare infrastructure and preparedness for future pandemics.



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WHO: Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency

After more than three years of battling the devastating Covid-19...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://ok.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan</a> has recently explored the potential of using fruit waste (both solid and leachate) to power fuel cells. 



Although the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/">energy</a> extracted from food scraps still pales in comparison to wind or solar power, the experts are confident that the energy output of discarded food – particularly fruit waste, which is abundant in the agricultural belt of the Okanagan Valley – can be further purified and improved.



Currently, food waste is an increasing problem in cities worldwide. According to the British Columbia government, for instance, organic waste represents 40 percent of material in provincial landfills. Thus, harnessing this waste and turning it into energy would be a major step forward in solving this problem.



“Today food waste is a sustainability challenge with detrimental environmental, economic, and social implications,” said study lead author Hirra Zafar, an expert in Food Waste Management at UBC Okanagan. 



“Current waste treatment methods, such as landfills and incineration, are associated with a wide range of adverse environmental impacts, including acidic waste leachate, air pollution, methane production, and the release of harmful pollutants that result in environmental degradation and health risks.”



The scientists found that microbial fuel cells can efficiently convert fruit waste into electric energy by using an anaerobic anode compartment in which anaerobic microbes – a type of microorganisms that can survive without oxygen – utilize organic matter to convert it into energy. These microbes consume organic matter in the anode compartment, releasing electrons and protons.&nbsp;



In the cathode compartment, the electrons combine with the protons and oxygen to produce water, generating bioelectricity in the process. According to the researchers, this process works more efficiently and produces better output when the food waste is separated and ground into small particles before processing.



Due to their individual biochemical features, different types of fruits lead to different results when processed through microbial fuel cells.



“Carbohydrates are first degraded into soluble sugars and smaller molecules such as acetate, which is then consumed by electroactive bacteria to produce electricity in the process of electrogenesis,” Zafar explained.



Although many challenges remain in converting food waste into bioenergy on a commercial scale – with further work needed to increase the bioconversion efficiency of fruit to result in higher voltage outputs - these findings highlight the great potential of microbial fuel cells.&nbsp;



“Microbial fuel cells are really at their developmental stage and they have so much potential. At this point, the voltage remains low, but I am excited to investigate how to improve their power output and apply these practices on a commercial scale,” Zafar concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128778">Bioresource Technology</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-fruit-waste">More about fruit waste</h2>



Fruit waste refers to the portion of fruits that is discarded, not consumed, or left unutilized during various stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption. This waste can occur at multiple points, such as during harvesting, storage, transportation, processing, and retail. Fruit waste can also happen at the consumer level, where fruits may be thrown away due to spoilage, cosmetic imperfections, or over-purchasing.



<h3 id="h-there-are-several-reasons-for-fruit-waste">There are several reasons for fruit waste:</h3>



<h4 id="h-cosmetic-standards">Cosmetic standards</h4>



Fruits that do not meet the specific shape, size, or color requirements may be discarded, even if they are perfectly edible and nutritious.



<h4 id="h-oversupply">Oversupply</h4>



Sometimes, the market demand for certain fruits is lower than the supply, leading to waste.



<h4 id="h-poor-storage-and-transportation">Poor storage and transportation</h4>



Inadequate storage and transportation facilities can lead to spoilage or damage, rendering fruits unsuitable for consumption.



<h4 id="h-lack-of-proper-harvesting-techniques">Lack of proper harvesting techniques</h4>



Inefficient or improper harvesting methods can lead to waste, as fruits may be left in the fields or damaged during the process.



<h4 id="h-consumer-behavior">Consumer behavior</h4>



Consumers may not store fruits properly, leading to spoilage, or may throw away fruits that are still edible due to perceived imperfections.



<h2 id="h-the-impacts-of-fruit-waste">The impacts of fruit waste</h2>



Fruit waste has significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. It contributes to the depletion of natural resources, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and the squandering of water, energy, and land resources. Economically, it leads to financial losses for farmers, retailers, and consumers. Socially, it is a missed opportunity to address food insecurity and malnutrition.



To mitigate fruit waste, various strategies can be employed, such as implementing better harvesting, storage, and transportation methods to minimize spoilage and damage. Consumers should be encouraged to use "ugly" or "imperfect" fruits, which are still edible.



In addition, consumers should plan their purchases, store fruits properly, and consume them before they spoil. By addressing fruit waste, we can reduce the negative impacts on the environment, economy, and society, while also making better use of our resources.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Scientists harness fruit waste to extract energy

A team of researchers led by the University of British...

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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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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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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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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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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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