New research reveals a potential link between diabetes drugs and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.



According to a recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology, certain diabetes drugs may significantly lower the risk of diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-medications-and-neuroprotection">Diabetes medications and neuroprotection</h2>



The prime focus of the study was a class of diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors. 



These gliflozins play an essential role in maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-become-hangry-when-their-blood-sugar-is-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels. They achieve this by prompting the kidneys to dispel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-sugar-sources-are-key-to-preventing-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar</a> from the body through urination.



Dr. Minyoung Lee of <a href="https://medicine.yonsei.ac.kr/medicine-en/index.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University College of Medicine</a> in South Korea emphasized the significance of the research.



“We know that these neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s disease are common, and the number of cases is growing as the population ages, and people with diabetes are at increased risk of cognitive impairment, so it’s encouraging to see that this class of drugs may provide some protection,” said Dr. Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-diabetes-medications">Comparing diabetes medications</h2>



The researchers took a retrospective approach, analyzing individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who started diabetes medication between 2014 and 2019 in South Korea.



Participants were segregated into two groups. One group was administered SGLT2 inhibitors, while the other was given alternative oral diabetes medications. 



Over a period of roughly two years for the SGLT2 group and four years for the other group, the researchers tracked whether the participants developed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson's disease</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incidence-rates-of-dementia-and-parkinson-s">Incidence rates of dementia and Parkinson’s </h2>



Among the 358,862 participants, who had an average age of 58, a total of 6,837 developed dementia or Parkinson’s disease during the study period. The incidence rates differed significantly across both groups.



For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a>, those taking SGLT2 inhibitors had an incidence rate of 39.7 cases per 10,000 person-years. For those on other diabetes drugs, the incidence rate stood at 63.7 cases.



Similarly, for vascular dementia, the incidence rate was notably lower for the SGLT2 group (10.6) compared to the group on other diabetes medications (18.7). For Parkinson’s disease, those on SGLT2 inhibitors also had a lower incidence rate (9.3) compared to their counterparts (13.7).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-dementia-and-parkinson-s-risk">Lower dementia and Parkinson’s risk</h2>



After adjusting for factors such as complications from diabetes and medications, the researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitor use was correlated with a 20% decrease in the risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and a 30% decreased risk of developing vascular dementia.



“The results are generally consistent even after adjusting for factors like blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and kidney function,” said Dr. Lee. “More research is needed to validate the long-term validity of these findings.”



Since participants were followed for less than five years, Dr. Lee noted that it’s possible that some participants could still develop dementia or Parkinson’s later on.



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



This study opens the door to new possibilities in managing not only diabetes but also in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. 



As populations age and cases of dementia rise, these findings provide hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike.



However, while the results are promising, experts caution that further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on brain health. 



Larger clinical trials and extended follow-up periods could help determine whether these medications should play a more central role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. 



Additionally, researchers are looking into whether similar benefits could be observed in other types of diabetes treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-drugs-and-cognitive-health">Diabetes drugs and cognitive health </h2>



Diabetes management and cognitive health are closely linked, as both high and low blood sugar levels can have significant effects on the brain. Over time, poor management of diabetes can increase the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and other neurological issues.



With growing evidence linking diabetes management to cognitive health, this study highlights the importance of continued innovation in the treatment of chronic diseases. 



As we move forward, the potential to repurpose existing medications for new therapeutic uses remains an exciting frontier in medicine.



The research was supported by the Korea Health Technology R&amp;D Project, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the Ministry of Health &amp; Welfare of Korea, Severance Hospital, and Yonsei University College of Medicine.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209805" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Diabetes drugs may protect against dementia

New research reveals a potential link between diabetes drugs and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. According to a recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology, certain diabetes drugs may significantly lower the risk of diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. Diabetes medications and neuroprotection The prime focus of the study was a class of diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors. These gliflozins play an essential role in maintaining blood sugar levels. They achieve this by prompting the kidneys to dispel...

A new study published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43630-021-00101-2">Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences</a> has found that during use, some types of sunscreens offer very limited protection against dangerous ultraviolet rays (UV). These sunscreens could even be harmful due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-air-is-an-underestimated-source-of-dangerous-chemicals/">chemical</a> reactions involving zinc oxide, one of their main ingredients.



There are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, which produces long-term DNA damage such as wrinkling and skin aging, and UVB, which is usually associated with short-term effects such as sunburn. 



Sunscreen safety and efficacy is currently evaluated based upon the properties of the individual chemicals they are composed of, and generally use a five-star UVA rating which shows how much protection against ultraviolet rays they offer. However, the photostability of sunscreens is highly dependent on how the various chemical compounds that they consist of interact during use.



Many sunscreens include zinc oxide, an ingredient proven to be highly efficient in blocking UV rays. During tests, the scientists examined how zinc oxide reacted to other ingredients when it was exposed to sunlight, and calculated how much UV the sunscreen managed to block out.



“On its own, zinc oxide is an effective and harmless UV blocker,” explained study co-author Richard Blackburn, a professor of Sustainable Materials at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>. “Our research raises concerns about how the individual formulation ingredients react with each other during use and this isn’t currently tested by the industry.&nbsp;



“Once exposed to sunlight for two hours, zinc oxide destroys the UVA protection provided by other ingredients. In this context, putting on sunscreen could actually make things worse because people believe they are being protected from harmful UV rays and may stay in the sun longer.”



“During tests, we found that zinc oxide causes degradation of other UV absorbers, and the protection provided by the sunscreens was reduced significantly over a relatively short time, particularly in the UVA region,” added co-author James Hutchinson, a professor of Chemistry at the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/">University of Oregon</a>. “The degradation of the UV filters not only decreased the effectiveness of the sunscreen, it also led to increased formula toxicity.”



According to the scientists, in the design of future sunscreens, it is critical to consider the potential for zinc oxide induced photodegradation during use, and search for less harmful alternatives.



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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

Some sunscreens lose effectiveness and become harmful

A new study published in the journal Photochemical and Photobiological...

According to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/">University of Victoria</a>, the physical disturbances caused by sea otter populations while they forage the seafloor for food has a significant role in increasing the genetic diversity of the surrounding eelgrass.&nbsp;



While it is well-known that predators have important effects on a variety of ecosystems, previous research has largely focused on observed changes in community structures driven by trophic interactions between the predators and the organisms that they feed upon. The non-trophic consequences of predation, such as the ways in which indirect disturbances caused by predators can affect the evolution and genetic diversity of plant communities have not yet been comprehensively studied.



According to a research team led by Erin Foster, a doctoral student in Conservation Science at the University of Victoria, foraging sea otters are routinely digging for small crabs and clams in eelgrass meadows, a behavior through which they are indirectly promoting conditions which facilitate the reproduction of these plants, increasing thus the eelgrass community’s genetic diversity.



By comparing genetic analyses from meadows where sea otters had been absent for more than a century to meadows in which the otters have been reintroduced within the past ten years and meadows where they have been present for decades, the researchers discovered that eelgrass genetic diversity was 30 percent higher in places where otters have been present for two or three decades. According to Foster and her colleagues, the longer the sea otters were present in a region, the more genetically diverse that area’s eelgrass communities were.



“The findings of Foster&nbsp;et al.&nbsp;come at a prescient time,” said Joe Roman, a conservation biologist from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/">University of Vermont</a>. “The need to protect and monitor genetic diversity has often been overlooked in global communities such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. Research on the effects of disturbance and species interactions on genetic diversity could help inform the restoration efforts of trophic rewilding.”



By revealing less understood evolutionary processes through which predators promote genetic diversity and ecological resilience, this study sheds more light on the complex and diverse relationships established between highly different members of specific ecosystems.&nbsp;



This study is published in the journal <a href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf2343">Science</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

Digging sea otters promote eelgrass genetic diversity

According to a new study led by the University of...

A research team from the <a href="https://nutrition.tufts.edu/">Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy</a> at Tufts University has recently developed a new nutrient profiling system that can rank the healthfulness of foods. The tool will provide invaluable assistance to consumers, restaurants, cafeterias, and policy makers to produce, choose, and endorse healthy foods.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Low-Res_Friedman-Graphic_V4_Oct.52021.jpg.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1897107"/></figure>



Food Compass has been developed over three years and promises to be the most comprehensive and science-based nutrient profiling system to date. While many existing systems focus on the harmful factors of various foods and examine just a few nutrients, Food Compass is equally considering harmful and healthful factors, and takes into account a large variety of nutrients, ingredients (including phytochemicals and additives), and processing characteristics. Furthermore, while previous systems subjectively group and score foods differently, Food Compass is objectively scoring all foods, drinks, or even mixed dishes and meals by using a single consistent score.&nbsp;



“Once you get beyond ‘eat your veggies, avoid soda,’ the public is pretty confused about how to identify healthier choices in the grocery store, cafeteria, and restaurant,” said study lead author&nbsp;Dariush Mozaffarian, dean of the Friedman School. “Consumers, policy makers, and even industry are looking for simple tools to guide everyone toward healthier choices.”



Food Compass is the most comprehensive nutrient profiling system in the world, scoring 54 different characteristics across nine domains representing various aspects of food that are related to health. These features and domains have been selected based on nutritional attributes linked to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular issues, or cancer, as well as to risks of malnutrition.



Among the major food and drinks categories, the lowest scoring were snacks, sweet desserts, sugar-sweetened sodas, and energy drinks. Among the highest ranked foods were fruits, vegetables, fruits and vegetable juices, nuts, seeds, and seafood.



This system promises to be extremely useful in encouraging the food industry to develop healthier foods; enabling restaurants and cafeterias to offer healthier food options; informing agricultural trade policies; and guiding individual and institutional investors on environmental, social, and corporate governance investment decisions.&nbsp;



“With its publicly available scoring algorithm, Food Compass can provide a nuanced approach to promoting healthy food choices–helping guide consumer behavior, nutrition policy, scientific research, food industry practices, and socially based investment decisions,” concluded co-author Renata Micha, a former faculty member at the Friedman School.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-021-00381-y">Nature Foods</a>.&nbsp;



Image Credit: Tufts University 



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

Nutrient profiling system ranks healthy foods

A research team from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science...

Little,Girl,Running,On,Meadow,With,Sunset

A recent study from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> has revealed that children with a connection to nature during the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-one-third-of-americans-had-covid-19-by-the-end-of-2020/">COVID-19</a> lockdown showed less behavioral and emotional problems than children without that connection. The study also found that children from wealthy economic backgrounds tended to increase their connection to nature during the pandemic.&nbsp;



The results of the study suggest that kids from less affluent backgrounds likely experienced more mental health challenges during COVID-19 because they had a lower connection with nature compared to their wealthier peers.



“We know that access to and engagement with nature is associated with wide-ranging benefits in children and adults, including lowering levels of anxiety and depression, and reducing stress," said study first author Dr. Samantha Friedman.



"The COVID-19 lockdowns meant that children no longer had their normal school activities, routines and social interactions. The removal of these barriers gave us a novel context to look at how changes in connection with nature affected mental health."



"Connecting with nature may have helped buffer some UK children against the effects of the lockdown, but we found that children from less affluent families were less likely to have increased their connection to nature during that time.”



The study used an online survey to collect data on 376 families with children from three to seven years old. Over half of these families reported that children increased their connection to nature during the pandemic. Not only does the research point to the benefits of a connection to nature for children, it also gives actionable data.&nbsp;



“Our study revealed the wide range of ways that parents can help children get more connected to nature. This might be a bit daunting to some, but it doesn’t have to be camping in the woods and foraging for food – it really can be as simple as going for a walk near your house or sitting outside for ten minutes a day," said Dr. Friedman.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25758314">People and Nature</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:zachfitzner@yahoo.com">Zach Fitzner</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nature improved mental health of children during lockdown

A recent study from the University of Cambridge has revealed...

Professor Tom Braden’s neuroscience lab at the University of Sussex recently examined how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebrafish-spinal-cord-injuries/">zebrafish</a> detect different colors. The results suggest that fish have better color perception than humans.&nbsp;



“Zebrafish, unlike humans, have four types of cone-photoreceptors, specialised neurons in the retina which respond to light," said Professor Braden. "These four types are often called red, green, blue and UV. The assumption is that each should do what it says on the tin - red should respond to red light, green to green light, and so on. However, we found that this isn’t the case.”



Using new in-vivo color detection methods, the researchers found that "red" cones also respond to brightness, while "green" cones respond to color information.&nbsp;



“In humans, some of these are distributed all over the eyes and brain in ways that are still far from understood. In contrast, zebrafish solve this basic problem themselves at the earliest possible site, in the synapse of the photoreceptors themselves," explained Professor Braden.



Zebrafish probably have a more evolutionarily conserved or “primitive” method of detecting colors, more similar to their ancestors than our own. Mammals hiding during the Mesozoic -age of the dinosaurs- were thought to be mainly nocturnal. During this nocturnal period, mammals largely lost their color vision.&nbsp;



Today, most mammals can see two colors but are red-green color blind. The primate group, which includes humans, evolved three color vision - possibly to identify ripe fruit in a forest environment. Regaining our color vision was more complicated than the original method though. This process was carried out in the brain as much as the eye.



“Our study essentially shows that vertebrates like zebrafish, and presumably most non mammalian vertebrates like other fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians, can actually solve this fundamental ‘colour puzzle’ right at the first synapse of vision," explained Professor Baden. "In comparison, humans are stuck with this overly complicated ‘knock-off’ strategy because of early mammalian ancestry!”



Interestingly, the research shows that insects have a color vision almost exactly the same as fish that evolved independently.&nbsp;



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



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By <a href="mailto:zachfitzner@yahoo.com">Zach Fitzner</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Fish have better color perception than humans

Professor Tom Braden’s neuroscience lab at the University of Sussex...

A new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320721003931?via%3Dihub">Biological Conservation</a> has found that illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade threatens numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discovered-three-new-species-of-freshwater-goby-fish/">species</a>. It can significantly affect humans too, both through the potential of pathogen spillovers that can lead to pandemics and the social and economic impact that the implication of dangerous criminal networks in wildlife trade engenders.&nbsp;



Wildlife trade is on the rise in many areas of the world. An increasingly large number of wild animals are used for various purposes, including the provision of food, medicine, fashion, ornaments, or furniture. They play different social or economic roles for local communities and are either consumed locally or passed along complex multinational trade chains.&nbsp;



“When people think about wildlife trade, they may think about ivory smuggling or the commerce in wild pets. But wildlife trade is more present in our daily lives than people imagine. For example, the timber that was used to make the table where your family has dinner may be a product of the wildlife trade,” said&nbsp;study lead author Caroline Fukushima, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.luomus.fi/en">Finnish Museum of Natural History</a>.



Illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade significantly affects the ecosystem services on which many species, including humans, depend. It can be a major driver of extinction for a variety of animal species, it can facilitate outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, it can fuel corruption and the emergence and proliferation of criminal networks, and it could even affect climate regulation, pollination of crops, and other ecosystem services.



“Invasive alien species, zoonotic diseases, connection with corruption and crime networks, negative repercussions on the local and global economy, and promotion of social, economic, and environmental injustice, are some of the many negative consequences of wildlife trade that is not well managed and regulated,” explained study co-author Pedro Cardoso, another researcher at the Finnish Museum of Natural History.



Recently, an international group of conservation biologists, activists, and policy enforcers, have built on the manifesto "World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity," issued by the <a href="https://scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/">Alliance of World Scientists</a>, in order to review the dangers of illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade and offer directions for mitigating its negative consequences.



Strategies to curb illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade should take into account the cultural roots and drivers of wildlife consumption, and provide accurate measurements of the scope, scale, and impact of wildlife trade on biodiversity. Most importantly, more cooperation between different individuals, organizations, and disciplines is urgently needed.



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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

Wildlife trade poses many dangers to humans and animals

A new study published in the journal Biological Conservation has...

A new study reveals that snakes experienced a magnificent burst of evolution from unassuming insectivorous ancestors to diverse genealogies after the demise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-predatory-dinosaurs-found-on-the-isle-of-wight/">dinosaurs</a>. The new families of reptiles that evolved incorporated newly available birds, fish, and small mammals in their diets.&nbsp;



Snake diversification was similar to the extraordinary diversification of mammals and birds that occurred after the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, according to research by Michael Grundler of UCLA and Daniel Rabosky of the University of Michigan.



The experts report that the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs combined with the long-term physiographic changes created new habitats that provided an ecological opportunity for various species to evolve and diversify.



The K-Pg mass extinction event occurred 66 million years ago and resulted in the extinction of 75 percent of all species, including all non-avian dinosaurs. The event heralded the start of the Cenozoic period and created a plethora of unfilled niches for the remaining species to exploit. Snakes, like mammals and birds, diversified fast during the Cenozoic era, ultimately yielding around 4,000 species that live today.



The study authors combined primary natural history observations with stochastic model-based comparative methods to explain the evolution of complex ecological phenotypes. The researchers compiled published data on the diets of 882 surviving snake species and employed advanced mathematical models to reconstruct how their ancestors' diets altered and diversified since the K-Pg boundary. The models helped the researchers in understanding the pace and sequence of this phenomenon.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that the most recent common ancestor of surviving snakes was an insectivore. However, following the K-Pg boundary, the snakes modified their diets rapidly to include birds, fish, and small mammals – vertebrate taxa that were also prospering in the aftermath of dinosaur extinction.



The research investigated the explosive adaptive radiation that resulted in creating the snake diversity we witness today. After the first radiation,&nbsp; diet diversification in snakes decreased, but some lineages underwent additional bursts of adaptive evolution. For example, Colubroid snakes diversified when Old World ancestors colonized North and South America.



According to the scientists, the findings from the study suggest that major extinctions and new biogeographic opportunities can stimulate evolutionary change.&nbsp;



“Much of the stunning ecological diversity in snakes seems to result from evolutionary explosions triggered by ecological opportunity,” said Grundler. “We find a major burst of snake diet diversification after the dinosaur extinction, and we also find that, when snakes arrive in new places, they often undergo similar bursts of dietary diversification,” he added.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/">PLOS Biology</a>.&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://mailto:ashikha92@gmail.com">Ashikha Raoof</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Snakes had an evolutionary explosion after dinosaur extinction

A new study reveals that snakes experienced a magnificent burst...

Jellyfish have big appetites, and they mainly float around and eat whatever comes their way. Instead of actively seeking out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-bees-reveal-that-urban-gardens-are-a-good-source-of-food/">food</a>, jellyfish basically eat almost anything that is small enough for them to consume.



For this reason, it has been unclear which foods help jellyfish survive or exactly where they fall in the marine food web. But now, a new study from the <a href="https://oceans.ubc.ca/">Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries</a> (IOF) has begun to unravel this mystery.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed unique isotope and fatty acid signatures, also known as “biomarkers,” that get passed from prey to predator. These markers can be used to trace connections in the food web and to identify the various elements of an animal's diet.



“Until now, jellyfish ecologists were using a generalized calibration value for these biomarkers because they didn’t have jellyfish-specific ones,” said study lead author Jessica Schaub. “This study tested how much the concentrations of isotopes and fatty acids changed, and how quickly they were absorbed when jellyfish digested their prey and incorporated prey signatures into their bodies.”



“The numbers we found were different enough that it’s worth going back to previous jellyfish studies that applied the general values - they will likely get different results if they applied our values."



In collaboration with staff members at the Vancouver Aquarium, the scientists fed jellyfish two unique crustacean prey diets. The larger Japanese sea nettle was also fed the smaller moon jellyfish.&nbsp;



The researchers measured how long it took for the jellyfish to incorporate the stable isotopes and fatty acids, and then calculated how much the two biomarkers changed.



“It seems straightforward, but it’s never that easy - you get the data and you’re like, ‘what’s happening here?' We were surprised about the moon jellyfish. We fed them two crustaceans, krill and artemia, but they didn’t really incorporate the krill," explained Schaub.



"We think of jellyfish as not being picky eaters, but in this case, it seemed that they didn’t like feeding on a single diet. Either it didn’t meet their nutritional needs, or they preferred the live artemia over the dead, frozen krill. The aquarium has been feeding them these krill for a long time, so it’s good to be able to tell the aquarium that it’s maybe not worth investing in the krill any longer.”



The investigation revealed that the jellyfish appeared to “elongate” fatty acids, indicating that jellyfish may be able to create their own essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy body function. This finding came as a surprise to the experts, considering that most animals - with the exception of a rare few - have to obtain omega fatty acids from their diets.&nbsp;



The study authors hope that their findings will be a step towards better understanding the role that jellyfish play in marine ecosystems.



“Jellyfish have long been ignored in research, often considered more of a nuisance than an organism of interest”, said study co-author Dr. Brian Hunt. “However, there is a growing awareness that they can play a key role as both predators and prey.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-experimental-marine-biology-and-ecology">Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology</a>.



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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

Secrets of the mysterious jellyfish diet revealed

Jellyfish have big appetites, and they mainly float around and...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livingoceansfoundation/">Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation</a> (KSLOF) has investigated the state of coral reefs around the world. The researchers surveyed and mapped coral reefs in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserted-oil-tanker-is-a-danger-to-public-health/">Red Sea</a>.



The <a href="http://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/publication/global-reef-expedition-final-report/">Global Reef Expedition Final Report</a> provides valuable baseline data on the status of coral reefs at a vital point in time that can aid the conservation efforts both locally and globally. The report also offers guidance to researchers and scientists on conservation measures.&nbsp;



Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They provide a wide range of environmental and economic benefits. Today, coastal reefs are declining due to various natural and man-made factors such as coastal development, pollution, disease, severe storms, and climate change.&nbsp;



As the oceans continue to warm, massive coral bleaching incidents have become increasingly common and severe. Scientists estimated that there was a 50 percent decline in coral reefs in the last 40 years.&nbsp;



To address this crisis, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, a US-based nonprofit environmental organization, launched the Global Reef Expedition. This research was the result of the collective work of hundreds of scientists from around the world, who conducted tens of thousands of standardised scientific assessments at over 1,000 reefs in 16 nations.&nbsp;



Scientists working on the project collaborated closely with local experts, managers, educators, and government officials to assist the foundation in collecting the data needed to establish science-based solutions for the conservation of reefs.&nbsp;



The expedition aimed to map and characterize coral reef ecosystems, assess the current status of and threats to the world’s reefs and study the factors that enhance a reef’s ability to resist, survive, and recover from major disturbance events such as bleaching, cyclone damage, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks.



“The Global Reef Expedition was a monumental achievement. It owes its success to nimble planning and a common vision shared by a broad group of forward-thinking scientists, managers, and educators,” said Sam Purkis, KSLOF’s Chief Scientist. “I have no doubt that the baseline determined by the Global Reef Expedition for the world’s reefs will remain a reference for centuries to come."



During the course of the study, the Global Reef Expedition also engaged in education and outreach projects to promote ocean literacy, enlighten students and community leaders about coral reefs, and encourage conservation action.



The report emphasizes that in order to battle the coral reef crisis, prompt action is required to address climate change and overfishing.&nbsp;



“One of our most significant findings from the Global Reef Expedition was that nearly every country we studied showed signs of overfishing. Even on some of the most remote and well-protected reefs,” said Renée Carlton, the lead author of the report. She noted that finding fewer and smaller fish on the reef poses problems for the health of the reef itself as well as the people who depend upon them for protein and income.&nbsp;



“We know marine protected areas work, in most instances these reefs had some of the best coral cover and reef fish communities, but climate change, storms, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish can still have deadly consequences to a reef, no matter how remote or well-protected it is.”



According to the experts, control measures such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas can be exercised to save local reefs from the adverse influences of these global problems. The report suggests that with proper implementation, these measures may be able to aid in the preservation of the remaining reefs.



The study found that the participation of local communities in the conservation efforts was essential to achieving success. The foundation was able to provide countries with the data they required to manage their marine resources effectively by involving local experts and government officials in data collection, combining scientific findings with outreach and education efforts, and addressing disparities in ocean literacy.



“Findings from the Global Reef Expedition are already helping countries protect and preserve their reefs and coastal marine resources,” said Alexandra Dempsey, the Director of Science Management at the Foundation. “Marine protected areas, fisheries closures, and traditionally managed areas have been established in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, using information collected on the Expedition."&nbsp;



The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation ensured that the data and results from the study is shared freely with all stakeholders to aid them in their conservation efforts.&nbsp;



The Global Reef Expedition was funded and initiated by Prince Khaled bin Sultan. Upon completion of the research, he expressed his hope that the discoveries will help to “leave a legacy of ocean protection, so our children, and their children's children, can also enjoy the beauty and magic of a coral reef.”



Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation:&nbsp;



The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization established in the United States that combines scientific study, outreach, and education to conserve and restore the world's oceans. The Living Oceans Foundation, as part of its commitment to Science Without Borders®, distributes data and information to organisations, governments, scientists, and local people so that they can use the most up-to-date science to work toward long-term ocean protection. www.livingoceansfoundation.org&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/publication/global-reef-expedition-final-report/">Global Reef Expedition Final Report</a> was published on October 7th, 2021. Copies of the report are available to view and download on the foundation’s website at lof.org.



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By <a href="http://mailto:ashikha92@gmail.com">Ashikha Raoof</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Global Reef Expedition reveals the extent of the coral reef crisis

A new study from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans...

A recent review of over 25 studies into the effects of intermittent fasting shows that this is a safe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mind-diet-slows-cognitive-decline/">diet</a> strategy that can result in clinically significant weight loss ( greater than 5%) and improve several markers of metabolic health, including blood pressure and insulin resistance.&nbsp;



The review considered the effects of three types of intermittent fasting:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Alternate day fasting, which involves a day where normal calorie intake occurs, alternating with a fast day where only a single meal of 500 calories is consumed.&nbsp;</li><li>5:2 diet, which is a modified version of alternate day fasting that involves five days of normal calorie intake and two fast days per week.&nbsp;</li><li>Time-restricted eating, which confines eating to a specified number of hours per day, usually four to ten hours, with no calorie restrictions during the eating period.&nbsp;</li></ul>



All forms of fasting reviewed in this study produced mild to moderate weight loss (1–8% from baseline) and consistent reductions in energy intake (10–30% from baseline).&nbsp;



“We noted that intermittent fasting is not better than regular dieting; both produce the same amount of&nbsp;weight loss and similar&nbsp;changes in blood pressure, cholesterol&nbsp;and inflammation,” said&nbsp;Krista Varady, professor of nutrition at the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences and author of the review article.



Various studies of time-restricted&nbsp;eating&nbsp;showed participants with&nbsp;obesity&nbsp;losing an average of 3% of their body weight, while alternate day fasting resulted in weight loss of 3–8% of body weight over three to eight weeks.&nbsp;Studies for the 5:2 diet showed similar results, which surprised the study’s reviewers. The participants in the 5:2 diet fast much less frequently than alternate-day fasters do, but the weight loss results are similar.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The weight loss of participants in both the alternate day and 5:2 fasting regimes is comparable to more traditional diets involving daily calorie restriction. Participants in studies of both fasting diets were able to maintain an average of 7 percent weight loss for a year.&nbsp;



Professor Varady explained that the&nbsp;review set out to debunk some myths regarding intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting does not negatively affect metabolism, nor does it cause an increased incidence of eating disorders, according to the studies reviewed.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Fasting people are worried about feeling lethargic and not being able to concentrate. Even though you are not eating, it won’t affect your energy. A lot of people&nbsp;experience a boost of energy on fasting days," explained Professor Varady.



Beyond promoting weight loss, intermittent fasting may lead to other health benefits such as decreased blood pressure and insulin resistance. In some cases, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are lowered. Some studies examined for the review also demonstrated improved appetite regulation and positive changes in the gut microbiome as consequences of intermittent fasting.



The study review includes a summary of practical considerations for those who may want to try intermittent fasting. Among the considerations are:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Adjustment time&nbsp;– Side effects such as headaches, dizziness and constipation subside after one to two weeks of fasting. Increased water intake can help alleviate headaches caused by dehydration during this time.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise&nbsp;– Moderate to high-intensity endurance or resistance training during food abstention can be done, and some study participants reported having more energy on fast days. However, studies recommend those following alternate day fasting eat their fasting day meal after exercise.&nbsp;</li><li>Diet during fasting&nbsp;– There are no specific recommendations for food consumption during intermittent fasting, but eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help boost fiber intake and help relieve constipation that sometimes accompanies fasting.&nbsp;</li><li>Alcohol and caffeine&nbsp;– For those using an alternate day or 5:2 fasting plan, alcohol is not recommended on fast days as the limited calories should be used on healthy foods that provide nutrition.&nbsp;</li></ul>



There are several groups who should not undertake intermittent fasting, according to the studies. Those individuals include:&nbsp;



<ul><li>those who are pregnant or lactating;&nbsp;</li><li>children under 12;&nbsp;</li><li>those with a history of disordered eating; &nbsp;</li><li>those with a body mass index, or BMI, of less than 18.5;</li><li>shift workers (studies have shown they may struggle with fasting regimens because of shifting work schedules);&nbsp;</li><li>those who need to take medication with food at regimented times.&nbsp;</li></ul>



“People love intermittent fasting&nbsp;because it’s easy.&nbsp;People need to find diets that&nbsp;they&nbsp;can stick to long term.&nbsp;It’s definitely effective for weight loss and it’s gained popularity because there are no special foods&nbsp;or apps necessary. You can also combine it with other diets, like Keto,” said Professor Varady.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/nutr">Annual Review of Nutrition</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:bosman@truewan.co.za">Alison Bosman</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Intermittent fasting has extraordinary health benefits

A recent review of over 25 studies into the effects...

In 1978, archaeologists found bone remains from the Late Pleistocene in the city of Nacaome in Costa Rica. During the 1990s, excavations revealed the remains of a giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seahorses-may-be-slow-but-they-are-fierce-ambush-predators/">horse</a>, a glyptodon (a large armadillo), a mastodon (an ancestor of the elephants), and a jawbone of what was initially thought to be a coyote skull. However, a team of Latin American scientists recently re-analyzed the jawbone and argued that the fossilized teeth appear to be more similar to a dog’s rather than a coyote’s.&nbsp;



"We thought it was very strange to have a coyote in the Pleistocene, that is to say 12,000 years ago. When we started looking at the bone fragments, we started to see characteristics that could have been from a dog,” explained Costa Rican researcher Guillermo Vargas. "So we kept looking, we scanned it... and it showed that it was a dog living with humans 12,000 years ago in Costa Rica."



According to previous research, dogs have been domesticated around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago in Eurasia. The domestication probably happened passively and gradually, with a population of wolves living around hunter-gatherer settlements and feeding off leftovers created by humans. Over the course of a few generations, these wolves managed to create closer relationships to humans, becoming more similar to today’s dogs.



Previously, the oldest attested dog remains on the American continent were found in Alaska and are 10,150 years of age. The jawbone discovered in Costa Rica could point to an even earlier presence of dogs on this continent. Moreover, while the presence of humans during the Pleistocene has already been attested in Mexico, Chile, and Patagonia, there was no evidence that they had also reached Central America during that period.



"This dog discovery would be the first evidence of humans in Costa Rica during a period much earlier than currently thought,” explained Vargas. "It would show us that there were societies that could keep dogs, that had food surpluses, that had dogs out of desire and that these weren't war&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;that could cause damage."



Currently, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> are conducting further investigations, including DNA and carbon dating tests, in order to discover more genetic information about the animal and its age.



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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

Dogs lived with humans in Central America 12,000 years ago

In 1978, archaeologists found bone remains from the Late Pleistocene...

Animals are dependent on a source of environmental oxygen to produce energy in their cells. They make use of lungs, gills and skin in order to absorb the required oxygen into their blood streams. From there, it gets carried in blood vessels around their bodies and supplied to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-insects-have-more-than-200000-brain-cells/">cells</a> and organs that need it.



Not so with plants. Plants also need oxygen to produce energy in their cells, but they make their own. The process of photosynthesis, which involves making food from water, carbon dioxide and the sun’s energy, produces oxygen as a by-product. If animals could photosynthesize, they would not be dependent on oxygen supplies from the environment but could simply harness the energy produced as a result of the photosynthetic process.



In fact, there are several examples of animals that do host living colonies of photosynthetic cells within their bodies. In nature, photosynthetic cells in the form of unicellular algae live harmoniously in sponges, corals, and anemones, providing them with oxygen and sometimes nutrients.&nbsp;



Professor Hans Straka, a neurobiologist at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, was investigating oxygen consumption in the brains of tadpoles when a chance lunchtime conversation with a botanist led him to wondering whether he could harness the power of photosynthesis to supply oxygen to the brains of tadpoles. In principle, he could not see why such a symbiotic relationship should not work, given that tadpoles are largely translucent and light would be able to shine into them and provide energy for photosynthesis.



To test this, he and a team of researchers from LMU in Germany, injected green, single-celled algae (Chlamydomonas renhardtii) or cyanobacteria (Synechocystis) into the hearts of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. The heartbeat then pumped the algae through the tadpole’s blood vessels until the algal cells reached the brain. When light was shone on the tadpole, not only did the animal turn bright green, but the algal species began to produce oxygen in significant quantities.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Straka and the team wished to determine whether the quantity of oxygen produced this way was enough to revive oxygen-deprived nerve cells in the tadpole’s brain. They placed the tadpole in a water bath that contained essential nutrients to keep the cells functioning, but they gradually removed the oxygen from the water until the brain cells ceased to send nerve impulses.&nbsp;



When they illuminated the tadpole’s head, thereby initiating photosynthetic activity in the algal cells introduced into its brain, the nerves became active again within 15 to 20 minutes. The revived nerves also performed as well or even better than before oxygen depletion.



“The algae actually produced so much oxygen that they could bring the nerve cells back to life, if you will,” said Straka, senior author of the research paper published today in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/home">iScience</a>. “For many people, it sounds like science fiction, but after all, it’s just the right combination of biological schemes and biological principles.”



“We succeeded in showing the proof of principle experiment with this method. It was amazingly reliable and robust, and in my eyes, a beautiful approach,” said Straka. “Working in principle doesn’t really mean that you could apply it at the end, but it’s the first step in order to initiate other studies.”



The researchers recognize that there would be many practical problems in introducing algal cells into the blood vessels of most organisms. Not the least of these would be the immune reaction that would occur in response, and the fact that small blood vessels would become blocked by the algal cells. However, they feel that their findings might someday be useful to treat symptoms of oxygen deprivation, for example in stroke victims or in underwater or high-altitude environments.&nbsp;



“You have to have new ideas and new concepts to explore; this is one of the ways science is driven,” said Straka. “If you are open-minded and think it through, all of a sudden, you can see all the possibilities from one idea.”



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By <a href="mailto:bosman@truewan.co.za">Alison Bosman</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Photosynthesis can supply oxygen to tadpole brains

Animals are dependent on a source of environmental oxygen to...

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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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

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



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.

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



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 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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

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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

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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

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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

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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...