Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap of 150 million years. Their new study has uncovered nearly 50 hidden relatives of Pterodactylus, the first pterosaur ever discovered.



This fossil find from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> allows scientists to piece together the life story of this ancient flying reptile, from its earliest days to adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-pterosaurs-the-basics">Understanding pterosaurs -- the basics</h2>



These fascinating flying reptiles weren't actually dinosaurs, but rather a separate group of flying reptiles that first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. 



Unlike birds or bats, pterosaurs had a unique wing structure formed by a membrane of skin and muscle that stretched from an elongated fourth finger to their body. This created a lightweight and flexible flying apparatus that allowed them to soar and glide.



Different pterosaur species came in an astonishing range of sizes, from tiny creatures the size of sparrows to massive pterosaurs with wingspans around 33 feet wide. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny &quot;flaplings&quot; no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954862"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny "flaplings" no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



Some had long, spear-like beaks perfect for fishing, while others sported elaborate head crests that might have been used for display, communication, or even temperature regulation. 



Their bones were incredibly lightweight and hollow, similar to modern bird bones, which helped them achieve flight with minimal energy expenditure.



Pterosaurs were incredibly successful and adaptable creatures that survived for an impressive 160 million years before finally going extinct along with the dinosaurs during the catastrophic asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous period. 



Their fossils have been discovered on every continent, revealing that they occupied diverse environments from coastal regions to inland areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-pterosaur-discovery">First pterosaur discovery</h2>



Almost 250 years ago, a fossil unearthed in a Bavarian quarry introduced the world to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-new-species-named-abfab-had-wings-wide-as-car/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaurs</a>. 



This fossil, named&nbsp;Pterodactylus, offered the first glimpse into the Mesozoic skies, where these creatures soared above the dinosaurs.



Though the first specimen was modest in size - comparable to a turtle dove - it revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life and showcased the extraordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of flying reptiles</a>.



Over time, however,&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;faded from public attention, overshadowed by its larger and flashier relatives, such as&nbsp;Pteranodon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Quetzalcoatlus. 



Yet, among scientists,&nbsp;the Pterodactylus genus remained a vital subject of study that played a central role in shaping our understanding of pterosaur anatomy, flight, diet, and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-pterodactylus-family">Finding Pterodactylus family</h2>



Despite its significance, confusion has long surrounded&nbsp;Pterodactylus. 



Fossils attributed to this genus were often mixed with other species, making it challenging to determine which truly belonged to&nbsp;Pterodactylus. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambiguity</a> persisted for centuries - until now.



Using UV fluorescence, paleontologists Robert Smyth and Dr. Dave Unwin from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> conducted a meticulous analysis of&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;fossils housed in museums across Europe. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954860"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



By shining powerful UV light on fossilized bones, they illuminated previously invisible features that distinguish the&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;family from other pterosaurs. Their work revealed dozens of misclassified fossils, including over 40 specimens that were reidentified as&nbsp;Pterodactylus.



“By examining lots of fossils in collections across Europe, we were able to reidentify more than forty specimens as&nbsp;Pterodactylus,” said lead author Robert Smyth. 



“UV stimulated fluorescence is astonishing in the amount of detail it can reveal. Features that were once hidden were glowing in plain sight.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-face-of-nbsp-pterodactylus">New face of&nbsp;Pterodactylus</h2>



This discovery has profoundly altered the scientific understanding of&nbsp;the genus Pterodactylus. Previously thought to be a rare find, nearly 50 specimens have now been confirmed.



This expanded collection allows researchers to construct a complete and detailed skeletal anatomy of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pivotal pterosaur</a>. 



Remarkably, soft tissues are preserved in over 20 of the specimens, which provides unprecedented insights into a range of features.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954857"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester</figcaption></figure>



“We can now construct a complete and highly detailed skeletal anatomy for this key pterosaur,” explained co-author Dr. Dave Unwin. “Soft tissues are fossilised in more than twenty examples so we can also reconstruct head crests, body shape, foot webs, and even the wings.”



The result is akin to a family portrait, showcasing Pterodactylus at every stage of its life. The smallest hatchlings, endearingly called “flaplings,” were robin-sized. 



These grew into “teenage” forms before reaching adulthood, where they boasted raven-sized bodies and wingspans of up to ten times their body length.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-revolutionary-technique">A revolutionary technique</h2>



The study highlights the transformative potential of UV fluorescence in paleontology. 



While the technique is well-known, the combination of advanced light sources and a systematic approach has yielded groundbreaking results in this case.



“UV stimulated fluorescence is a well-known technique,” Dr. Unwin noted. 



“But the difference in this case is that we have been able to combine new, high-quality light sources with a systematic "catch-all" approach, and it's going to have a revolutionary impact on our understanding of pterosaurs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterodactylus-family-and-future-study">Pterodactylus family and future study</h2>



This discovery not only redefines&nbsp;Pterodactylus&nbsp;but also highlights the value of revisiting and reexamining existing collections of fossils.



With nearly 50 examples now identified, researchers have an unprecedented opportunity to explore the life history of one of the most important pterosaurs. 



From its early days as a tiny flapling to its commanding presence in the skies,&nbsp;the Pterodactylus&nbsp;fossils provide a vivid window into the Mesozoic era.



As families come together this festive season, paleontologists celebrate their own remarkable reunion - a long-lost family, brought back to light after 150 million years.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772019.2024.2421845" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>. 



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Pterodactylus: New pterosaur family members discovered that lived 150 million years ago

Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap of 150 million years. Their new study has uncovered nearly 50 hidden relatives of Pterodactylus, the first pterosaur ever discovered. This fossil find from the University of Leicester allows scientists to piece together the life story of this ancient flying reptile, from its earliest days to adulthood. Understanding pterosaurs -- the basics These fascinating flying reptiles weren't actually dinosaurs, but rather a separate group of flying reptiles that first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic...

In&nbsp;a new book published by Routledge called <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Empathic-Leadership-Lessons-from-Elite-Sport/Sear/p/book/9781032349459">Empathic Leadership: Lessons From Elite Sport</a>, psychologist and consultant Peter Sear argues that the time of dictatorial leaders in sports, screaming from the side-lines and insulting their players, has ended. He says we are currently witnessing the emergence of emotionally intelligent and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-humans-empathize-more-with-people-or-other-animals/">empathic</a> coaches who, by proving a deeper understanding of their players, manage to get efficient results.



By carrying in-depth interviews with coaches of nine different elite sports across the globe, and backing them up with the latest research, Sear has found that empathic leadership motivates teams, encourages loyalty, and significantly improves changes of success.



“The head coaches who are leading with empathy are getting more out of athletes. The consensus is that to have success as a leader in elite sport in the modern era, you must have an empathic approach,” he explained.



Elite sports are frequently a setting for turbulent emotions, and factors such as performance, fans’ reactions, and media interpretations can place significant pressure on athletes, who are also required to remain physically and mentally fit, injury-free, and at a certain weight to perform properly.&nbsp;



According to Sear, in order for athletes to manage to cope with all these stressors and maximize their changes of success, empathic leadership – characterized by relationship management, building trust, and establishing strong lines of communication – is essential.



“There is no advantage to ruling with fear – you are just losing out on powerful knowledge of your team and your athletes. Success as a leader&nbsp;depends on your knowledge and understanding of people, their emotions, perspectives, and intentions, as well as the relationships you have with them. It is in these vital areas that empathy will give you an advantage,” he argued.



“Understanding what motivates your players and what hinders them will improve the quality of your decision-making as a leader. If you can understand when to push your players and when to support them, and identify who has potential and who is no longer emotionally invested, you’ll make better decisions. Understanding the unique character of each athlete allows you to develop them effectively according to their needs, and get the best from them.”



Thus, necessary skills for a successful leader should include effective communication, understanding body language, having clear boundaries to be able to make difficult decisions such as when to bench players, as well as a strong sense of self-empathy, or understanding of one’s own emotions and how they may impact others. However, Sear stresses that empathy should not always be equated with being soft and gentle. “Sometimes you need to recognize that one person might need to be pushed while that other player might need a friendly ear,” he explained.



Finally, Sear argues that humans are innately more prone to respond to empathic leaders. “This way of leading suits humans better psychologically. Through empathic communication and empathic relationships, emotions can be managed and needs met. The experience of work is valued, with high levels of wellbeing, which manifests in confidence and peak performance,” he concluded.



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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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Sports coaches are more effective when they lead with empathy

In&nbsp;a new book published by Routledge called Empathic Leadership: Lessons...

Arbor Day: A celebration of trees and their unrivaled importance to the Earth

Hey there, tree-huggers and nature lovers! Today we're going to...

A new mammalian tree of life has been created by a pioneering new study led by scientists from the <a href="https://vetmed.tamu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences</a>. It provides a definitive answer to the long-standing question of the evolutionary timeline of mammals throughout the last 100 million years.



The research, published in Science, was conducted as part of the <a href="https://zoonomiaproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonomia Project</a>. This is a global consortium of scientists working to understand the evolutionary history of the human genome within the context of mammalian evolutionary history by analyzing the largest mammalian genomic dataset ever assembled.



The team, led by Dr. William J. Murphy, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Dr. Nicole Foley, an associate research scientist in Murphy’s lab, focused on the field of phylogeny, which examines the evolutionary relationships and diversification of living and extinct organisms.



“The central argument is about whether placental mammals (mammals that develop within placentas) diverged before or after the Cretaceous-Paleogene (or K-Pg) extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs,” said Foley.



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



To create the new mammalian tree of life, the researchers performed new types of analyses made possible by the massive scope of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonomia Project</a>, which allowed them to determine when and where mammals diversified and evolved in relation to the K-Pg mass extinction.



Collaborating with researchers at the University of California, Davis; University of California, Riverside; and the American Museum of Natural History, the team concluded that mammals began diversifying before the K-Pg extinction due to continental drifting. This caused the Earth's land masses to drift apart and come back together over millions of years.



Another pulse of diversification occurred immediately after the extinction event, when mammals had more room, resources, and stability, leading to the rich diversity of mammal lineages we see today.



The research conducted by Murphy and Foley, which was funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, is part of the larger Zoonomia Project led by Elinor Karlsson and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, of the Broad Institute.



The project also compares mammal genomes to understand the basis of remarkable phenotypes – the expression of certain genes such as brown vs. blue eyes – and the origins of disease.



Foley elaborated on the diversity among placental mammals, stating, “Mammals today represent enormous evolutionary diversity — from the whizzing flight of the tiny bumblebee bat to the languid glide of the enormous Blue Whale as it swims through Earth’s vast oceans. Multiple species have evolved to echolocate, some produce venom, while others have evolved cancer resistance and viral tolerance.”



<h2>Shared differences across species</h2>



She went on to explain that examining shared differences and similarities across mammalian species at a genetic level can help researchers determine the parts of the genome that are critical to regulating the expression of genes.



Murphy emphasized the significance of Foley’s resolved phylogeny of mammals for the goals of the Zoonomia Project. It seeks to harness the power of comparative genomics as a tool for human medicine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-land-conservation-stop-the-biodiversity-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity conservation</a>.



“The Zoonomia Project is really impactful because it's the first analysis to align 241 diverse mammalian genomes at one time and use that information to better understand the human genome,” he said. “The major impetus for putting together this big data set was to be able to compare all of these genomes to the human genome and then determine which parts of the human genome have changed over the course of mammalian evolutionary history.”



<h2>How the mammalian tree of life helps human health</h2>



The ability to determine which parts of genes can be manipulated without causing harm to their function is crucial for human medicine. This is another big benefit of the new mammalian tree of life.



A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine, led by Texas A&amp;M geneticist Dr. Scott Dindot, utilized the comparative genomics approach to develop a molecular therapy for Angelman syndrome, a rare and devastating neurogenetic disorder caused by the loss of function of the maternal UBE3A gene in the brain.



This breakthrough was made possible by the groundwork laid by Dr. William J. Murphy and Dr. Nicole Foley's research on mammalian genomes as part of the Zoonomia Project.



Dindot's team harnessed the measures of evolutionary constraint identified by the Zoonomia Project to pinpoint a crucial but previously unknown genetic target. This can be used to restore the expression of UBE3A in human neurons.



Murphy explained that expanding the ability to compare mammalian genomes using the largest dataset in history will help develop more cures and treatments for ailments rooted in genetics, not just for humans but also for other species such as cats and dogs.



“For example, cats have physiological adaptations rooted in unique mutations that allow them to consume an exclusively high-fat, high-protein diet that is extremely unhealthy for humans,” Murphy said.



“One of the beautiful aspects of Zoonomia’s 241-species alignment is that we can pick any species (not just human) as the reference and determine which parts of that species’ genome are free to change and which ones cannot tolerate change. In the case of cats, for example, we may be able to help identify genetic adaptations in those species that could lead to therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease in people.”



<h2>Incredible Contribution of the Zoonomia Project</h2>



Murphy and Foley's phylogeny has played an instrumental role in several subsequent papers that are part of the Zoonomia Project. “It’s trickle-down genomics,” Foley explained.



“One of the most gratifying things for me in working as part of the wider project was seeing how many different research projects were enhanced by including our phylogeny in their analyses. This includes studies on conservation genomics of endangered species to those that looked at the evolution of different complex human traits.”



Foley expressed the significance of definitively answering the heavily debated question about the timing of mammal origins. Producing an expanded phylogeny through the mammalian tree of life lays the foundation for future generations of researchers.



“Going forward, this massive genome alignment and its historical record of mammalian genome evolution will be the basis of everything that everyone's going to do when they're asking comparative questions in mammals,” she said. “That is pretty cool.”



<h2>More about the the Zoonomia Project</h2>



The Zoonomia Project is a groundbreaking international collaborative effort that brings together scientists from around the globe to study the evolutionary history of the human genome within the context of mammalian evolutionary history. By utilizing the largest mammalian genomic dataset ever assembled, the project aims to better understand the genetic basis for traits and diseases in humans and other species.



The project's name, "Zoonomia," is derived from the term "zoonomy," which refers to the scientific arrangement or classification of animals. The Zoonomia Project has two main objectives:



<h3>Comparative Cenomics in the mammalian tree of life</h3>



The project compares the genomes of various mammalian species to identify shared differences and similarities. By analyzing these genomic patterns, scientists can gain insights into the parts of the genome that are critical to regulating gene expression. This knowledge can then be applied to understand the genetic basis of remarkable phenotypes. These include specific physical traits or the origins of diseases.



<h3>Human medicine and biodiversity conservation</h3>



The Zoonomia Project aims to harness the power of comparative genomics as a tool for human medicine and biodiversity conservation. By understanding the evolutionary history of different mammalian genomes, researchers can develop targeted therapies and treatments for various genetic ailments in humans and other species.



Furthermore, the project contributes to conservation efforts by studying the genomics of endangered species and identifying potential genetic factors contributing to their decline. The new mammalian tree of life is a key contributor.



The Zoonomia Project has already made significant advancements, with researchers like Dr. William J. Murphy and Dr. Nicole Foley resolving long-standing debates about the evolutionary timeline of mammals in relation to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs.



Moreover, the project has played a crucial role in various research studies, including those focused on conservation genomics of endangered species and the evolution of complex human traits.



The Zoonomia Project's expansive dataset, which includes alignments of 241 diverse mammalian genomes, is expected to serve as the foundation for countless future studies in the field of comparative genomics and mammalian evolution.

Mammalian tree of life traces evolution of mammals back 100 million years

A new mammalian tree of life has been created by...

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/">University of Waterloo</a> have introduced a novel mining technique that employs microbes to extract metals and store <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-are-losing-their-capacity-to-trap-carbon/">carbon</a> in the waste generated by mining activities. This innovative method of reusing mining waste, known as tailings, has the potential to revolutionize the mining industry by paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.



Tailings are a by-product of the mining process, consisting of fine-grained waste materials left after extracting the target ore mineral. These residual materials are then accumulated and stored using a technique called dry-stack tailing.&nbsp;



As mining practices have evolved over time, they have become more efficient; however, the escalating climate crisis and the growing demand for critical minerals necessitate the development of new ore extraction and processing technologies.



Old tailings tend to contain higher amounts of critical minerals that can be extracted with the assistance of microbes through a process known as bioleaching. In this eco-friendly process, microbes break down the ore, releasing valuable metals that were not fully recovered, at a rate that is significantly faster than natural biogeochemical weathering processes.



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



Dr. Jenine McCutcheon, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, explained: “We can take tailings that were produced in the past and recover more resources from those waste materials and, in doing so, also reduce the risk of residual metals entering into local waterways or groundwater.”



Beyond enhancing resource recovery, the microbes also capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it within the mine tailings as new minerals. This process aids in counterbalancing some of the emissions released during the mine's active period and assists in stabilizing the tailings.&nbsp;



If applied to an entire mine, microbial mineral carbonation could offset over 30% of a mine site's annual greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, this microbial-driven technique adds value to historical mine tailings that are otherwise classified as industrial waste.



“This technique makes better use of current and past mine sites. Rethinking how future mine sites are designed in order to integrate this process could result in mines that are carbon neutral from the get-go rather than thinking about carbon storage as an add-on at the end," said McCutcheon.



“This technology is a potential game-changer in the fight against climate change, and the mining industry has a unique opportunity to play a significant role in the future of green energy.”



McCutcheon explained that the microbial-driven processes could propel the industry towards carbon-neutral or carbon-negative mining. However, to transition this technology towards large-scale deployment, active engagement from the industry is crucial.



Dr. McCutcheon published this research alongside co-author and associate Professor Ian Power of Trent University in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/">PLOS Biology</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-environmental-impact-of-mining">More about the environmental impact of mining</h2>



Mine tailings are the waste materials generated during the extraction and processing of valuable minerals from ores. They typically consist of finely ground rock particles, water, and various chemicals used in the mineral separation process.&nbsp;



These waste materials are stored in tailings storage facilities (TSFs) or tailings dams, which can occupy vast tracts of land and pose significant environmental risks.



<h3 id="h-the-environmental-impact-of-mining-and-mine-tailings-can-be-considerable-and-includes-the-following">The environmental impact of mining and mine tailings can be considerable and includes the following:</h3>



<h4 id="h-water-pollution">Water pollution</h4>



The chemicals and heavy metals in tailings can leach into groundwater and surface water, contaminating water sources and causing harm to aquatic ecosystems. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common problem, which occurs when sulfide minerals in the tailings react with air and water, forming sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals. This can lead to waterways becoming highly acidic and toxic to aquatic life.



<h4 id="h-soil-contamination">Soil contamination</h4>



Tailings can also contaminate soil with heavy metals and chemicals, which can adversely affect plant growth and the health of soil-dwelling organisms. This may result in the degradation of local ecosystems and reduced agricultural productivity.



<h4 id="h-air-pollution">Air pollution</h4>



Dust from tailings storage facilities can become airborne, contributing to air pollution and posing health risks to nearby communities. Moreover, the extraction and processing of minerals often involve the release of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.



<h4 id="h-habitat-destruction">Habitat destruction</h4>



Mining operations often require the clearing of large areas of land, leading to the destruction of habitats and the displacement or loss of plant and animal species. This can also result in the fragmentation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.



<h4 id="h-tailings-dam-failures">Tailings dam failures</h4>



The structural failure of tailings dams can lead to catastrophic environmental disasters, as large volumes of toxic waste are released into the environment. This can cause widespread devastation to ecosystems, farmland, and nearby communities.



<h4 id="h-long-term-environmental-risks">Long-term environmental risks:</h4>



Mine tailings can pose long-term environmental risks due to their potential to leach contaminants and generate AMD even after mining operations have ceased. This necessitates ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts to prevent environmental damage.



Given these environmental impacts, there is a growing need for more sustainable and responsible mining practices. Techniques such as bioleaching, as mentioned in the previous answer, can help minimize the environmental footprint of mining activities by extracting valuable metals from tailings in an eco-friendly manner, reducing the need for new mines, and mitigating the risk of pollution.&nbsp;



Additionally, the use of microbes to capture carbon dioxide and store it as minerals within the tailings can help offset some of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining.



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Microbes can be used to store carbon and reuse mining waste

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Waterloo...

Using hydrophones to “eavesdrop” on a reef off the coast of Goa, India, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.nio.org/">National Institute of Oceanography</a> (NIO) in Goa has recently recorded the duration and timing of mating and feeding sounds produced by 21 marine species. The recordings revealed that, while some species were early risers, making sounds from 3am onwards, others were more active later in the day, starting to create a ruckus from around 2pm.&nbsp;



Better understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-warming-is-transforming-the-underwater-soundscape/">underwater soundscapes</a> could shed new light on the behaviors of a variety of marine creatures, as well as on the impact human activities have on ocean life, including the effects of anthropogenic climate change on aquatic ecosystems.



“Acoustic monitoring of underwater environments will enable us to know more about the climate and its related long-term changes in the physical and biological condition of the underwater environment,” said co-author Bishwajit Chakraborty, a former chief scientist at NIO. “For example, as coral reefs are the hub of underwater biodiversity, conducting acoustic studies here is extremely essential to know the state and health of the reef and its inhabitants.”



This study – published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0017248">Journal of the Acoustical Society of America</a> - will contribute to a larger project aiming to create a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.810156/full">Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds</a> (GLUBS). This project represents a major legacy of the decade-long <a href="https://www.iqoe.org/">International Quiet Ocean Experiment</a> (IQOE), a scientific program running until 2025 and promoting research, observations, and modelling to improve our understanding of ocean soundscapes and the effects of sound on marine species.



GLUBS will be designed as an open-access online platform aiming to collect global information about underwater soundscapes in order to broaden and standardize scientific and community knowledge of these phenomena. Among its many applications, this platform will help improve scientists’ ability to detect in hard-to-access underwater environment how the distribution and behavior of marine life responds to various pressures, such as climate change, fishing, resource development, plastic pollution, or anthropogenic noise.



“Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is an effective technique for sampling aquatic systems that is particularly useful in deep, dark, turbid, and rapidly changing or remote locations,” explained GLUBS leader Miles Parsons.



According to Parsons and his colleagues, GLUBS will not only create and maintain a database of all aquatic species confirmed or anticipated to produce sounds, but also help reveal currently unknown species and contribute to their eventual identification and classification.



“Unidentified sounds can provide valuable information on the richness of the soundscape, the acoustic communities that contribute to it, and behavioral interactions among acoustic groups. However, unknown, cryptic, and rare sounds are rarely target signals for research and monitoring projects and are, therefore, largely unreported,” Parsons said.



In addition, GLUBS will also help delineate essential fish habitats, estimate the biomass of spawning aggregations of commercially or recreationally important soniferous species, help evaluate the degradation and recovery of coral reefs, and identify the possible impact of oil and gas, wind power, and other offshore industries on marine ecosystems.



“We need to listen more in the blue symphony halls.&nbsp;Animal sounds are behavior, and we need to record and understand the sounds, if we want to know the status of ocean life,”&nbsp;concluded Jesse Ausubel, an environmental scientist at the Rockefeller University and one of IQOE’s originators.



—-



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Monitoring ocean life through underwater soundscapes

Using hydrophones to “eavesdrop” on a reef off the coast...

In a fascinating new discovery, a team of scientists from the <a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/">San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</a> and the University of California, Santa Cruz has found that animals' genomic information can help predict which mammal species are more likely to face extinction.&nbsp;



The researchers found that species with smaller historical populations tend to carry higher burdens of damaging mutations and have elevated extinction risk. This indicates that long-term demographic statistics play a crucial role in understanding a species' current conservation status and resiliency.



As our planet experiences rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> loss, tens of thousands of species are at risk of dying out. Identifying the species in most urgent need of conservation is a challenging and expensive process, especially given the limited information available for many of them. This makes it difficult to allocate scarce conservation resources to target the species closest to the brink of extinction.



To address these limitations, the scientists examined the genomes of 240 mammal species, ranging from tiny tree shrews to towering giraffes, killer whales, and even humans.&nbsp;



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



The experts discovered that the DNA encoded within a single genome – reflecting a species' history over millions of years – can provide a rapid, cost-effective conservation risk assessment. This information is useful even when we know little about the animals' physiological, behavioral, and life history characteristics, or how many individuals remain in the population.



"These results show that genetic information, even if only from a single individual for a given species, offers immediate, actionable guidance for scientists designing conservation strategies as well as those with boots in the field," said co-lead author Dr. Aryn P. Wilder, a conservation scientist at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.



"The limited resources available for the conservation of wildlife species require triage. Our genomic assessment provides a relatively inexpensive method to rapidly identify species at risk of becoming endangered in the future, even when little else is known about that species. This genomic triage enables managers to target limited resources toward species most in need," explained Megan Supple, a research scientist with the UCSC Paleogenomics Lab.



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



The researchers used the genomic information to train models that quickly distinguish between threatened and non-threatened species, based on demography, diversity, and mutations that impact fitness.&nbsp;



This will help assess extinction risk and identify which of the thousands of threatened species stand to benefit the most from conservation support. As the number of sequenced genomes grows and the models continue to improve, this approach will become increasingly valuable.



To demonstrate the potential of this genomic risk assessment, the scientists applied their models to three "data-deficient" species: the Upper Galilee Mountains blind mole rat, the lesser chevrotain, and the orca.&nbsp;



These are just a few examples of the thousands of species lacking information on whether they're threatened or not.



<h2 id="h-why-this-study-is-groundbreaking">Why this study is groundbreaking</h2>



The researchers examined the genomes of 240 species, revealing the potential for genomic information to play a vital role in conservation efforts.&nbsp;



By analyzing such a vast number of species, scientists were able to estimate the genomic characteristics that best predict extinction risk and build genomic risk assessment models that can be used when other information is lacking.



The authors of the paper are advocating for the inclusion of genomic information in conservation status assessments of species. This would bridge the gap between geneticists and conservation managers, providing a framework for deploying money and resources to species at the highest risk.



“Many potentially endangered species are classified as ‘data deficient,’ meaning that we simply have too little information to determine whether immediate conservation action is required," said Dr. Beth Shapiro. "Our results show that a genome from a single individual can be sufficient to identify the most threatened of these ‘data deficient’ species, enabling us to focus our limited resources where they can be most impactful.”



Study co-senior author Dr. Oliver Ryder emphasized the importance of genomics in conservation efforts: “Our rapidly changing world threatens animal and plant species worldwide – but the use of genomics in conservation is a massive, underappreciated opportunity to protect them."



“We are in an unprecedented era of discovery – a whole new way of seeing the world. We’ve long thought this potential existed, but it’s profound to see it crystallize into a catalyst that will help conservationists make crucial decisions that may save the world as we know it," said Dr. Ryder.



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



The study is part of the work of the Zoonomia Consortium, the largest comparative mammalian genomics resource in the world, involving more than 150 people worldwide.&nbsp;



A series of papers recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/">Science</a> also demonstrate how comparative genomics can shed light on how certain species achieve extraordinary feats and help scientists better understand the functional parts of our genome and how they might influence health and disease.&nbsp;



Additionally, the researchers identified part of the genetic basis for rare mammal traits, such as the ability to sniff faint scents from miles away.



Many of the genetic samples for the DNA analyses were provided by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's "Frozen Zoo," the largest repository of genetic material of its kind. The Frozen Zoo, or Wildlife Biodiversity Bank, contains viable cell cultures and reproductive material from approximately 10,000 animals representing over 1,100 species and subspecies.



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



Many scientists believe that we are currently in the midst of a mass extinction event, often referred to as the Sixth Mass Extinction or the Holocene Extinction. This ongoing extinction event is primarily driven by human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species.



<h3 id="h-in-earth-s-history-there-have-been-five-major-mass-extinction-events">In Earth's history, there have been five major mass extinction events:</h3>



<h4 id="h-ordovician-silurian-extinction-about-443-million-years-ago">Ordovician-Silurian Extinction (about 443 million years ago)</h4>



This event resulted in the loss of around 85% of marine species, likely due to glaciation and subsequent changes in sea levels and ocean chemistry.



<h4 id="h-late-devonian-extinction-about-359-million-years-ago">Late Devonian Extinction (about 359 million years ago)</h4>



This extinction event eliminated about 75% of all species, primarily affecting marine life. Possible causes include global cooling, changes in ocean chemistry, and asteroid impacts.



<h4 id="h-permian-triassic-extinction-about-252-million-years-ago">Permian-Triassic Extinction (about 252 million years ago)</h4>



Also known as the "Great Dying," this was the most severe extinction event in Earth's history, resulting in the loss of approximately 90-96% of all species. The cause of this event is still debated, but likely factors include volcanic activity, climate change, and ocean anoxia (a lack of oxygen).



<h4 id="h-triassic-jurassic-extinction-about-201-million-years-ago">Triassic-Jurassic Extinction (about 201 million years ago)</h4>



This event led to the extinction of around 75-80% of all species, including many marine and land-dwelling reptiles. The exact cause is uncertain, but it may have been related to volcanic activity or asteroid impacts.



<h4 id="h-cretaceous-paleogene-extinction-about-66-million-years-ago">Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction (about 66 million years ago)</h4>



This well-known extinction event resulted in the loss of approximately 75 percent of all species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. The primary cause is believed to be an asteroid impact, although volcanic activity might have also played a role.



The current mass extinction event, if it continues at its current rate, could have devastating consequences for biodiversity on Earth, ultimately affecting human societies that depend on healthy ecosystems for survival.



—-



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DNA analysis can predict which animals are at risk of extinction

In a fascinating new discovery, a team of scientists from...

While ecological memory stored in a landscape can usually help ecosystems recover from disturbances such as fires or disease outbreaks, when climate change significantly alters these disturbance patterns – as it happens today - such coping strategies may fail. For instance, ecological memories stored in the warming Arctic may soon be overwritten by new ones, with unforeseen consequences for this region’s capacity to adapt to rapid climate change.



To investigate these issues in interior Alaska during a potentially transformative period for the Arctic’s boreal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-shifting-the-earths-coldest-forest-northward/">forests</a>, a team of over 40 scientists led by the <a href="https://nau.edu/">Northern Arizona University</a> (NAU) has recently been awarded a $9.6 million grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a>.&nbsp;



This six-year-long project will be part of the <a href="https://lternet.edu/site/bonanza-creek-lter/">Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program</a>, an initiative aiming to improve our understanding of the long-term consequences of changing climate and disturbance regimes in the Alaskan boreal forest.



“We’ve seen how dramatic changes to fire and permafrost in the boreal forest caused by climate warming have already disrupted the way these ecosystems have stabilized themselves for millennia,” said principal investigator Michelle Mack, a professor of Biology at NAU. “Over the next six years, we are going to observe how those legacies and disruptions are shaping the forest’s future and the future for communities who depend on the boreal forest.”



To better understand how human activity has shaped the history of these forests, the scientists will collaborate with Alaska Native tribes to develop research questions that are relevant to their communities and take into account the Natives’ role today in managing Alaskan ecosystems.&nbsp;



Building upon decades of data collected through the Bonanza Creek LTER program, the experts will focus on a network of sites across interior Alaska, investigating topics such as how fires affect successional trajectories, how soil microbes are responding to climate warming, how permafrost thaw is changing the hydrological patterns of the region, and how the aspen leaf miner insect and plant pathogens such as the aspen running canker may determine the ability of aspen to thrive and reproduce.



An example of a previous discovery of the Bonanza Creek team that could be used as a starting point in this new project is that increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in Alaska’s boreal forests have caused faster-growing deciduous trees like paper birch and trembling aspen to colonize areas where slower-growing but more flammable black spruce once dominated. Over the next six years, the researchers plan to monitor a wider variety of forest plots that have burned at different times to clarify how these forests are currently re-growing and changing and what roles fires play in these processes.



“Our work at Bonanza Creek LTER has shown us how uncertain the future of the Arctic boreal forest is. The next stage is for this really talented team to map out what kinds of futures are possible, probable, and how humans will play a role in shaping them,” Mack concluded.



—



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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How does climate change alter Alaska’s boreal forest?

While ecological memory stored in a landscape can usually help...

Over the past 100 million years, mammals have evolved to inhabit nearly every environment on Earth, exhibiting a diverse range of unique characteristics and abilities.&nbsp;



The Zoonomia Project, a multinational and multidisciplinary scientific initiative, has been working diligently to understand this diversity by examining the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-dna-may-set-humans-apart-from-chimpanzees/">DNA</a> sequences of 240 existing mammal species, including aardvarks, African savanna elephants, yellow-spotted rock hyraxes, and zebu cattle.&nbsp;



This week, a special issue of <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi1599">Science</a> published several papers from the Zoonomia team, showcasing the power of comparative genomics to shed light on the extraordinary capabilities of various species and to help scientists better understand functional aspects of our own genome, with potential implications for health and disease research.



The researchers identified regions of mammalian genomes that have remained conserved, or unchanged, across species and millions of years of evolution, implying biological importance.&nbsp;



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



By analyzing DNA samples collected from more than 50 institutions worldwide, including many from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, the team also discovered the genetic basis for rare mammalian traits such as hibernation and the ability to detect faint scents from miles away.&nbsp;



Furthermore, they were able to pinpoint species that may be particularly vulnerable to extinction and identified genetic variants that may have causal roles in both rare and common human diseases.



The Zoonomia Project is a global collaborative effort, with over 150 individuals from seven time zones contributing to the creation of the world's largest comparative mammalian genomics resource.&nbsp;



The project is led by Elinor Karlsson, director of the vertebrate genomics group at the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/">Broad Institute</a> of MIT and Harvard, and a professor of bioinformatics and integrative biology at the UMass Chan Medical School; and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, scientific director of vertebrate genomics at the Broad, and a professor of comparative genomics at Uppsala University in Sweden.



“One of the biggest problems in genomics is that humans have a really big genome and we don’t know what all of it does," said&nbsp; Karlsson. “This package of papers really shows the range of what you can do with this kind of data, and how much we can learn from studying the genomes of other mammals.”&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-exceptional-traits-discovered">Exceptional traits discovered</h2>



In one of the studies, co-first authors Matthew Christmas, a researcher at Uppsala University, and Irene Kaplow, a postdoctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, collaborated with project leaders to uncover fascinating insights into the role of conserved genomic regions.



The researchers found that at least 10 percent of the human genome is highly conserved across species, with many of these regions occurring outside of protein-coding genes. Astonishingly, more than 4,500 elements are almost perfectly conserved across more than 98 percent of the species studied.&nbsp;



Most of these conserved regions, which have evolved more slowly than random fluctuations in the genome, are involved in embryonic development and regulation of RNA expression. By contrast, regions that changed more frequently shaped an animal's interaction with its environment, influencing factors such as immune responses or the development of its skin.



In addition to these discoveries, the researchers also identified parts of the genome linked to a few exceptional traits in the mammalian world, such as extraordinary brain size, superior sense of smell, and the ability to hibernate during the winter.



Karlsson and Lindblad-Toh stressed the importance of this research for preserving biodiversity. They found that mammals with fewer genetic changes at conserved sites in the genome were at greater risk for extinction.&nbsp;



The scientists argue that having just one reference genome per species could help identify at-risk species. Currently, less than five percent of all mammalian species have reference genomes, highlighting the need for further work to develop these methods.



<h2 id="h-insights-found-into-causes-of-human-disease">Insights found into causes of human disease</h2>



In another study from the Zoonomia Project, researchers led by Elinor Karlsson and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh used mammalian genomes to investigate human traits and diseases.&nbsp;



The team focused on some of the most conserved single-letter genomic regions identified in an earlier paper and compared them to genetic variants that scientists have previously linked to diseases such as cancer using other methods. This research also revealed significant findings.



The team discovered that their annotations of the genome based on evolutionary conservation provided more connections between genetic variants and their function than other methods.&nbsp;



Additionally, they identified mutations that are likely causal in both rare and common diseases, including cancer, and demonstrated that using conservation in disease studies could make it easier to find genetic changes that increase the risk of disease.



This second study was co-authored by Patrick Sullivan, director of the Center for Psychiatric Genomics at the University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill and a professor of psychiatric genetics at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden; Jennifer Meadows, a genetics researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden; and Steven Gazal, an assistant professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.&nbsp;



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



A third study, co-led by Steven Reilly, an assistant professor of genetics at Yale University, and Pardis Sabeti, an institute member at the Broad, analyzed over 10,000 genetic deletions specific to humans, using both Zoonomia data and experimental analysis. The researchers were able to link some of these deletions to the function of neurons.



Other notable findings from the Zoonomia Project published today include the revelation that mammals diversified before the mass dinosaur extinction.&nbsp;



Additionally, researchers uncovered a genetic explanation for why a famous sled dog from the 1920s named Balto was able to survive the harsh landscape of Alaska. They also discovered human-specific changes to genome organization and used machine learning to identify regions of the genome associated with brain size.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the experts described the evolution of regulatory sequences in the human genome, focused on sequences of DNA that move around the genome, and discovered that species with smaller populations historically are at higher risk of extinction today.&nbsp;



The researchers suggest that these studies - and the breadth of questions they answer - represent only a fraction of what is possible.



"We're very enthusiastic about sequencing mammalian species," said Lindblad-Toh."And we're excited to see how we and other researchers can work with this data in new ways to understand both genome evolution and human disease."



The discoveries made by the Zoonomia Project contribute to our understanding of the conservation and evolution of genetic material in mammals. They also highlight the potential for leveraging this knowledge to inform medical research and improve our understanding of human health and disease.&nbsp;



The research paves the way for exciting new opportunities in the fields of genomics, evolutionary biology, and medicine.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-human-genome-project">More about the human genome project</h2>



The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international scientific research initiative that aimed to map and sequence the entire human genome, which is the complete set of DNA present in the human body.&nbsp;



The project began in 1990 and was completed in 2003, involving thousands of scientists from around the world. The primary goals of the HGP were to identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes in the human DNA, determine the sequences of the three billion chemical base pairs that make up the human genome, and store this information in databases for easy access and analysis.



<h3 id="h-the-human-genome-project-is-of-immense-importance-to-science-and-humanity-for-several-reasons">The Human Genome Project is of immense importance to science and humanity for several reasons:</h3>



<h4 id="h-understanding-the-genetic-basis-of-human-diseases">Understanding the genetic basis of human diseases</h4>



By mapping the human genome, scientists can identify genes associated with specific diseases and conditions, paving the way for more effective treatments, earlier diagnoses, and even personalized medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.



<h4 id="h-evolutionary-biology">Evolutionary biology</h4>



The HGP has deepened our understanding of human evolution and the relationships between different species. By comparing the human genome to those of other organisms, researchers can gain insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the human species.



<h4 id="h-development-of-new-technologies">Development of new technologies</h4>



The HGP led to the development of new techniques and tools for sequencing and analyzing DNA, which have since been applied to the study of other organisms and have revolutionized the field of genomics.



<h4 id="h-gene-regulation-and-function">Gene regulation and function&nbsp;</h4>



The HGP has advanced our understanding of how genes are regulated and how they function within the context of the whole genome. This knowledge is essential for understanding the complex interactions between genes and their effects on human health and disease.



<h4 id="h-ethical-legal-and-social-implications">Ethical, legal, and social implications&nbsp;</h4>



The HGP has prompted important discussions regarding the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research, such as privacy concerns, genetic discrimination, and the potential for gene editing technologies.



In summary, the Human Genome Project has had a profound impact on science and humanity by providing a comprehensive understanding of the human genome, leading to advancements in medicine, evolutionary biology, and genomics.&nbsp;



The knowledge gained from the HGP has opened new avenues for research and has the potential to revolutionize how we approach human health and disease.



—-



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Genomes from 240 mammals show what makes humans unique

Over the past 100 million years, mammals have evolved to...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/integrative-health-network">University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health</a> has found that patients with moderate-to-severe pain, stress, or anxiety reported clinically significant reductions in their symptoms after a single session of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-helps-dementia-patients-connect-with-caregivers/">music</a> therapy. 



Since improvements in pain-related symptoms was not influenced by patients’ demographic or clinical characteristics, music therapy appears to be effective for acute pain management across a variety of inpatient adult populations.



This research builds upon several important music therapy studies funded by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.murphykulas.org/copy-of-kulas-home-1">Kulas Foundation</a> – United States’ leading organization funding scientific research on the benefits of music therapy – which examined the efficacy of such approaches in palliative care, surgery, sickle cell disease, and cancer treatments.&nbsp;



While these investigations have mainly been conducted at academic medical centers, the new study is the first and largest assessment of the real-world effectiveness of music therapy within community medical centers.



To examine the benefits of music therapy, the experts conducted a retrospective study between January 2017 and July 2020 involving 1,056 adults who received inpatient medical care at eight UH community medical centers, and reported pre-session pain, anxiety, or stress scores equal to or greater than 4 on a scale from 0 to 10.&nbsp;



Certified music therapists provided interventions including live music listening, music-assisted relaxation and imagery, and active music making, and assessed patients’ self-reported pain, stress, and anxiety levels at the beginning and end of each session.&nbsp;



After the music therapy interventions, patients reported clinically significant mean reductions in pain (2.04 units), anxiety (2.80 units), and stress (3.48 units), with all changes exceeding the clinically significant threshold of 1.3 units for moderate-to-severe pain, and 2 for anxiety and stress.&nbsp;



Moreover, among patients reporting a pain reduction score greater than 4, 14 percent fell asleep during the therapy sessions – an important outcome considering the sleep problems patients with moderate-to-severe pain experience during hospitalization.



Finally, after adjusting for demographic, clinical, and operational characteristics, patients receiving a music therapy session in which pain management was the primary goal were 4.32 times more likely to report pain reduction greater than 2 units than those who received a music therapy session in which pain management was not a goal.&nbsp;



“This finding raises important questions regarding how music therapists tailor their interventions to address pain when that is the goal of the session, and we will be examining these specific features of music therapy interventions in future research,” said lead author Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, a music therapist and clinical researcher at UH Connor Whole Health.



“The music therapists at UH Connor Whole Health offer non-pharmacological frontline treatment throughout our medical system while addressing issues of stress, pain, and anxiety. Greater Cleveland residents may receive these services during hospitalizations at UH as a clinical service line offering direct evidence-based community benefit,” concluded Seneca Block, the manager of the Expressive Therapy Program at the same institution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.lww.com/painrpts/Fulltext/2023/06000/Effectiveness_of_music_therapy_within_community.4.aspx">Pain Reports</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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Music therapy can reduce pain, stress, and anxiety

A recent study led by University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole...

A recent study is shedding light on the reasons behind people's inclination to take selfies, and contrary to popular belief, it might not be due to vanity.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/spp">Social Psychological and Personality Science</a> on April 27, 2023, reveals that first-person and third-person photos serve different purposes for the individuals capturing them.



The study was led by Zachary Niese, a PhD graduate from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> and currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Tübingen in Germany.&nbsp;



Niese was able to demonstrate that first-person photos, which capture the scene as viewed through one's own eyes, best represent the physical experience of an event. On the other hand, third-person photos, such as selfies, are more effective in conveying the deeper meaning of an event in people's lives.



"We found that people have a natural intuition about which perspective to take to capture what they want out of the photo," said Niese.



These findings challenge the assumption that people post selfies on platforms like Instagram solely for self-promotion. Instead, as study co-author Professor Lisa Libby points out, "These photos with you in it can document the bigger meaning of a moment. It doesn’t have to be vanity."



<h2 id="h-capturing-a-physical-experience">Capturing a physical experience</h2>



Previous research has indicated that capturing the physical experience of an event or its broader meaning are two primary motivations for taking personal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historical-photos-suggest-that-rhino-horns-have-gotten-smaller/">photos</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, a person at the beach with a friend may take a photo of the ocean to document the physical experience of the beautiful and relaxing day. Alternatively, they could take a photo with themselves in it to capture the deeper meaning of spending time with that friend.



The researchers conducted a series of six studies involving 2,113 participants to explore the impact of perspective in personal photography.&nbsp;



In one online study, participants read a scenario in which they might want to take a photo, such as spending the day at a beach with a close friend. They were then asked to rate the importance of the experience itself and the significance of the event's broader meaning.&nbsp;



The results indicated that the higher participants rated the event's meaning, the more likely they were to take a photo with themselves in it.



<h2 id="h-second-study-offers-similar-results">Second study offers similar results</h2>



Another recent study has provided further evidence supporting people's intuitions regarding the effectiveness of different photographic perspectives in capturing the experience or meaning of events.&nbsp;



One of the experiments in the study focused on people's Instagram posts, asking them to examine their most recent personal photograph and consider whether it evoked "the physical experience of the moment" or "the bigger meaning of the moment."



The results revealed that when participants were featured in the photo, they were more likely to associate it with the bigger meaning of the moment. Conversely, photos that captured the scene from their visual perspective were linked to the physical experience of the moment.&nbsp;



However, the study also found that when there was a mismatch between the photo's perspective and the individual's goal in taking the photo, they tended to have a less positive opinion of the image.



In another experiment, participants were asked about their most recent Instagram post featuring one of their photos and whether they aimed to capture the bigger meaning or the physical experience of the moment. They then rated their feelings about the photo on a scale of 1 (not at all positive) to 5 (extremely positive).&nbsp;



"We found that people didn't like their photo as much if there was a mismatch between the photo perspective and their goal in taking the photo," said Professor Libby. For instance, if the participants' goal was to capture the meaning of the moment, they preferred the photo more if it was taken in the third person, with themselves in the image.



<h2 id="h-conclusion-of-the-studies">Conclusion of the studies</h2>



The study's findings suggest that people intuitively understand the perspective they should use in their photos to achieve their desired outcome. Zachary Niese hopes that "this study increases people's knowledge about how photo perspective affects how they react to photos," allowing them to consciously choose the perspective that will best fulfill their goal.



Furthermore, the results imply that people may have more personal motives for posting photos on Instagram and other social media platforms, beyond appealing to their audience.&nbsp;



"This work suggests people also have very personal motives for taking photos. Even on social media, it appears that people are curating images for themselves to look back on to capture the experience or the meaning of the event," said Niese.



Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the psychology behind people's choices in photographic perspective, challenging the notion that photo sharing on social media is solely driven by external validation. It highlights the personal significance that photography holds in capturing and preserving the essence of our experiences and the events that matter most in our lives.



<h2 id="h-more-about-selfies-and-social-media">More about selfies and social media</h2>



The rise of selfies and social media has had a significant impact on society in various ways, both positive and negative. Here are some key aspects to consider:



<h3 id="h-communication-and-connection">Communication and Connection</h3>



Social media platforms have made it easier for people to stay connected with friends and family, even if they are geographically distant. Sharing selfies and other personal photos can help create a sense of intimacy and maintain relationships. It allows individuals to share their experiences, emotions, and milestones with their online network.



<h3 id="h-self-expression-and-identity">Self-expression and Identity</h3>



Selfies and social media provide an opportunity for individuals to express themselves and present their identity to the world. People can showcase their interests, hobbies, and personalities through the images they share, helping them build a sense of self and connect with like-minded individuals.



<h3 id="h-mental-health">Mental Health</h3>



The impact of selfies and social media on mental health is a topic of ongoing debate. On one hand, sharing selfies can boost self-esteem and promote a positive self-image. However, excessive focus on physical appearance and constant comparison with others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) can be exacerbated by seeing other people's seemingly perfect lives on social media, increasing feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.



<h3 id="h-body-image-and-beauty-standards">Body Image and Beauty Standards</h3>



The prevalence of selfies and the tendency to share heavily edited or filtered images on social media have contributed to unrealistic beauty standards. This phenomenon can lead to body dissatisfaction, negative self-image, and even disordered eating behaviors, especially among young people.



<h3 id="h-privacy-and-security">Privacy and Security</h3>



As more people share personal images and information on social media, privacy and security concerns become increasingly important. Oversharing can put individuals at risk of identity theft, online harassment, or even physical danger in some cases.



<h3 id="h-narcissism-and-self-obsession">Narcissism and Self-obsession</h3>



The selfie culture has been criticized for promoting narcissism and self-obsession. While not everyone who takes selfies is narcissistic, the act of constantly sharing images of oneself can foster an excessive focus on one's own appearance and achievements, potentially leading to unhealthy levels of self-absorption.



<h3 id="h-impact-on-tourism-and-public-spaces">Impact on Tourism and Public Spaces</h3>



The popularity of selfies has changed the way people experience tourist attractions and public spaces. Visitors often prioritize getting the perfect selfie rather than immersing themselves in the experience, which can detract from the enjoyment of the place or event. Additionally, the quest for unique and dangerous selfies has led to incidents of trespassing, damage to property, and even accidents or fatalities.



In conclusion, the impact of selfies and social media on society is multifaceted and complex. While these platforms have undoubtedly transformed the way we communicate, connect, and express ourselves, they also bring with them potential risks to mental health, privacy, and personal safety. As with any technological advancement, it is crucial for individuals to use these tools mindfully and strike a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks.



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Scientists have figured out why people like to take selfies

A recent study is shedding light on the reasons behind...

A team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/">Newcastle University</a> in the United Kingdom has found that a plant-based compound purified from a traditional Chinese herb called Astralagus - which has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal purposes - could significantly improve the health outcomes of individuals who previously experienced a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-attacks-young-women/">heart attack</a>.&nbsp;



The medication, known as TA-65®, is produced by the pharmaceutical company <a href="https://www.tasciences.com/">T.A. Sciences</a>. Unlike current cardiovascular treatments, TA-65® appears to efficiently reduce inflammation without negatively impacting immunity.&nbsp;



In fact, when given to older patients for over a year after their heart attack, TA-65® significantly increased lymphocytes, thus improving immunity. Moreover, patients treated with this drug experienced less complications, or problems such as chest or joint pain, following the heart attack.



“It has become widely recognized that inflammation plays a key role in the formation, progression, and rupture of a coronary plaque, which induces heart attack, but, importantly, it is also a major risk factor for further complications. Reducing inflammation is, therefore, considered a key treatment target following a heart attack for patients and our study showed that TA-65® reduced inflammation by up to 62 percent,” said senior author Ioakim Spyridopoulos, a professor of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Gerontology at Newcastle.



“While some potent anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to improve outcomes after heart attacks, they result in suppression of the immune system and increase the risk of severe infections. In our study, the widely available drug TA-65® was shown to reduce inflammation but also appears to improve immunity by increasing a patient’s immune cells.”



The researchers - including experts from the <a href="https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/hospitals/james-cook/">James Cook University Hospital</a> - conducted a randomized controlled pilot study in which 90 patients aged 65 or older were given either a placebo drug or TA-65®. The participants had blood measurements taken at baseline, six months, and a year and were reviewed regularly in the clinic for potential side effects.



The investigation revealed that those who received TA-65® - a patented, plant-based compound that helps maintain or rebuild telomeres – had 30 percent fewer side effects, such as fevers or new medical problems, than those given the placebo, while showing reduced inflammation and improved immunity.



The scientists plan to conduct a follow up study with a larger cohort, while also examining whether TA-65® can reduce adverse cardiac events, such as more heart attacks or even death. “If we can show that TA-65® improves the clinical outcomes of patients who have suffered a heart attack, on top of modern treatment options, it will become an important addition to patients’ medical care,” Spyridopoulos concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00794-6">GeroScience</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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Chinese herb improves health of heart attack patients

A team of researchers led by Newcastle University in the...

In a recent study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1151266">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>, scientists have discovered that dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) - the canine equivalent of dementia in humans - experience similar disruptions in sleep rhythms and reductions in delta brain waves as human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-may-also-suffer-from-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a> patients.&nbsp;



This groundbreaking research sheds light on the possible similarities in the development and progression of dementia in both humans and dogs, and could potentially pave the way for further studies on the subject.



Alzheimer's disease is well-known for causing disruptions in sleep rhythms in its earliest stages. Affected individuals often experience daytime sleepiness, agitation or confusion around dusk, staying awake longer, and frequently waking up at night. This is believed to stem from damage to the sleep-regulating areas of the brain.&nbsp;



Alzheimer's patients typically spend less time in both REM and non-REM sleep, with the most significant reduction occurring in slow-wave sleep (SWS), a stage of non-dreaming deep sleep characterized by slow "delta" brain waves (0.1 to 3.5 Hz). This is the stage during which day-time memories are consolidated.



The study was led by Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at North Carolina State University. The researchers found that dogs with CCDS experienced a similar reduction in sleep time and delta brain waves. This implies that these dogs sleep less and less deeply, echoing the sleep disruptions observed in Alzheimer's patients.



“Our study is the first to evaluate the association between cognitive impairment and sleep using polysomnography – the same technique as used in sleep studies in people – in aged dogs," said Dr. Olby.



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



The study involved 28 senior mixed- and full-breed dogs, both male and female, aged between 10.4 and 16.2 years, which corresponds to between 81% and 106% of their average lifespan, depending on size.&nbsp;



The owners of these dogs were asked to complete a questionnaire about their canine companions, rating the severity of CCDS symptoms like disorientation, poor social interactions, and house soiling.&nbsp;



Additionally, the researchers conducted examinations of the dogs for potential orthopedic, neurological, biochemical, and physiological co-morbidities.



Based on the findings, 28.5% of the dogs were classified as normal, while the remaining participants were classified with varying degrees of CCDS: 28.5% with mild, 14.3% with moderate, and 28.5% with severe CCDS.



The research team then conducted a series of cognitive tests on the dogs to assess their attention, working memory, and executive control. One such test, the 'detour task', required a dog to retrieve a treat from a horizontal transparent cylinder by accessing it from either end.&nbsp;



The task was made more challenging by blocking off the dog's preferred side, forcing them to demonstrate cognitive flexibility to detour to the other end of the cylinder.



<h2 id="h-creating-a-sleep-clinic-for-dogs">Creating a sleep clinic for dogs</h2>



Dr. Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Natasha Olby's research group at North Carolina State University, and her colleagues performed polysomnography studies on dogs to investigate the relationship between canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and sleep patterns.&nbsp;



The study's findings suggest that dogs with CCDS exhibit changes in sleep-wakefulness cycles that resemble those observed in people with Alzheimer's disease.



The polysomnography studies were conducted in a quiet room with dim light and white noise, simulating a sleep clinic environment. The dogs were allowed to spontaneously take an afternoon nap while electrodes measured their brain waves, electrical activity of the muscles and heart, and eye movements.&nbsp;



The measurements lasted up to two hours but were stopped if the dogs became anxious, attempted to leave the room, or removed the electrodes. Out of the dogs studied, 93% entered drowsiness, 86% entered non-REM (NREM) sleep, and 54% entered REM sleep.



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



The results of the study demonstrated that dogs with higher dementia scores and those who performed poorly on the detour task took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping, and this held true for both NREM and REM sleep.&nbsp;



Furthermore, dogs with poorer memory scores exhibited changes, such as fewer slow oscillations in their electroencephalograms during REM sleep, suggesting that they slept less deeply during this phase.



"In people, slow brain oscillations are characteristic of SWS and linked to the activity of the so-called ‘glymphatic system, a transport system that removes protein waste products from the cerebrospinal fluid," explained Dr. Olby. "The reduction in slow oscillations in people with Alzheimer’s, and the associated reduced removal of these toxins, has been implicated in their poorer memory consolidation during deep sleep.”



Interestingly, dogs with poorer memory displayed more pronounced fast beta waves, between 15.75 and 19 Hz. Strong beta waves are typical of wakefulness in healthy people and dogs, and are not considered normal during sleep, which once again indicates that dogs with CCDS sleep less deeply.



<h2 id="h-day-sleeping-compared-to-night-sleeping">Day sleeping compared to night sleeping</h2>



Additionally, dogs that performed poorly in the 'sustained gaze' task, which measures attention span, demonstrated tighter coupling in delta waves between the two brain hemispheres, a result also found in people with dementia.



While the study's findings show similarities between CCDS and Alzheimer's, the authors caution that it is still unknown if these changes occur during dogs' nighttime sleep rather than their afternoon naps.



“Our next step will be to follow dogs over time during their adult and senior years to determine if there are any early markers in their sleep-wakefulness patterns, or in the electrical activity of their brain during sleep, that could predict the future development of cognitive dysfunction," said Dr. Olby.



This innovative study highlights the potential for further research into the similarities between the development of dementia in dogs and humans. By understanding the connection between CCDS and Alzheimer's disease, researchers may uncover valuable insights into the development, progression, and potential treatment options for both conditions.



<h2 id="h-more-about-dementia-in-dogs-ccds">More about dementia in dogs (CCDS)</h2>



Dementia in dogs, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), is a neurodegenerative condition that affects a dog's cognitive abilities, behavior, and memory. It is often compared to Alzheimer's disease in humans, as both conditions share similar symptoms and underlying causes.&nbsp;



CCDS is more prevalent in senior dogs, with studies suggesting that over 50% of dogs aged 11 years and older may show signs of cognitive decline.



<h3 id="h-the-symptoms-of-dementia-in-dogs-can-vary-but-some-common-signs-include">The symptoms of dementia in dogs can vary, but some common signs include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-disorientation">Disorientation</h4>



Dogs with dementia may appear confused or lost, even in familiar environments. They may wander aimlessly, become stuck in corners or behind furniture, or have difficulty navigating around obstacles.



<h4 id="h-memory-loss">Memory loss</h4>



Affected dogs may forget previously learned commands, routines, or house training, leading to accidents indoors. They may also fail to recognize familiar people, pets, or objects.



<h4 id="h-altered-sleep-patterns">Altered sleep patterns</h4>



Dogs with dementia may experience disrupted sleep-wake cycles, resulting in increased daytime sleepiness, restlessness at night, and changes in overall sleep quality.



<h4 id="h-changes-in-social-interactions">Changes in social interactions</h4>



Dogs with CCDS might show reduced interest in socializing with people or other pets, display irritability or aggression, or exhibit increased clinginess or separation anxiety.



<h4 id="h-reduced-activity-levels">Reduced activity levels</h4>



Dementia can cause dogs to lose interest in play, exercise, or exploring their environment, leading to an overall decrease in activity levels.



The exact cause of CCDS is not well understood, but it is believed to involve the accumulation of protein deposits in the brain, called beta-amyloid plaques, which interfere with normal brain function.&nbsp;



Additionally, factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced blood flow to the brain may contribute to the development and progression of the condition.



There is no cure for dementia in dogs, but treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected dogs.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-these-may-include">These may include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-medications">Medications</h4>



Certain drugs, such as selegiline (Anipryl), have been shown to alleviate some symptoms of CCDS by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is involved in cognitive function and mood regulation.



<h4 id="h-dietary-supplements">Dietary supplements</h4>



Supplements containing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, such as phosphatidylserine and B vitamins, may help support cognitive function and overall brain health.



<h4 id="h-environmental-enrichment">Environmental enrichment</h4>



Providing mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys, puzzles, or games can help maintain cognitive function and slow the progression of CCDS.



<h5 id="h-consistent-routine">Consistent routine</h5>



Maintaining a predictable daily routine, including regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions, can help minimize stress and confusion for dogs with dementia.



<h4 id="h-veterinary-care">Veterinary care</h4>



Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential for monitoring the progression of CCDS and adjusting treatment plans as needed.



It is important to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is showing signs of dementia, as some symptoms can also be indicative of other medical conditions that require different treatments.&nbsp;



Early intervention and management can help improve your dog's quality of life and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline.



—-



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Older dogs with dementia aren’t able to sleep well

In a recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science,...

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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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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[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



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.

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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[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



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.

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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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