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...

An international team of scientists has recently found that sea level rise could lead to the flooding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-will-lose-habitats-due-to-climate-change-and-coastal-development/">sea turtle</a> breeding grounds in Australia, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the United States, contributing to a significant loss of turtle nesting sites, with leatherback turtle nests being the most vulnerable.



The experts estimated the likelihood of flooding in 2,835 sea turtle nest locations across seven breeding grounds from 2010 to 2100, under moderate and high greenhouse gas emission scenarios (the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC) representative concentration pathways known as RCP 4.5 and 8.5).&nbsp;



These breeding grounds are situated in various locations, including the Mondonguillo beach in Costa Rica, the Guanahacabibes peninsula in Cuba, the Saona Island in the Dominican Republic, the coast of Ecuador, the Raine Island in Australia, the St. George Island in Florida, and the Sint Eustatius in the Caribbean Netherlands. The breeding sites serve as habitats for five different sea turtle species - the leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, and green turtles.



The analysis revealed that breeding grounds situated on flat beaches are at the highest risk of flooding under a moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5). For instance, 100 percent of nests located on Raine Island and Saona Island - which are at low elevations on flat beaches - are projected to be vulnerable to flooding by 2050.&nbsp;



In addition, the scientists estimated that 100 percent of nest locations at St. George Island and Mondonguillo beach may also face the risk of flooding under the same emissions scenario.



In breeding grounds used by multiple species, leatherback turtle nests may be especially vulnerable to flooding due to variations in the nesting locations preferred by each species.



Leatherback turtles tend to nest in open areas near the high tide line, and hawksbill and green turtles prefer higher elevations closer to steep cliffs or dunes. Thus, in Sint Eustatius, 50 percent of leatherback, 18 percent of hawksbill, and 13 percent of green turtle nests may be vulnerable to flooding by 2050 under a moderate emissions scenario.



Since female sea turtles usually return to nest on the same beaches they hatched on, sea level rise could lead many turtles to nest on flooded beaches and thus negatively impact the number of turtles hatching.&nbsp;



Further research is needed to investigate how quickly turtles could adapt to such phenomena in order to clarify the long-term impact of sea level rise on turtle populations. In the meanwhile, strategies to mitigate the impact of sea level rise and increase turtle resilience – including sand refilling on nesting beaches, nest relocation, and the use of turtle hatcheries – are urgently needed.&nbsp;



“If the world maintains current carbon dioxide emission rates, worst-case scenarios might be vastly underestimated by 3-4 times and existing management strategies may then be insufficient to protect the future of many sea turtle populations worldwide," wrote the researchers.



"In summary, our study predicts massive flooding at important rookeries in Australia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the USA. These critical areas will face the effects of sea level rise in the next few decades, meaning that it is now urgent to reduce anthropogenic emissions to safeguard the future of sea turtle populations against climate change and associated sea level rise."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31467-1">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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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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Sea level rise threatens turtle breeding grounds

An international team of scientists has recently found that sea...

The <a href="https://silentspring.org/">Silent Spring Institute</a> and the University of California, Berkeley, have published a groundbreaking study highlighting the prevalence of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in common household and workplace products. The findings could lead to stronger chemical regulations and guide manufacturers in developing safer alternatives.



VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and accumulate in indoor air. They are found in everyday household items such as shampoos, body lotions, cleaning products, mothballs, and paint removers.&nbsp;



Exposure to these toxic compounds has been linked to various health issues, including cancer. Unfortunately, companies are not usually required to disclose the contents of their products or the amounts used, making it difficult to assess the potential health risks associated with exposure.



"This study is the first to reveal the extent to which toxic VOCs are used in everyday products of all types that could lead to serious health problems," said study lead author Kristin Knox. "Making this information public could incentivize manufacturers to reformulate their products and use safer ingredients."



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



To conduct the analysis, Knox and her colleagues used an unconventional data source: The California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB has been monitoring VOCs in consumer products for over three decades as part of its efforts to reduce smog. VOCs react with other air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-can-make-other-pollutants-more-toxic/">pollutants</a> in the presence of sunlight, forming ozone, the primary component of smog.



The researchers analyzed data from CARB's Consumer Product Regulatory program, which collects information on a wide range of products sold in California, from hair sprays to windshield wiper fluids. Although CARB does not share data on specific products, it does provide details on the concentration of VOCs in various product categories and the sales volume of each category within the state.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c07247">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>, focused on 33 VOCs listed under California's right-to-know law, Proposition 65. This law mandates that companies selling products in California must warn users if their products could expose them to significant amounts of these harmful chemicals, which are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.



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



The team has discovered that over 100 types of products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) listed under California's Proposition 65. The researchers identified 30 products, including a dozen different personal care items, that warrant particular attention due to their frequent use and potential health risks. The analysis did not include other toxic chemicals listed under Proposition 65, such as lead.



Occupational exposure to these toxic chemicals is a primary concern, as workers often use various products that may each contain at least one hazardous compound.&nbsp;



Nail and hair salon workers, for example, are exposed to up to nine different Proposition 65 VOCs through their daily use of products like nail polish, polish remover, artificial nail adhesives, and hair straighteners.&nbsp;



Janitors may be exposed to over 20 Proposition 65 VOCs through their use of general cleaners, degreasers, detergents, and other maintenance products.



"At the most basic level, workers deserve to know what they’re exposed to. But, ultimately, they deserve safer products and this study should compel manufacturers to make significant changes to protect workers’ health," said Dr. Meg Schwarzman.



<h2 id="h-top-chemicals-that-the-study-recommends-be-eliminated">Top chemicals that the study recommends be eliminated</h2>



The study identified the top 11 chemicals listed under Proposition 65 that should be eliminated from products due to their high toxicity and widespread use. Among the findings were:



Formaldehyde was the most common Proposition 65 VOC found in personal care items such as nail polish, shampoo, makeup, and more.



Home-use products like general-purpose cleaners, art supplies, and laundry detergents contained the highest number of Proposition 65 VOCs.



Adhesives contained over a dozen different Proposition 65 VOCs, revealing that workers can be exposed to numerous toxic chemicals from using just one type of product.



Using the California Air Resources Board (CARB) data, the research team calculated that over 5,000 tons of volatile Proposition 65 chemicals were released from products in California in 2020, with nearly 300 tons coming from mothballs (1,4-dichlorobenzene) alone.



<h2 id="h-how-to-solve-the-problem">How to solve the problem</h2>



“This study shows how much work remains for product manufacturers and regulators nationwide, because the products in CARB’s database are sold throughout the U.S.," said study co-author Claudia Polsky.



The study proposes solutions by identifying the types of products that manufacturers should reformulate to replace toxic VOCs with safer ingredients.&nbsp;



Additionally, based on their findings, the experts suggest that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consider regulating five more chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): ethylene oxide, styrene, 1,3-dichloropropene, diethanolamine, and cumene.



By shedding light on the widespread use of toxic VOCs in everyday products, this study could play a crucial role in driving policy changes and motivating manufacturers to create safer alternatives. Ultimately, these efforts could result in better protection for consumers' health and well-being.



<h2 id="h-more-about-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs">More about volatile organic compounds (VOCs)</h2>



Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are present in a wide range of products, including paints, solvents, cleaning agents, pesticides, and personal care items. VOCs are emitted from various sources, such as industrial processes, vehicle exhaust, and even natural sources like plants.



Impact on humans: When inhaled, VOCs can have negative effects on human health, depending on the specific compound, concentration, and duration of exposure. Some of the potential health impacts of VOCs include:



<h3 id="h-short-term-effects">Short-term effects</h3>



Exposure to VOCs can cause immediate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, eye and respiratory irritation, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms usually resolve once the exposure is eliminated.



<h3 id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



Prolonged or chronic exposure to certain VOCs can result in more severe health issues, such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some VOCs, like benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as human carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.



<h3 id="h-indoor-air-quality">Indoor air quality</h3>



VOCs are a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. They can be emitted from household items such as cleaning products, building materials, furniture, and electronic devices. As buildings become more energy-efficient and airtight, indoor VOC concentrations can accumulate to levels that pose health risks.



<h2 id="h-vocs-have-several-environmental-impacts-including-the-following">VOCs have several environmental impacts, including the following:</h2>



<h3 id="h-ozone-formation-and-smog">Ozone formation and smog</h3>



VOCs react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. Ozone is a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory issues, reduce crop yields, and damage ecosystems.



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Some VOCs are greenhouse gases, meaning they can contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Methane, for example, is a potent greenhouse gas and a significant VOC.



<h3 id="h-stratospheric-ozone-depletion">Stratospheric ozone depletion</h3>



Certain VOCs, like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), can deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere.&nbsp;



This depletion allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as harming ecosystems and reducing crop yields.



Due to the potential risks posed by VOCs, efforts have been made to regulate their use and emissions, as well as to promote the development of safer alternatives.



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Common household products expose people to dangerous chemicals

The Silent Spring Institute and the University of California, Berkeley,...

Near-death experiences have long captivated our imagination, with stories of white light, encounters with deceased loved ones, and hearing voices being deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric. The consistent elements in these experiences have led scientists to ponder whether they reveal a form of consciousness that persists even after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-break-down-the-best-heart-healthy-diets/">heart</a> has stopped beating.&nbsp;



A groundbreaking study, published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/">Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</a>, provides some preliminary evidence of increased brain activity associated with consciousness in the moments leading up to death.



The study, spearheaded by Dr. Jimo Borjigin, is a continuation of animal research conducted nearly a decade ago in collaboration with Dr. George Mashour, the founding director of the <a href="https://consciousness.med.umich.edu/">Michigan Center for Consciousness Science</a>.&nbsp;



The researchers observed comparable gamma activation signatures in the dying brains of both animals and humans following oxygen deprivation caused by cardiac arrest.



Dr. Mashour stated that "how vivid experience can emerge from a dysfunctional brain during the process of dying is a neuroscientific paradox. Dr. Borjigin has led an important study that helps shed light on the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms."



The research team identified four patients who died from cardiac arrest while being monitored by an EEG in the hospital. All four were comatose and unresponsive, and with the consent of their families, removed from life support after being deemed beyond medical help.&nbsp;



Upon withdrawal of ventilator support, two of the patients exhibited an increase in heart rate accompanied by a surge of gamma wave activity - known as the fastest brain activity and linked to consciousness.



The surge of activity was observed in the "hot zone" of neural correlates of consciousness in the brain, located at the junction between the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. This region has been associated with dreaming, visual hallucinations in epilepsy, and altered states of consciousness in previous studies.&nbsp;



Dr. Nusha Mihaylova explained that these two patients had a history of seizures, but experienced none during the hour before their deaths. The other two patients displayed neither an increase in heart rate upon removal from life support nor heightened brain activity.



Despite these intriguing results, the researchers caution against drawing definitive conclusions due to the limited sample size. Additionally, it is impossible to know what the patients experienced, as they did not survive.&nbsp;



"We are unable to make correlations of the observed neural signatures of consciousness with a corresponding experience in the same patients in this study. However, the observed findings are definitely exciting and provide a new framework for our understanding of covert consciousness in the dying humans," said Dr. Mihaylova.



Future larger-scale, multi-center studies involving EEG-monitored ICU patients who survive cardiac arrest could offer valuable data to ascertain whether these bursts of gamma activity are indeed indicative of concealed consciousness near death. The paper's additional authors include Gang Xu, Duan Li, Fangyun Tian, Peter M. Farrehi, Jack M. Parent, and Michael Wang.



<h2 id="h-more-about-near-death-experiences">More about near-death experiences</h2>



Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound psychological events that typically occur when an individual is close to death or undergoes a life-threatening situation. These experiences often share a set of common elements and can leave a lasting impact on those who experience them.&nbsp;



NDEs have been widely reported and documented by researchers, with many studies aiming to understand their nature and origin.



<h3 id="h-some-common-characteristics-of-near-death-experiences-include">Some common characteristics of near-death experiences include:&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-out-of-body-experiences-obes">Out-of-body experiences (OBEs)&nbsp;</h4>



People often report feeling detached from their physical bodies, observing themselves and their surroundings from a different perspective.



<h4 id="h-entering-a-tunnel-or-dark-space">Entering a tunnel or dark space</h4>



Many NDEs include the sensation of moving through a dark tunnel or passageway, sometimes with a bright light at the end.



<h4 id="h-encounters-with-deceased-loved-ones-or-spiritual-beings">Encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings</h4>



During NDEs, individuals may feel they are in the presence of deceased friends or family members, or encounter spiritual beings such as angels or other divine entities.



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



Some people report reliving their lives in a flash, often accompanied by an evaluation of their actions and decisions.



<h4 id="h-experiencing-intense-emotions">Experiencing intense emotions</h4>



NDEs can be accompanied by overwhelming feelings of peace, love, joy, or even fear and distress.



<h4 id="h-encountering-a-barrier-or-border">Encountering a barrier or border</h4>



In some cases, individuals reach a point where they feel they cannot proceed any further and must return to their physical bodies.



<h4 id="h-transformation-and-after-effects">Transformation and after-effects</h4>



Many who experience NDEs report significant changes in their attitudes, beliefs, and values after the event. They may become more spiritual, compassionate, or altruistic.



<h3 id="h-some-documented-examples-of-near-death-experiences-include">Some documented examples of near-death experiences include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-dr-eben-alexander-s-nde">Dr. Eben Alexander's NDE</h4>



A neurosurgeon, Dr. Alexander experienced a profound NDE during a coma induced by bacterial meningitis. He reported visiting a beautiful, heavenly realm, encountering a divine being he identified as God, and receiving messages of love and interconnectedness.



<h4 id="h-pam-reynolds-nde">Pam Reynolds' NDE</h4>



During a complicated brain surgery, Pam Reynolds underwent a medically induced cardiac arrest to lower her body temperature. She reported an out-of-body experience, accurately describing events and conversations that occurred during her surgery, despite being clinically dead.



<h4 id="h-colton-burpo-s-nde">Colton Burpo's NDE</h4>



At the age of four, Colton Burpo underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. After the surgery, he reported visiting heaven, meeting deceased relatives, and receiving insights into his family's future.



These examples and countless others have piqued the interest of researchers, leading to various theories and explanations for NDEs, ranging from physiological processes (e.g., lack of oxygen, the release of endorphins, or neurotransmitter imbalances) to transcendental or spiritual interpretations.



&nbsp;The study of near-death experiences continues to be a fascinating area of research, with ongoing debates and discoveries about the nature of consciousness and the potential existence of an afterlife.



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Millions of near-death experiences validated by new study

Near-death experiences have long captivated our imagination, with stories of...

In an unprecedented effort to search for signs of extraterrestrial life, the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is now participating in the hunt for techno signatures from alien life in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-telescope-may-explore-the-dark-ages-of-our-universe/">universe</a>.



Located approximately 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico, the VLA is one of the world's most powerful radio telescope arrays. By collecting and analyzing data for emissions that only artificial transmitters produce, researchers hope to uncover evidence of a technically advanced society beyond our own.



According to Andrew Siemion, Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute, "The VLA is the go-to instrument for radio astronomers, but this is the first time we are using it in a wide-ranging and continuous search for technosignatures."&nbsp;



The VLA, which consists of 27 antennas spread over 23 miles of desert terrain, has been engaged in a project called VLASS (Very Large Array Sky Survey) since 2017. This survey aims to provide a radio reconnaissance of 80 percent of the sky.



While conducting VLASS observations, researchers will tap into the signal distribution network, diverting a copy of the data to a specialized receiver with very narrow (approximately one hertz wide) channels. This process will allow them to identify narrow-band components in signals from deliberately constructed transmitters, differentiating them from naturally occurring signals.



<h2 id="h-the-technology-behind-the-seti-project">The technology behind the SETI project</h2>



The new processing system for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is called COSMIC – the Commensal Open-Source Multimode Interferometer Cluster. This initiative is led by the <a href="https://www.seti.org/">SETI Institute</a>, in collaboration with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Breakthrough Listen Initiative.&nbsp;



"COSMIC operates commensally, which means it works in the background using a copy of the data astronomers are taking for other scientific purposes. This is an ideal and very efficient way to get large amounts of telescope time to search for rare signals," said VLA expert Paul Demorest.



Unlike many previous SETI observations, the new experiment can recognize a wide variety of transmissions, including pulsed and transient signals. With an unprecedented range of frequencies to be monitored, the tally of star systems examined will be approximately ten million.



Since the beginning of 2023, the COSMIC system has been detecting signals from the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which is currently about 15 billion miles away and is the most distant human-made object. These detections have helped verify the operation of individual antennas in the array, as well as their ability to combine observations to produce clear results.



Jack Hickish, Founder of Real-Time Radio Systems Ltd., stated: "The detection of Voyager 1 is an exciting demonstration of the capabilities of the COSMIC system. It is the culmination of an enormous amount of work from an international team of scientists and engineers."&nbsp;



He went on to say that the COSMIC system serves as a testbed for technosignatures research on upcoming radio telescopes like NRAO's Next Generation VLA.



<h2 id="h-how-this-addition-will-improve-the-seti-program">How this addition will improve the SETI program</h2>



With the unparalleled sensitivity of the VLA combined with the COSMIC system, this SETI search will be about a thousand times more comprehensive than any previous effort.&nbsp;



Historically, significant advancements in the sensitivity and range of exploratory experiments have often led to the detection of a signal. If this holds true, we may soon uncover a radio whisper that tells us we are not the only intelligent inhabitants of the Milky Way Galaxy.



Tony Beasley, Director of the NRAO, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is proud to partner with the SETI Institute in this exciting initiative. Partnerships bringing together world-class research instruments, private research institutes, and members of the public personally committed to forefront science can enable new important discoveries."&nbsp;



The joint efforts of these organizations, along with the support and dedication of the scientific community, are essential in pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.



As the VLA and COSMIC continue their search for extraterrestrial life, researchers and scientists around the world eagerly await the results. If successful, the discovery of technosignatures would mark a turning point in human history, reshaping our understanding of our place in the cosmos and opening up new avenues for scientific exploration and collaboration.



However, even if this search does not yield immediate results, the data collected will still contribute valuable information to other areas of astronomical research.&nbsp;



The massive amount of data gathered from the VLA and COSMIC could potentially reveal new insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies, the distribution of dark matter, and the nature of mysterious cosmic phenomena such as fast radio bursts.



<h2 id="h-great-hopes-for-this-collaboration">Great hopes for this collaboration</h2>



Ultimately, the search for technosignatures is not only a quest to find extraterrestrial life but also a journey to expand our understanding of the universe and our place within it.&nbsp;



The collaboration between the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the SETI Institute, and the Breakthrough Listen Initiative exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing some of the most profound questions facing humanity today.



As our knowledge and technology continue to advance, we may one day find the answers we seek, confirming or refuting the existence of other intelligent life forms in the vast expanse of the Milky Way.



&nbsp;Until then, the dedicated efforts of researchers, scientists, and institutions involved in the search for technosignatures will continue to push the boundaries of our understanding and inspire future generations to explore the stars.



<h2 id="h-more-about-seti-and-the-hunt-for-technosignatures">More about SETI and the hunt for technosignatures</h2>



The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is a collective term for the scientific efforts to detect and analyze signals from potential intelligent extraterrestrial life forms.&nbsp;



The concept of SETI dates back to the early 1960s when pioneering astronomer Frank Drake conducted the first radio search for extraterrestrial civilizations. Over the years, SETI projects have expanded and evolved, incorporating new technologies and methods to search for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth.



One of the primary targets of SETI research is the detection of technosignatures, which are signals or indicators of advanced technology created by extraterrestrial civilizations. Technosignatures can take various forms, such as narrowband radio signals, laser pulses, or even the waste heat generated by advanced technologies.&nbsp;



The focus on technosignatures stems from the assumption that intelligent extraterrestrial life forms would develop and use technology similar to or more advanced than our own, leaving detectable traces in the electromagnetic spectrum.



Radio signals have been the primary focus of SETI research for several reasons. First, radio waves can travel vast interstellar distances with minimal attenuation or interference, making them an ideal medium for long-range communication.&nbsp;



Second, the development of radio technology on Earth has provided scientists with a foundation for understanding and interpreting potential extraterrestrial signals. Finally, radio telescopes, such as the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), have become more advanced, allowing for more sensitive and comprehensive searches for technosignatures.



<h2 id="h-how-seti-searches-for-technosignatures">How SETI searches for technosignatures</h2>



While the search for technosignatures has primarily focused on radio signals, other forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as optical and infrared wavelengths, are also being explored.&nbsp;



For instance, the search for extraterrestrial laser pulses or "optical SETI" is an area of growing interest. These efforts aim to detect pulsed or continuous laser emissions that could be indicative of advanced communication or propulsion systems.



The hunt for technosignatures is a challenging endeavor, as it requires the ability to distinguish artificial signals from natural astrophysical phenomena. Researchers must account for various sources of interference, such as cosmic noise, human-made radio frequency interference, and natural signals emitted by celestial objects like pulsars and quasars.



Despite the challenges, the search for technosignatures has generated significant public interest and captured the imagination of scientists and the general public alike. While no conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence has been discovered thus far, the ongoing search for technosignatures continues to drive advancements in radio astronomy, signal processing, and our understanding of the cosmos.



In recent years, SETI efforts have expanded with the support of private organizations, such as the Breakthrough Listen Initiative, which aims to search for intelligent life on a much larger scale than ever before.&nbsp;



By leveraging advanced technologies, enhanced signal processing methods, and the dedication of researchers worldwide, the search for technosignatures holds the potential to answer one of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?



Image Credit: VLA/NRAO



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Massive telescope array is joining the hunt for alien life

In an unprecedented effort to search for signs of extraterrestrial...

New research from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has revealed that cancer patients who use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/">cannabis</a> to alleviate their symptoms not only experience less pain and improved sleep, but also exhibit an unexpected benefit: clearer thinking.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00138">Exploration in Medicine</a>, represent a significant development in understanding the potential benefits of over-the-counter cannabis for relieving cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side-effects.



"When you're in a lot of pain, it's hard to think. We found that when patients' pain levels came down after using cannabis for a while, their cognition got better," explained study senior author Professor Angela Bryan.



This small yet groundbreaking study is among the first to investigate the impact of cannabis purchased at dispensaries rather than government-supplied or synthetic cannabis.



In recent years, a growing number of cancer patients have turned to cannabis as a legal option for managing symptoms in most states. Survey data indicates that up to 40 percent of U.S. cancer patients use cannabis; however, only a third of doctors feel comfortable advising patients on its use.&nbsp;



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



The complexity of studying cannabis is due in part to federal law, which prohibits university researchers from possessing or distributing cannabis for research unless it's government-issued or of pharmaceutical grade.&nbsp;



Consequently, previous studies have predominantly focused on prescription products like nabilone or dronabinol (typically prescribed for nausea) or government cannabis strains that tend to be less potent and lack the variety of over-the-counter offerings.



To overcome these limitations, Bryan and her research team collaborated with oncologists at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, observing 25 cancer patients who used cannabis over a two-week period.&nbsp;



After assessing the participants' pain levels, sleep patterns, and cognition in a baseline appointment, they were instructed to purchase an edible product of their choice from a dispensary.&nbsp;



The choices were surprisingly diverse, spanning 18 brands, with options such as chocolates, gummies, tinctures, pills, and baked goods, and containing various ratios of THC and CBD at a wide range of potencies.



The range of products chosen by the participants highlights the willingness of people to try different options in search of relief, but a lack of data leaves them without guidance on which product works best for their needs.&nbsp;



“This tells us that people are open to trying whatever they think might be useful, but there's just not much data out there to guide them on what works best for what,” said Bryan.



The researchers behind the study went to great lengths to collect accurate data, using a "mobile laboratory" (a Dodge Sprinter van, sometimes referred to as the "cannavan") to conduct physical and cognitive assessments at each patient's home. This allowed the researchers to test the patients before and after using cannabis in their own homes, minimizing external factors that could affect the results.



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



In the short term, the study found that cannabis use provided significant pain relief within an hour, but also impaired patients' cognition and made them feel "high" (with higher THC content resulting in a stronger high).&nbsp;



However, after two weeks of consistent use at the patients' chosen frequency, a different pattern emerged. Participants reported improvements in pain, sleep quality, and cognitive function, with some objective measures of cognitive function, such as reaction times, also showing improvement.



Professor Bryan expressed surprise at the results. "We thought we might see some problems with cognitive function," she said, noting that both cannabis and chemotherapy have previously been associated with impaired thinking. "But people actually felt like they were thinking more clearly."&nbsp;



The researchers also found that the more a patient's pain subsided, the more their cognition seemed to improve. Additionally, those who ingested more CBD, a known anti-inflammatory, reported bigger improvements in sleep quality and pain intensity.



While the findings are preliminary and larger controlled studies are needed, they raise an intriguing possibility: while certain forms and dosages of cannabis for pain relief may impair thinking in the short term, some regimens could potentially improve cognition in the long run by reducing pain.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-personal-experience-included-in-the-study">Personal experience included in the study</h2>



Professor Bryan, who had been studying cancer prevention for years and had just begun researching medicinal cannabis use when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, personally used cannabis to help ease her pain after surgery and chemotherapy.



"The doctors were so supportive of what I wanted to do, but they had no idea what to tell me," she said. "There was just no data."&nbsp;



Concerned about using opioids, Bryan created her own custom regimen of more potent THC-heavy products when the pain was intense and she could sacrifice some mental sharpness, and milder, CBD-heavy products to keep the pain manageable. She was not pain-free but managed to avoid using opiates during her treatment.



"I was extremely lucky because I had some knowledge about this. Most patients don't," she said. Bryan hopes that her research and future studies will help people make better-informed decisions about using cannabis to manage the symptoms of cancer and its treatments.



As the field of cannabis research continues to expand, these findings provide a valuable insight into the potential benefits of over-the-counter cannabis for cancer patients, and may serve as a foundation for future studies on this topic.



<h2 id="h-more-about-cannabis-and-pain-relief">More about cannabis and pain relief</h2>



Cannabis has long been used for its pain-relieving properties, and with the growing acceptance and legalization of medicinal cannabis in many parts of the world, research into its therapeutic effects has increased. The two primary active compounds in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have been shown to have varying effects on pain management.



THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" experienced when using cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are part of the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception.&nbsp;



By binding to these receptors, THC can modulate pain signals and provide relief from different types of pain, such as neuropathic pain (associated with nerve damage) and inflammatory pain.



CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound that does not produce a "high." It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective properties.&nbsp;



CBD interacts with various receptors in the endocannabinoid system and other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, to modulate pain perception. Research has shown that CBD can be effective in managing conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain.



Combining THC and CBD in varying ratios can offer different therapeutic effects, depending on the type and intensity of pain. Some studies suggest that the combination of THC and CBD can provide greater pain relief than either compound alone, due to a phenomenon called the "entourage effect."&nbsp;



This concept proposes that the various compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to enhance their therapeutic effects.



It's important to note that the ideal ratio of THC and CBD for pain relief can vary from person to person, and the optimal dosage depends on factors such as the individual's tolerance, the severity of the pain, and the specific condition being treated. Medical professionals and researchers are still working to determine the most effective formulations and dosages for different types of pain.



In conclusion, cannabis has shown promise as an alternative or supplementary treatment for pain relief in various conditions. However, more research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for its use and to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis-based therapies.&nbsp;



Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for pain management, as they can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and circumstances.



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Cannabis may be a highly effective treatment for cancer patients

New research from the University of Colorado Boulder has revealed...

In a groundbreaking study published journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300545120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, researchers have discovered that humans can perceive a greater range of blue tones than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-monkeys-are-much-smarter-than-we-thought-they-were/">monkeys</a>.&nbsp;



This finding suggests that humans may have developed distinct neural connections in the retina for enhanced color vision, which could be the result of recent evolutionary adaptations.



The international research team was led by Yeon Jin Kim, acting instructor, and Dennis M. Dacey, professor, both from the Department of Biological Structure at the <a href="https://www.uwmedicine.org/school-of-medicine">University of Washington School of Medicine</a> in Seattle.&nbsp;



The collaborative project also involved Orin S. Packer of the Dacey lab; Andreas Pollreisz at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Paul R. Martin, professor of experimental ophthalmology, and Ulrike Grünert, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual science, both at the University of Sydney, Australia, and the Save Sight Institute.



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



To compare the neural connections responsible for color vision between humans and monkeys, the scientists examined the retinas of humans, Old World macaques, and New World common marmosets. These two monkey species share a common ancestor with modern humans from around 25 million years ago.&nbsp;



The researchers sought to determine whether the neural wiring associated with color vision is conserved across these three species, despite their distinct evolutionary paths.



The team focused on the fovea, a small, cone cell-packed region of the retina responsible for sharp visual acuity and color vision. They studied the cone cells, which come in three sensitivities: short, medium, and long wavelengths. Color information is processed through neural circuits that interpret data from different cone types.



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



Using a fine scale microscopic reconstruction method, the researchers discovered that a specific short-wave or blue-sensitive cone circuit found in humans is absent in marmosets and differs from the circuit seen in macaque monkeys.&nbsp;



Additionally, the scientists identified features in the nerve cell connections of human color vision that were unexpected based on earlier nonhuman primate color vision models.



The findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex neural circuitry that codes for color perception in humans, potentially shedding light on the origins of color vision qualities that are unique to our species. The researchers also suggested that differences in visual circuitry among mammals could be partially influenced by their adaptation to specific ecological niches.&nbsp;



For instance, marmosets live in trees, while humans primarily dwell on land. The ability to discern ripe fruit amid shifting forest light could have provided a selective advantage for specific color vision circuitry, although the precise effects of environment and behavior on color vision have yet to be established.



According to the researchers, comparative studies of neural circuits at the level of connections and signaling between nerve cells could help answer many other questions, such as revealing the underlying logic of neural circuit design and offering insights into how evolution has modified the nervous system to shape perception and behavior.



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



Color vision varies significantly across the animal kingdom, with different species possessing unique visual systems and abilities to perceive colors. Here are some examples of color vision in various animal species:



<h3 id="h-birds">Birds</h3>



Birds have a highly developed color vision system, with some species possessing up to five types of cone cells, compared to three in humans. This enables them to see a broader range of colors, including ultraviolet light. Birds use their advanced color vision for various purposes, such as finding food, recognizing mates, and navigating their environment.



<h3 id="h-reptiles">Reptiles</h3>



Reptiles, like birds, can also see a wide range of colors, including ultraviolet light. Many reptiles, such as turtles and snakes, have four types of cone cells, allowing them to differentiate between various colors and patterns. This capability is essential for activities like foraging, avoiding predators, and identifying potential mates.



<h3 id="h-fish">Fish</h3>



Fish exhibit a diverse range of color vision abilities. Some species, such as salmon and goldfish, have highly developed color vision systems, while others have limited color vision or none at all. Fish living in deep water, where little light penetrates, often have fewer cone cells and rely more on rod cells for low-light vision.



<h3 id="h-insects">Insects</h3>



Insects typically have compound eyes that allow them to perceive a range of colors, including ultraviolet light. For example, bees can see ultraviolet patterns on flowers that are invisible to humans. These patterns guide them to nectar sources, facilitating pollination.



<h3 id="h-mammals">Mammals</h3>



Most mammals have relatively limited color vision compared to birds, reptiles, and some fish. Many nocturnal mammals, such as rodents and bats, possess only two types of cone cells, which restricts their color vision to a limited range of hues. However, some mammals, such as primates (including humans), have trichromatic color vision, enabling them to see a broader spectrum of colors.



<h3 id="h-cephalopods">Cephalopods</h3>



Cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, have a unique color vision system. Despite having only one type of photoreceptor cell, they can perceive and produce a wide range of colors by detecting the polarization of light and using specialized skin cells called chromatophores.



These examples illustrate the incredible diversity of color vision systems across the animal kingdom. Each species has evolved unique adaptations to suit its specific needs and ecological niche. Further research into these diverse visual systems may offer valuable insights into the evolution and function of color vision in various species.



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Humans and monkeys probably see color differently

In a groundbreaking study published journal Proceedings of the National...

A research team led by the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts at Amherst</a> has recently made a surprising discovery. The experts found that songbirds which migrate over long distances from their breeding to their wintering range fuel their flights by burning not only a massive amount of fat, but also a significant amount of the protein that makes up lean body mass such as muscle.



Scientists previously assumed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/">migratory birds</a> only ramp up protein consumption at the end of their journeys, since they would need to use their muscles for wind-flapping. The current study reveals that protein is burned very early on in the migration, which suggests that birds’ metabolism is more complex and surprising than experts thought.



“Birds are amazing animals,” said study lead author&nbsp;Cory Elowe, a postdoctoral fellow in Biology at UMass Amherst. “They are extreme endurance athletes; a bird that weighs half an ounce can fly, non-stop, flapping for 100 hours at a time, from Canada to South America. How is this possible? How do they fuel their flight?”



Since a long time, biologists have assumed that birds fuel such extraordinary feats of endurance by burning fat reserves. Yet, although they do burn fat at a consistent rate throughout their flights, they also burn protein at an extraordinary rate quite early in their flights. Moreover, the rate at which they burned protein appeared to taper off as the duration of the flight increased.



“We knew that birds burned protein, but not at this rate, and not so early in their flights. What’s more, these small songbirds can burn 20 percent of their muscle mass and then build it all back in a matter of days,” said senior author Alexander Gerson, an associate professor of Biology at UMass Amherst.



The experts collaborated with the bird banding operators at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/long-point-bird-observatory">Long Point Bird Observatory</a> in Ontario, along the northern shore of Lake Erie, where millions of birds gather each fall on their journey to their wintering grounds. Here, the researchers captured 20 blackpolls (small songbirds that travel thousands of miles during their migrations) and 44 yellow-rumpled warblers (a species of shorter distance migratory bird) and took them to the&nbsp;<a href="https://birds.uwo.ca/">Advanced Facility for Avian Research at Western University</a>, which has a wind tunnel constructed specifically for observing birds in flight.



After measuring their fat and lean body mass before flight, the researchers led the birds free in the wind tunnel at sunset (since these birds naturally migrate at night). When the birds decided to rest – sometimes after as long as 28 hours - the scientists measured once more their fat and lean body mass content and compared the results with those obtained before the flight.



“One of the biggest surprises was that every bird still had plenty of fat left when it chose to end its flight. But their muscles were emaciated. Protein, not fat, seems to be a limiting factor in determining how far birds can fly,” Elowe reported.



Further research is needed to better understand why the birds are burning such vast amounts of protein so early in their flight. “How exactly is it possible to burn up your muscles and internal organs, and then rebuild them as quickly as these birds do?” Gerson asked. “What insights into the evolution of metabolism might these birds yield?”



Finally, these findings could also shed more light on another feat of endurance nonmigratory birds which overwinter in cold areas engage in: shivering – a behavior that helps them to keep warm during winter. “Do birds fuel their winter shivering spells the same way? And as the world warms, which method of coping with the cold - shivering or migrating - might be the better option for survival?” said Elowe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2216016120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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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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Migratory birds burn unexpected amounts of protein

A research team led by the University of Massachusetts at...

A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">California Institute of Technology</a> (Caltech) has investigated the process of habit formation by focusing on how long it takes to form two habits: going to the gym and washing hands in healthcare settings.&nbsp;



By using machine learning to examine these case studies, the experts found that, while it took an average of about six months for gym-goers to form a habit of regularly attending gym, it only took a few weeks for healthcare workers to get into the habit of washing their hands regularly.



“There is no magic number for habit formation,” said study lead author Anastasia Buyalskaya, a former doctoral student at Caltech and currently an assistant professor of marketing at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hec.edu/en/faculty-research/faculty-directory/faculty-member/buyalskaya-anastasia">HEC Paris</a>.&nbsp;



“You may have heard that it takes about 21 days to form a habit, but that estimate was not based on any science,” added senior author Colin Camerer, a professor of Behavioral Economics at Caltech. “Our works supports the idea that the speed of habit formation differs according to the behavior in question and a variety of other factors.”



The scientists used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-help-save-mangrove-forests/">machine learning</a> to analyze large data sets for over 30,000 gymgoers over four years and more than 3,000 hospital workers over 100 shifts.&nbsp;



“With machine learning, we can observe hundreds of context variables that may be predictive of behavioral execution. You don’t necessarily have to start with a hypothesis about a specific variable, as the machine learning does the work for us to find the relevant ones,” Buyalskaya explained.&nbsp;



Moreover, while most previous studies were limited to participants reporting their behaviors through surveys, by using machine learning and partnering with <a href="https://www.24hourfitness.com/">24 Hour Fitness</a> (for the gym research) and a company using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to monitor hospital hand-washing, scientists were now able to study people’s daily behaviors in their natural environments.



The analysis revealed that certain variables, such as time of day, had no effect on gym habit formation. However there were other factors, like the day of the week, that did make a difference. For example, 69 percent of the gym-goers were more likely to attend the gym on the same days of the week (mostly Mondays or Tuesdays).&nbsp;



People’s past behavior also played a significant role. For instance, for 76 percent of gym-goers, the amount of time that had passed since their previous gym visit was a major predictor of whether they would go again. The longer that time passed since their last gym visit, the less likely they were to form a habit out of it.



In the case of the hospital hand-washing part of the study, the scientists examined data from workers who were recently required to wear RFID badges recording their hand-washing activity.&nbsp;



“It is possible that some health workers already had the habit prior to us observing them, however we treat the introduction of the RFID technology as a ‘shock’ and assume that they may need to rebuild their habit from the moment they use the technology,”&nbsp;Buyalskaya&nbsp;explained.



“Overall, we are seeing that machine learning is a powerful tool to study human habits outside the lab,” she concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2216115120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



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

How long does it take to form a habit? 

A team of scientists led by the California Institute of...

In the jungles of Costa Rica, a slow and unassuming creature may hold the key to a pressing global health issue. Researchers have discovered that sloth fur is home to an abundance of organisms, including antibiotic-producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-gut-bacteria-promote-obesity/">bacteria</a> that could offer a novel weapon against drug-resistant "superbugs."



Sloths are a fascinating subject for scientific study due to the bustling ecosystem found within their fur. This ecosystem hosts an array of life forms, including insects, algae, fungi, and bacteria. Despite the potential disease risk posed by such a diverse collection of organisms, sloths seem to possess an extraordinary resistance to infection.



Max Chavarria, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.ucr.ac.cr/">University of Costa Rica</a>, marvels at the complexity of the sloth's fur habitat. "If you look at the sloth's fur, you see movement: you see moths, you see different types of insects... a very extensive habitat," he told AFP.&nbsp;



But, Chavarria notes, the sloth's fur is not a lawless wilderness. "Obviously when there is co-existence of many types of organisms, there must also be systems that control them," he said.



Curious about the sloth's infection-proof characteristics, Chavarria and his team collected fur samples from two- and three-toed Costa Rican sloths. Their goal was to uncover the mechanisms that keep these sloths healthy despite the abundant microbial life in their fur.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14622920">Environmental Microbiology</a>, revealed the potential presence of antibiotic-producing bacteria that appear to keep pathogenic microbes and other competitors, such as fungi, in check.



Sloths are national symbols in Costa Rica, drawing in tourists with their laid-back lifestyle. They dwell in the hot and humid jungles along the Caribbean coast, living in the canopies of trees. Unfortunately, both the two-toed and three-toed sloth species have seen a decline in their population, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.



Judy Avey, who runs a sanctuary for injured sloths in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle, has firsthand experience with these enigmatic animals. Along with her late husband, Luis Arroyo, Avey has been caring for sloths since 1992, when she received her first one, named "Buttercup." Since then, she has looked after around 1,000 animals, observing a curious pattern in their health.



"We've never received a sloth that has been sick, that has a disease or has an illness," Avey told AFP. "We've received sloths that had been burned by power lines and their entire arm is just destroyed... and there's no infection. I think maybe in the 30 years (we've been open), we've seen five animals that have come in with an infected injury. So that tells us there's something going on in their bodily ecosystem."



Max Chavarria has identified 20 "candidate" microorganisms that could potentially have antibiotic properties, though much work remains before they can be considered for human use.



"Before thinking about an application in human health, it's important to first understand what type of molecules are involved," said Chavarria. He cites the example of penicillin, the world's first antibiotic discovered by British scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928, which revolutionized medicine and earned him the 1945 Nobel Prize.&nbsp;



But today, antibiotic resistance has become a growing concern, with some medicines no longer effective in treating the infections they were designed to combat. This natural phenomenon has been exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants.&nbsp;



The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, resistance to antibiotics could cause 10 million deaths per year. Chavarria believes that projects like his may contribute to discovering new molecules that could help in the fight against antibiotic resistance.



"Projects like ours can contribute to finding new molecules that can, in the medium or long term, be used in this battle against antibiotic resistance," said Chavarria.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-antibiotic-resistance">More about antibiotic resistance&nbsp;</h2>



Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern that occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. This resistance makes it harder to treat various infections and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.



Microorganisms are naturally adaptable and can evolve to resist the effects of an antibiotic. This is a natural phenomenon known as antimicrobial resistance, and it is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. For instance, when antibiotics are used improperly (such as not completing a prescribed course of treatment) or are overprescribed, bacteria have more opportunities to evolve and develop resistance.



Antibiotic resistance is not confined to any one geographic region or population, and it has the potential to affect anyone, regardless of age or health status. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today.



A particularly concerning aspect of antibiotic resistance is the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, sometimes referred to as "superbugs." These bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics, making infections caused by them extremely difficult to treat. As a result, procedures that rely on effective antibiotics to prevent infections - such as surgeries, chemotherapy, and cesarean sections - become riskier.



Across the globe, efforts are being made to improve antibiotic use, develop new antibiotics, and discover alternative treatments. This includes initiatives to better educate the public and healthcare providers about responsible antibiotic use, as well as ongoing research into new drugs and treatments.



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Sloths may hold a secret weapon against antibiotic resistance 

In the jungles of Costa Rica, a slow and unassuming...

Close,Up,Of,Businessman,Holding,Digital,Image,Of,Brain,In

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">The University of Texas at Austin</a> has successfully developed an artificial intelligence system that can translate a person's brain activity into a continuous stream of text.&nbsp;



Named a "semantic decoder," this system could potentially revolutionize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-communication-among-animals/">communication</a> for individuals who are conscious but physically unable to speak, such as those debilitated by strokes.



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01304-9">Nature Neuroscience</a>, was carried out by Jerry Tang, a doctoral student in computer science, and Alex Huth, an assistant professor of neuroscience and computer science at UT Austin. Their innovative work relies in part on a transformer model, a technology similar to the one employed by OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard.



What sets this semantic decoder apart from other language decoding systems is its noninvasive nature. The process does not require subjects to undergo surgical implantation, making it more accessible and less risky for potential users. Additionally, participants are not limited to using only words from a prescribed list.



<h2 id="h-how-a-semantic-decoder-works">How a semantic decoder works</h2>



To achieve this feat, researchers trained the decoder using brain activity data collected from an individual listening to hours of podcasts inside an fMRI scanner.&nbsp;



Once trained, the machine is able to generate corresponding text from the participant's brain activity while they listen to a new story or imagine telling one themselves.



Huth explained the significance of their findings, stating: "For a noninvasive method, this is a real leap forward compared to what's been done before, which is typically single words or short sentences. We're getting the model to decode continuous language for extended periods of time with complicated ideas."



It is important to note that the resulting text is not a perfect word-for-word transcript. Instead, the system is designed to capture the overall essence of what is being said or thought. The decoder produces text that closely (and sometimes precisely) matches the intended meanings of the original words about 50% of the time.



In experimental trials, for instance, when a participant listened to the phrase "I don't have my driver's license yet," their thoughts were translated as, "She has not even started to learn to drive yet."&nbsp;



Another example involved the participant listening to the words, "I didn't know whether to scream, cry or run away. Instead, I said, 'Leave me alone!'" The decoder translated this as, "Started to scream and cry, and then she just said, 'I told you to leave me alone.'"



<h2 id="h-concerns-about-misuse-of-semantic-decoder-technology">Concerns about misuse of semantic decoder technology</h2>



The researchers addressed concerns about the potential misuse of their groundbreaking semantic decoder technology. The artificial intelligence system, which translates brain activity into a continuous stream of text, has raised questions about the possibility of unauthorized access to individuals' thoughts.



However, the researchers stressed that decoding was only effective with cooperative participants who willingly participated in training the decoder. When tested on untrained individuals or those who actively resisted by thinking other thoughts, the results were unintelligible and unusable.



Jerry Tang, one of the researchers, expressed the team's commitment to addressing these concerns, saying: “We take very seriously the concerns that it could be used for bad purposes and have worked to avoid that. We want to make sure people only use these types of technologies when they want to and that it helps them.”



As part of the research, subjects were asked to watch four short, silent videos while inside an fMRI scanner. The semantic decoder was able to use the brain activity data to accurately describe certain events from the videos, further demonstrating the potential of the technology.



<h2 id="h-use-of-semantic-decoder-technology-outside-the-lab">Use of semantic decoder technology outside the lab</h2>



However, the system is not yet practical for use outside of a laboratory setting due to its reliance on time-consuming fMRI machines. The researchers believe that their work could be adapted to more portable brain-imaging systems, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).



Alex Huth, another researcher, explained the potential for fNIRS integration: “fNIRS measures where there’s more or less blood flow in the brain at different points in time, which, it turns out, is exactly the same kind of signal that fMRI is measuring. So, our exact kind of approach should translate to fNIRS.” However, Huth noted that the resolution with fNIRS would be lower than with fMRI.



The study was supported by the Whitehall Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Other co-authors of the study include Amanda LeBel, a former research assistant in the Huth lab, and Shailee Jain, a computer science graduate student at UT Austin.



In anticipation of the potential applications of this groundbreaking technology, Alexander Huth and Jerry Tang have filed a PCT patent application related to their work. As the researchers continue to refine the system and explore its possibilities, the hope is that it will eventually be adapted for everyday use, empowering individuals who face communication challenges due to physical limitations.



This breakthrough in AI-assisted communication could potentially change the lives of countless individuals who face communication challenges due to physical limitations. As the technology continues to advance, it may one day become a vital tool for enabling clear and efficient communication for those who would otherwise struggle to express themselves.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions-about-semantic-decoder-technology">Frequently asked questions about semantic decoder technology</h2>



Could this technology be used on someone without them knowing, say by an authoritarian regime interrogating political prisoners or an employer spying on employees?



No. The system has to be extensively trained on a willing subject in a facility with large, expensive equipment. “A person needs to spend up to 15 hours lying in an MRI scanner, being perfectly still, and paying good attention to stories that they’re listening to before this really works well on them,” said Huth.



Could training be skipped altogether?



No. The researchers tested the system on people whom it hadn’t been trained on and found that the results were unintelligible.



Are there ways someone can defend against having their thoughts decoded?



Yes. The researchers tested whether a person who had previously participated in training could actively resist subsequent attempts at brain decoding. Tactics like thinking of animals or quietly imagining telling their own story let participants easily and completely thwart the system from recovering the speech the person was exposed to.



What if technology and related research evolved to one day overcome these obstacles or defenses?



“I think right now, while the technology is in such an early state, it’s important to be proactive by enacting policies that protect people and their privacy,” Tang said. “Regulating what these devices can be used for is also very important.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-semantic-decoder-technology">More about semantic decoder technology</h2>



Semantic decoders refer to artificial intelligence systems that are designed to interpret and translate brain activity into meaningful text or language. These decoders analyze the neural patterns associated with the processing of language and ideas in the brain and attempt to convert them into a coherent, intelligible output.



<h3 id="h-the-development-of-semantic-decoders-involves-several-key-steps">The development of semantic decoders involves several key steps:</h3>



<h4 id="h-data-collection">Data Collection</h4>



Researchers use neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to collect brain activity data from participants. These techniques measure blood flow changes in the brain, which reflect neural activity associated with language processing and cognitive tasks.



<h4 id="h-training">Training</h4>



To train a semantic decoder, researchers expose participants to various stimuli, such as listening to stories, watching videos, or imagining telling stories. The brain activity data collected during these tasks is used to develop a model that can map neural patterns to semantic information.



<h4 id="h-decoding">Decoding</h4>



Once the model is trained, it can be used to decode brain activity from a participant engaged in a similar task. The decoder translates the observed neural patterns into meaningful language or text, capturing the essence of the participant's thoughts, albeit imperfectly.



Semantic decoders have significant potential in various applications, particularly in assisting individuals with communication impairments. For instance, they could help people who are mentally conscious but unable to physically speak due to stroke, brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases to communicate more effectively.



However, there are also ethical concerns associated with semantic decoders, such as the potential for misuse or invasion of privacy. Researchers developing these systems are working to address these concerns by ensuring that the technology is only effective when used with cooperative participants who willingly take part in the training process.



While semantic decoders are still in the early stages of development, their potential to revolutionize communication for individuals with physical limitations is promising. As the technology continues to advance, it may one day become a vital tool for enabling clear and efficient communication for those who would otherwise struggle to express themselves.



—-



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Breakthrough: Semantic decoder technology can read minds

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at The University of...

Although the majestic American Plains bison is the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-new-mammal-species-may-be-hidden-in-plain-sight/">mammal</a> on the continent, history has offered ample proof of their vulnerability: in a span of just a few centuries, bison populations had dwindled from tens of million to merely a few hundreds. 



While recent conservation efforts have pushed the number of Plains bison back to about 20,000 - and their status from endangered to near-threatened - a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a> has now argued that any future conservation initiatives should also take into account the effects of the rapid climate change we are currently experiencing.&nbsp;



To assess the impact of climate on these animals, the experts analyzed the movements of 33 Plains bison from two sites in Oklahoma – the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in the southwestern part of the state, and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve from Oklahoma’s northern border. Each of the bison wore GPS-equipped collars tracking their location every 12 minutes over several years, yielding a total of 715,344 measurements.&nbsp;



By pairing this data with temperature, rainfall, wind, and drought-revealing moisture soil readings, the researchers found that air temperature impacted bison movement more than any other factor. When the temperature ranged from a few degrees below zero to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, bison movement increased by 92.5 percent for each 18-degree rise. However, above this threshold, an 18-degree increase was correlated to a 48.5 decrease in movement.&nbsp;



These findings suggest that, in moderate heat, the bison were moving in search of grasses that grow better at higher temperatures, while during excessive heat, they most likely rested and cooled themselves in places where standing water and shading trees protected them from heat stress.



Droughts also seemed to substantially influence bison movement. While they did not seem to be affected by moderate drought, probably due to the fact that they are able to take up water through vegetation, in periods of extreme drought – such as the one that struck Oklahoma in the early 2010s – bison moved substantially more to search for better sustenance.



“When we think about reintroducing bison or any large animal to a landscape, the landscape that the animal is inhabiting is potentially a lot smaller than it was historically. In 1491, if there was a drought in northeastern Montana, the bison had the entire Great Plains to escape that drought. They could move as far as they needed to,” said study lead author Nicholas McMillan, an assistant professor of Agronomy and Horticulture at Nebraska.



“In this time when we’re seeing more extremes — more of those extreme air temperatures, more of those extreme droughts — we probably need to rethink how these landscapes are structured, and whether or not they’re actually meeting the fundamental physiological needs of these animals.”



These findings could help inform the management of Plains bison in places such as the Yellowstone National Park, which is currently home to the largest wild herd of bison. Although the size of Yellowstone and other such parks and protected areas may seem to offer everything bison need, the fact that the animals still attempt to leave suggests otherwise. Since extreme heat and drought that are forcing the bison to move are increasing in magnitude and frequency, spaces that were once sufficient may no longer be.&nbsp;



Moreover, as their habitat shrinks, ensuring that bison have access to a diversity of grasslands, trees, and other vegetation, as well as standing water, becomes increasingly important.



“Are we really being ethical if we’re forcing these animals to live in a landscape that may not actually be suited for them into the future? Whether bison were in Yellowstone historically is irrelevant to the likelihood that they can persist there into the future. Because today is completely and fundamentally different than yesterday,” McMillan concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9586">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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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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Climate change influences the movement of Plains bison

Although the majestic American Plains bison is the largest mammal...

Bird flu outbreaks are quite common, and pose a significant threat to wild birds, poultry, and – if the avian influenza <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-plant-virus-could-help-cure-cancer/">virus</a> acquires sufficient mutations - possibly even humans. Currently, the highly pathogenic H1N1 subtype is spreading at unprecedented rates in both North America and Europe.



To better understand the dynamics of bird flu outbreaks, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">ETH Zürich</a> has recently investigated the epidemic caused by another subtype of avian influenza (H7N9) in China from 2013 to 2017, which not only decimated a vast number of poultry, but also killed 616 people who had close contact with infected poultry.



The experts analyzed published genetic sequences of H7N9 viruses isolated from infected poultry and humans from the metropolitan regions of Shanghai and Guangdong to build phylogenetic trees that could reveal how the disease spread at Chinese poultry markets, which play a key role in transmission between animals, as well as from animals to humans.&nbsp;



The analyses provided evidence that the H7N9 virus was likely circulating in poultry for several months before it was first detected in poultry markets and humans, suggesting that, between 2013 and 2016 – when the virus caused relatively few symptoms in poultry – it actually affected more markets than previously thought. As the virus mutated and started to cause more severe symptoms in poultry from 2016, the affected animals were easier to identify.&nbsp;



“Our findings highlight the importance of not waiting until bird flu cases are discovered, because then the virus has probably already been circulating for quite some time,” said study senior author Tanja Stadler, a professor of Biostatistics and Computational Evolution at ETH Zürich.&nbsp; “Instead, it would be wise to continuously monitor the health of the animals in their stalls and at the live poultry markets.”&nbsp;



Although some scientists hypothesized that the virus was introduced repeatedly between regions by transporting infected birds, the phylogenetic trees the researchers reconstructed indicate no such pattern, suggesting that it rather circulated silently in various poultry markets in urban regions before it was first detected.



Despite the fact that the H7N9 epidemic was restricted to China due to improved hygiene measures in poultry markets, along with a poultry mass vaccination campaign that started in 2017 – initiatives able to significantly mitigate the epidemic in animals and greatly decrease rates of transmission to humans – isolated outbreaks still occur (with the last human fatality recorded in 2019), highlighting the insidious nature of bird flu epidemics.&nbsp;



Moreover, since virus genomes mutate constantly, the risk of H7N9 and other influenza strains becoming once more a threat to both birds and mammals (including humans) remains. These findings stress the need for more efficient and coordinated efforts of early detection of flu infections, in order to avoid massive outbreaks that could potentially lead to a new pandemic.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2215610120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



—



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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What can we learn from previous bird flu outbreaks?

Bird flu outbreaks are quite common, and pose a significant...

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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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[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



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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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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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



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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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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