An,Artist's,Illustration,Of,A,Black,Hole,In,Interstellar,Space

Astronomers recently discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever observed and named this system Porphyrion. Imagine something so massive that it lines up 140 Milky Way galaxies back to back. Then multiply that thought by two. It's almost too much for our minds to fathom, but that's exactly what they found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-black-hole-jet-system-porphyrion">Meet black hole jet system Porphyrion</h2>



Martijn Oei is a <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a> postdoctoral scholar with a flair for digging into the mysteries of the universe. His recent work published in a new Nature paper has everyone talking.



Oei and his team discovered this enormous pair of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> jets named Porphyrion. Derived from Greek mythology, Porphyrion is a fitting moniker for a structure with such colossal proportions.



This jet megastructure not only spans 23 million light-years in total length, but it also dates back to when our universe was just 6.3 billion years old. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/black-hole-jet_23-million-light-years_Porphyrion_credit-Caltech-Oei_Martijn_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/black-hole-jet_23-million-light-years_Porphyrion_credit-Caltech-Oei_Martijn_1s.webp" alt="An artist's illustration of the longest black hole jet system ever observed. Nicknamed Porphyrion after a mythological Greek giant, these jets span roughly 7 megaparsecs, or 23 million light-years. That is equivalent to lining up 140 Milky Way galaxies back-to-back. Porphyrion dates back to a time when our universe was less than half its present age. Credit: Caltech" class="wp-image-1945007"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist's illustration of the longest black hole jet system ever observed. Nicknamed Porphyrion after a mythological Greek giant, these jets span roughly 7 megaparsecs, or 23 million light-years. That is equivalent to lining up 140 Milky Way galaxies back-to-back. Porphyrion dates back to a time when our universe was less than half its present age. Credit: Caltech</figcaption></figure>



That's less than half its present age of 13.8 billion years. To put that into perspective, it's like the universe was still in its adolescence.



These ferocious outflows of energy, with a total power output equivalent to trillions of suns, emanate from a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> at the heart of a distant galaxy. 



Before Porphyrion, the record-holder for the largest jet system was Alcyoneus, another giant named after a figure in Greek mythology. 



Alcyoneus, discovered in 2022 by the same team, measures about the equivalent of 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Ways</a>. Comparatively, the Centaurus A jets, the closest major jet system to Earth, only spans 10 Milky Ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaking-up-the-neighborhood">Shaking up the neighborhood</h2>



What makes Porphyrion's discovery more groundbreaking is the implications it holds for our understanding of galaxy formation. 



Co-author George Djorgovski, professor of astronomy and data science at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>, provided some insights on this.



"Astronomers believe that galaxies and their central black holes co-evolve, and one key aspect of this is that jets can spread huge amounts of energy that affect the growth of their host galaxies and other galaxies near them,” he says. "This discovery shows that their effects can extend much farther out than we thought."



But Porphyrion's scale reveals that the effects of these jets may extend far beyond our previous understanding.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scanning-the-cosmos-and-black-hole-jets">Scanning the cosmos and black hole jets</h2>



The discovery of Porphyrion is part of a larger sky survey, which unveiled a staggering number of similar structures -- over 10,000.



This massive population of gargantuan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-captured-redirecting-jets-beams-like-death-star-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jets</a> was found using Europe's <a href="https://www.astron.nl/telescopes/lofar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR</a> (LOw Frequency ARray) radio telescope.



"Giant jets were known before we started the campaign, but we had no idea that there would turn out to be so many," says Martin Hardcastle, second author of the study and a professor of astrophysics at the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire</a> in England. 



"Usually when we get a new observational capability, such as LOFAR's combination of wide field of view and very high sensitivity to extended structures, we find something new, but it was still very exciting to see so many of these objects emerging."



The origins of Porphyrion took the team across continents and observatories. They used the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in India and supplementary data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. 



The observations pointed the team to a hefty galaxy, about 10 times more massive than our Milky Way, as the birthplace of Porphyrion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-jet-system-porphyrion-s-size">Black hole jet system Porphyrion's size</h2>



Porphyrion resides a mind-boggling 7.5 billion light-years from Earth. Its far-off residency and its emergence from a radiative-mode black hole suggest that it may not be a lone titan, but the harbinger of countless colossal jets yet to be discovered. 



Oei suggests as much, saying, "We may be looking at the tip of the iceberg."



There are still many unanswered questions surrounding these giant black hole jet systems. How do they extend so far and get so big without destabilizing? 



"Martijn's work has shown us that there isn't anything particularly special about the environments of these giant sources that causes them to reach those large sizes," says Hardcastle, who is an expert in the physics of black hole jets. 



"My interpretation is that we need an unusually long-lived and stable accretion event around the central, supermassive black hole to allow it to be active for so long -- about a billion years -- and to ensure that the jets keep pointing in the same direction over all of that time. What we're learning from the large number of giants is that this must be a relatively common occurrence," Hardcastle concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrounding-influence-and-magnetism">Surrounding influence and magnetism</h2>



How do they influence their surroundings? And perhaps most intriguingly, have these giant jets spread magnetism throughout the cosmos?



"We know magnetism pervades the cosmic web, then makes its way into galaxies and stars, and eventually to planets, but the question is: Where does it start?" Oei rightly says.



This research is the exciting beginning of a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. With the discovery of Porphyrion, we're reminded that we still have a lot to uncover about the mysteries of the cosmos. Even a sky full of stars is just the beginning.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07879-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Video Credit: Caltech 



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Largest black hole jets ever seen are 23 million light years long

Astronomers recently discovered the biggest pair of black hole jets ever observed and named this system Porphyrion. Imagine something so massive that it lines up 140 Milky Way galaxies back to back. Then multiply that thought by two. It's almost too much for our minds to fathom, but that's exactly what they found. Meet black hole jet system Porphyrion Martijn Oei is a Caltech postdoctoral scholar with a flair for digging into the mysteries of the universe. His recent work published in a new Nature paper has...

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no corner of our planet untouched. From the deepest corners of our oceans to the otherwise pristine Norwegian coastlines, traces of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> are an unfortunate sight.



This waste not only marks the invasion of an unnerving pollutant but reflects a far-reaching systemic problem that demands global attention.



For many years, scientists worldwide have been sounding the alarm on the consequences of unrestrained plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. Despite this, we've continued to witness a surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global plastic</a> production and consumption.



Norway, known for its rigorous environmental advocacy, has been pushing for a global agreement to halt the relentless flow of plastics into the environment.



However, it's essential to note that even Norway has a role to play in generating plastic pollution. 



Based on a high-resolution study conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)</a> along with the <a href="https://nilu.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Air Research Institute (NILU)</a>, we now have a comprehensive mapping of the intricate plastic cycle within Norway, right down to individual product and polymer types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-norway-s-plastic-footprint">Unraveling Norway's plastic footprint</h2>



Despite its green reputation, Norway discharges approximately 15,000 tons of plastic into the environment annually. 



The new study reveals that a staggering 758 kilotons (kt) of plastics find their way into the Norwegian market every year, with 632 kt ending up as waste.



While nearly half of this waste is incinerated, a seemingly minor 2.4% ends up in the environment. Yet, this "minor" percentage equates to a significant 15 kt, which translates to an average of 2.8 kg per capita.



To put this into perspective, Norwegians consume 21% more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> compared to Europeans and generate twice the amount of plastic pollution as their Swiss counterparts.



This level of plastic consumption corresponds to a concerning 1.5 billion plastic bottles reaching the environment annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-packaging-and-tire-wear-rubber">Consumer packaging and tire wear rubber</h2>



The researchers identified consumer packaging, including bottles and bags, as the most significant source of macroplastics. Moreover, tire wear, particularly from electric and hybrid vehicles, emerged as a leading contributor to microplastic pollution.



Despite efforts to limit the release of these products, high consumption rates prevail. We simply use more than we can collect. As such, it's essential to reduce plastic consumption to curb the pollution at its source.



Tire wear, on the other hand, poses a unique challenge due to the nature of these emissions.



Approximately 6 kt of tire wear rubber is released annually, calling for a rethinking of our mobility and transport choices. Public transport and designing lighter vehicles suggest possible solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impact-of-marine-plastic-pollution">Devastating impact of marine plastic pollution</h2>



Given the high population concentration along fjords and long coastlines, land-based plastics in Norway easily find their way into the ocean.



While most of the plastic waste released to the environment ends up in the soil, nearly one-third infiltrates the marine environment, causing irreversible impacts on ecosystems.



Marine animals, for instance, often ingest or become entangled in plastic fragments. Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> interferes with the marine carbon cycle, further exacerbating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxicity-of-plastic-pollution">Toxicity of plastic pollution</h2>



Adding to the growing list of concerns, plastic products often contain a myriad of toxic additives introduced during production, such as phthalate esters and organophosphate esters. 



Through field studies, high amounts of these toxic additives have been found in the livers of Norwegian herring gulls after ingesting plastics. Furthermore, these high additive amounts make their way into recycling processes.



This means recycled plastics can contain elevated levels of additives, posing an additional risk to human health and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-urgent-action-needed">The path forward: Urgent action needed</h2>



The research underscores the urgent need to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>, consumption, and the use of hazardous chemical additives.



Achieving this will require the implementation of stringent policies to mitigate the catastrophic environmental consequences of the plastic economy.



"We emphasize that upstream measures, such as consumption reduction and changes in product design, would result in the most positive impact for limiting plastic pollution," wrote the study authors. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Norway's battle against plastic pollution represents a global plague

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no...

Have you ever wondered how mosquitoes, those pesky little buzzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> that keep you up at night, choose their mates? Interestingly, it's all about listening for the right buzz.



Researchers from the esteemed <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan have recently decrypted the mystery behind how the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), differentiate their own kind from others. 



How do they do it? By tuning into the unique frequencies of sound generated by the flapping wings of opposite-sex mosquitoes from their own species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dusk-ritual-swarm-and-mosquito-buzz">Dusk ritual, swarm and mosquito buzz</h2>



During twilight, male Aedes mosquitoes congregate in large flying swarms. It's like a buzzing singles bar where they wait patiently for fertile females to fly in. 



Study co-author Dr. Matthew Su noted that as soon as a female enters this airborne gathering, the male mosquitoes - equipped with an exceptional sense of hearing - listen for her distinctive wing-sound, approach her and attempt to woo her.



“In the past few decades, the territories of the two types of mosquitos have increasingly overlapped,” said Dr. Su. “Mainly at dusk, male Aedes mosquitoes form a swarm, a large group of flying males waiting for fertile females to fly in." 



"When a female enters the group, the male uses his excellent hearing to hear her wing sound, approach her, and attempt to mate. But females of other species could enter the group too, so we became interested in how males avoid mating with the wrong species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-of-listening-to-the-buzzing-mosquitos">Art of listening to the buzzing mosquitos </h2>



This curiosity led the team to investigate further. They installed microphones in mosquito breeding cages to capture the frequencies of wingbeats from both sexes, and compared these frequencies between species. 



An intriguing pattern was discovered - both the males and females of the Asian tiger mosquito produced higher wing sound frequencies than their yellow fever counterparts.



The researchers hypothesized that this difference in sound frequency is the secret behind how mosquitoes avoid misdirected romance. 



To prove this theory, synthetic female wing sounds were played back to male mosquitoes. Without fail, the Asian tiger mosquito males responded to higher frequencies than the yellow fever males, clearly demonstrating species-specific sound recognition.



“We believe the males have optimized the vibratory properties of their ‘ears’ to match the frequencies of females of the same species,” said Professor Azusa Kamikouchi, the joint corresponding author of the study.



 “This suggests that males are finely tuned to the specific wingbeat frequencies produced by females of their species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuning-into-the-right-frequency">Tuning into the right frequency</h2>



“Mosquito mating depends on male hearing of female sounds,” noted Dr. Su. “Even though the difference in female sounds may sound small at 40 Hz, for mosquitoes - and humans in fact - this gap is huge." 



"They modulate their hearing function via signals sent from their brains to their ears to listen for the right frequency. Humans actually do something similar to help tune out background noise to sleep or hear a friends’ voice in a noisy bar.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-mosquito-control">New approach to mosquito control?</h2>



Understanding this wing-sound phenomenon could open a new avenue for mosquito control. Currently, most traps are designed to attract females to lay eggs, which are then killed off. 



However, the Nagoya researchers have an additional idea. By playing specific flight sounds, these traps could also lure in male mosquitoes.



“I could see our research being used to combine oviposition and sound traps,” said Dr. Su. “Oviposition traps exist, but they mostly catch females, so we thought why not capture males at the same time?" 



"It’s good to plan ahead for potential outbreaks especially as the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-mosquitoes-prefer-heat-and-thrive-in-the-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> are increasing the number of people affected by mosquitoes.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-coexistence-with-buzzing-mosquitos">Symbiotic coexistence with buzzing mosquitos </h2>



The researchers underscore the fact that completely eliminating mosquitoes would harm the ecosystem. Despite being a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-a-growing-threat-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuisance</a> to humans, these creatures play important environmental roles as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> for plants and feeders for amphibians.



“Elimination may not be a good idea because we don’t know the effects on the ecosystem. Instead, we feel that limited biocontrol is better,” Dr. Su explained. 



“Ultimately, we will have to live together with mosquitoes, ideally separately. Therefore, we have to understand them and drive numbers down to levels where diseases are less likely to be transmitted.”&nbsp;



So the next time you’re bugged by a mosquito’s incessant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-hearing-could-be-targeted-to-combat-deadly-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buzz</a>, remember that it’s not just noise, it’s intricate insect communication at work.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01489-5?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Mosquitoes listen for a specific buzz to find mates

Have you ever wondered how mosquitoes, those pesky little buzzing...

You might think surgery is a strictly human affair. However, Florida carpenter ants are changing the game. They've perfected a unique form of ant-aid where they treat injured <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/determining-sex-of-ants-possess-unique-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nestmates</a> in the most unexpected manner.



Their idea of first aid involves either cleaning wounds or performing amputations. Interestingly, the choice of care method aligns with the type of injury at hand. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-treating-injured-mates">Ants treating injured mates</h2>



Erik Frank, a behavioral ecologist from the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a>, shed light on these intriguing behaviors. 



According to him, this amputation behavior is one-of-a-kind in the animal kingdom. He's the brains behind a pathbreaking study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant kingdoms</a> that's stirring the scientific community.



“When we're talking about amputation behavior, this is literally the only case in which a sophisticated and systematic amputation of an individual by another member of its species occurs in the animal Kingdom,” says Frank.



In the past, we've noticed wound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-ants-have-a-big-impact-on-the-hunting-behavior-of-lions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care among ants</a>. Some ants like Megaponera analis use special glands to treat injuries with antimicrobial compounds. 



However, what sets Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) apart is their unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-given-caffeine-do-even-better-job-foraging-locating-food-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategy</a> of using mechanical means to heal their nestmates.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-pronged-approach">Two-pronged approach</h2>



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/determining-sex-of-ants-possess-unique-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant-rendezvous</a> with the medical world involves one of two methods -- either wound cleaning using mouthparts or a cleaning process followed by full amputation. The choice depends on the nature of the injury.



In the study, two types of leg injuries were studied -- femur lacerations and tibia abrasions. Femur injuries were treated with an initial cleanup followed by a complete amputation.



Tibia wounds, however, only received a mouth clean. Surprisingly, in both cases, the survival rate was significantly higher for ants with treated wounds.



“Femur injuries, where they always amputated the leg, had a success rate around 90% or 95%. And for the tibia, where they did not amputate, it still achieved about the survival rate of 75%,” says Frank.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-difference-in-treatment">Why the difference in treatment?</h2>



But, why do ants opt for different treatments for different wounds, and how do they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate these wishes</a>? The researchers have a fascinating theory for this. 



They believe it relates to the risk of infection from the wound and the function of different leg parts.



Muscle-filled femurs play a vital role in pumping blood (or the ant version of it, hemolymph) from the leg into the body. 



However, an injury to the femur disrupts this process, slowing down blood circulation. On the contrary, the tibia, with little muscle tissue, doesn't participate much in blood circulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-important-when-ants-treat-injured-mates">Timing is important when ants' treat injured mates</h2>



You'd assume that faster infections from tibia wounds would call for a full-amputation. But here's the twist: amputation by ants takes a good 40 minutes. 



This means, unless the leg is cut off immediately after infection, survival chances are dim. Hence, ants resort to intensive cleaning for tibia injuries to fight off the infection.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bull-ants-use-moonlight-for-nighttime-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability of ants</a> to diagnose and treat wounds based on their infection status over long periods is nothing short of incredible.



“The fact that the ants are able to diagnose a wound, see if it's infected or sterile, and treat it accordingly over long periods of time by other individuals -- the only medical system that can rival that would be the human one,” Frank says.



"But what’s the reason behind such precise care?" you ask. It's all down to innate behavior, says evolutionary biologist Laurent Keller from the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>. 



Intriguingly, there's scant evidence of any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> involved!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



“When you look at the videos where you have the ant presenting the injured leg and letting the other one bite off completely voluntarily, and then present the newly made wound so another one can finish cleaning process -- this level of innate cooperation to me is quite striking,” says Frank.



Now, the scientist duo is exploring whether other Camponotus species and those lacking the special antimicrobial gland also demonstrate similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-ants-can-teach-us-how-to-create-stronger-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a>. 



Moreover, since the injured ant permits the removal of a limb while conscious, it calls into question our understanding of pain in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant world</a>.



So, the next time you see an ant, remember -- it might just be a tiny surgeon in disguise.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883292724000118?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



Video Credit: Danny Buffet



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Video captures ants amputating and healing legs of their injured friends

You might think surgery is a strictly human affair. However,...

The world of cryptocurrency holds fascination for many, a perplexing enigma for some, and an alternative investment strategy for others. But, is there more to this digital currency than meets the eye?



A recent study dives into the intricate mesh of politics, psychology, and social traits that appear to define cryptocurrency enthusiasts. 



In the whirlwind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital landscape</a>, this study provides a beacon for understanding the diverse characteristics of crypto owners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-cryptocurrency">The enigma of cryptocurrency </h2>



Launched into the annals of the finance world, the cryptocurrency market, with its hallmark features of anonymous trading and unregulated markets, gained swift momentum. 



Despite a reputation of financial unpredictability in some circles, it boasts hundreds of millions of worldwide investors who beg to differ.



The said study sets out to demystify the crypto enthusiasts' cluster, seeking to differentiate them from non-crypto investors based on certain political, psychological, and social traits. 



Past research with narrower sample sizes hinted at these investors treading the paths less traveled – psychologically non-normative and politically non-mainstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-the-cryptocurrency-aficionado">Defining the cryptocurrency aficionado</h2>



In a significant leap from previous studies, an extensive survey involving 2,001 American adults was conducted in 2022. 



Approximately 30% of these respondents were current or former crypto owners. They self-reported demographic details and other responses that painted a vivid picture of their political leanings, psychological nuances, and social traits.



A detailed statistical analysis ensued, encompassing bivariate (two-variable) correlational analyses and a multivariate (multi-variable) regression analysis. 



This helped measure the strength of association between crypto ownership and other individual variables, ultimately leading to the identification of variables critical in predicting cryptocurrency ownership.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychology-of-the-crypto-investor">The psychology of the crypto investor</h2>



The analysis revealed intriguing associations. Cryptocurrency ownership correlated with a belief in conspiracy theories, support for political extremism, and affiliation to non-left-right political orientations (such as Christian nationalism).



Crypto investors were also more likely to self-report the “Dark Tetrad” of personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism.



A broader, more holistic analysis pinpointed the qualities that are most likely to predict crypto ownership. The strongest association was found with reliance on fringe social media sources for news.



Other associated traits included masculinity, argumentativeness, higher income, and a heightened sense of victimhood. 



Interestingly, political orientations and identities reported by crypto owners spanned a wide spectrum from left to right.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caveats-and-the-way-forward">Caveats and the way forward</h2>



The researchers, hailing from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto, Canada</a>, and the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami, USA</a>, caution against broad generalizations.



The results are inevitably restricted by the sample characteristics and self-reported data, eschewing any causal interpretations.



The conspicuous association between social media and crypto ownership warrants further examination into the specific media and rhetoric's impact on crypto ownership. 



“Though our results certainly do not apply to every crypto user out there, on average, we found that crypto investment and ownership tends to appeal to people who are more argumentative, anti-authoritarian, and prefer to get their news from non-mainstream social media sites," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cryptocurrency-and-traditional-financial-systems">Cryptocurrency and traditional financial systems</h2>



As cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity and significance, its impact on traditional financial systems cannot be overlooked. 



Financial institutions, once skeptical of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-and-destructive-environmental-impact-of-bitcoin-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital</a> currencies, are now exploring ways to integrate blockchain technology and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-a-virtual-world-and-humans-play-the-roles-of-its-characters-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital</a> assets into their operations. This shift is driven by the increasing demand for more transparent, efficient, and secure financial transactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-challenges-and-innovations">Regulatory challenges and innovations</h2>



The rise of cryptocurrency also presents significant regulatory challenges. Governments worldwide are grappling with how to effectively monitor and control this new financial frontier.



Balancing the need for regulation to prevent illicit activities while fostering innovation remains a delicate task. 



In response, some countries are developing frameworks to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), aiming to protect investors while encouraging technological advancements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-cryptocurrency-and-traditional-finance">Future of cryptocurrency and traditional finance </h2>



The future relationship between cryptocurrency and traditional finance is still unfolding. While some predict a harmonious integration, others foresee ongoing tensions as traditional systems adapt to the disruptive potential of digital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-bitcoin-transaction-uses-as-much-water-as-filling-a-swimming-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currencies</a>.



Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that cryptocurrency is reshaping the financial landscape, challenging long-held notions of money, value, and economic power.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Cryptocurrency investors linked to dark personality traits

The world of cryptocurrency holds fascination for many, a perplexing...

The thought of black holes can send shivers down our spines. The idea of a region in space where gravity is so strong that nothing (not even light) can escape, is both awe-inspiring and chilling.



Yet, black holes occupy a pivotal position in the cosmos. Recently, scientists at the California Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>) have unveiled new insights into these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mechanism-discovered-that-creates-the-gas-disks-around-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mysterious entities</a>. Thanks to a revolutionary computer simulation, the team has provided a look into the evolution of a black hole and its disks.



The research was led by Phil Hopkins, the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at Caltech. Over the years, Profeesor Hopkins has led multiple projects, with this simulation being the apex of intense collaborative efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-and-its-surprising-findings">Simulation and its surprising findings</h2>



The researchers have successfully simulated the journey of primordial gas from the early universe, tracking its path until it gets caught up in the vortex towards a supermassive black hole.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Mw0O3Xwhrl-3723416-12187" type="single"]</div>



This stellar project represents an unprecedented leap in resolution - over a thousand times greater than the previous record in the field!



The team's work has stirred up the world of astrophysics. Why? Because the results turned the existing theories around accretion disks - those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swirling</a>, galactic disks that feed black holes - on their heads.



"Our theories told us the disks should be flat like crepes," said Hopkins. "But we knew this wasn't right because astronomical observations reveal that the disks are actually fluffy - more like an angel cake. Our simulation helped us understand that magnetic fields are propping up the disk material, making it fluffier."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supermassive-black-holes-and-their-fluffy-disks">Supermassive black holes and their fluffy disks</h2>



Chances are, you've heard about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive</a> black holes before. These beasts lie at the heart of most galaxies, our Milky Way included, and they're absolute gluttons for cosmic matter. 



They attract and devour gas and dust, forming a swirling accretion disk as material gets pulled towards them. Just before plunging into the black hole, this material emits a vast amount of energy, making these cosmic objects shine brighter than almost anything else in the universe.



The problem? We still know very little about these fascinating systems. While black hole disks in our own galaxy and Messier 87 have been imaged, these are far tamer than the disks around distant, more active black holes. This is where computer simulations come in handy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-black-hole-disk-simulation">Power of black hole disk simulation</h2>



Simulations offer researchers a way to recreate these cosmic activities. They incorporate all the physics at work in these galactic settings - from the basics of gravity to the behavior of dark matter and stars - into computing algorithms.



These algorithms allow scientists to model complex phenomena, like star formation or the behavior of galaxies, with great detail. However, Hopkins noted that it's not as simple as saying "gravity pulls everything down."



For a simulation to truly work, it needs to account for the complicated ways stars interact with their surroundings. 



For instance, they emit radiation that can heat up or push the surrounding gas. They blow stellar winds that can sweep up material, and they can explode as supernovae, dramatically altering their surroundings.



So, the team at Caltech developed a simulation that could cover all the relevant scales, from larger galactic scales to the level of a single accretion disk around a supermassive black hole. This ambitious project was a monumental computational challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery">Unexpected discovery</h2>



The researchers discovered that the pressure from the magnetic fields of the accretion disks was actually 10,000 times greater than the pressure from the heat of the gas.



In simpler terms, the magnetic fields were doing most of the work in supporting the disks, reshaping our understanding of their structure and function.



The team's discovery opens a new chapter in the exploration of black holes and galaxies. Their simulation enables us to delve deeper into complex questions about galactic collisions, the formation of diverse types of stars, and even the nature of the universe's first generation of stars.



So, what's next in the incredible world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-debris-can-be-used-to-measure-the-spin-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic research</a>? Only time will tell. But you can bet that the dedicated scientists at Caltech will be at the forefront, bridging the mysteries of the cosmos with our earthly understanding.



The study is published in <a href="https://astro.theoj.org/article/94757-forge-d-in-fire-resolving-the-end-of-star-formation-and-structure-of-agn-accretion-disks-from-cosmological-initial-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open Journal of Astrophysics</a>.



Video Credit: California Institute of Technology



Image Credit: Caltech/Phil Hopkins group



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Black hole disks are unexpectedly 'fluffy' as they grow and evolve

The thought of black holes can send shivers down our...

High up on the Tibetan Plateau, inside the Baishiya Karst Cave, unfolds a fascinating ancient human survival story. A recent study reveals that the Denisovans, an extinct human species, called this place home for countless millennia.



Other than their notable genetic contributions to modern humans, very little is known about the Denisovans. 



Somehow, these enigmatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-lava-tubes-for-homes-middle-east-saudi-arabia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> adapted to the harsh, high-altitude conditions of the Tibetan mountains, leaving behind clues that give us a captivating glimpse into their lifestyle and resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-were-the-denisovans">Who were the Denisovans?</h2>



Remember them from science class? They're an extinct species from our ancient lineage that lived on Earth with us, Homo sapiens, and our other long-lost cousins, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-still-influence-modern-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>. 



Unlike the Neanderthals, though, the Denisovans are more mysterious. We've only found a few pieces of their puzzling existence so far.



The mystery deepened with an incredible discovery by a determined international research team. 



Their endeavor? To probe more than 2,500 bone remains found in Baishiya Karst Cave, one of only two known Denisovan habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-findings-lead-to-more-questions">New findings lead to more questions</h2>



Published in the Nature, their fascinating analysis identifies a fresh Denisovan fossil. It also illustrates the species' incredible resilience in the face of fluctuating climatic conditions, including the ice age. 



Consider this: these predecessors of ours survived on the Tibetan plateau from around 200,000 to 40,000 years ago. Can you fathom that?



Dr. Geoff Smith, a zooarchaeologist at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> and co-author of the study, expressed enthusiasm about their findings regarding Denisovan behavior.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Denisovans-tools_bones_discovered_tibetan-plateau_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Denisovans-tools_bones_discovered_tibetan-plateau_1s.jpg" alt="Denisovan tools and bones discovered at Baishiya Karst Cave in Tibetan Plateau. Credit: Nature" class="wp-image-1938266"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Denisovan tools and bones discovered at Baishiya Karst Cave in Tibetan Plateau. Credit: Nature</figcaption></figure>



The research team uncovered evidence of the diverse diet of this ancient human species. 



"We were able to identify that Denisovans <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunted, butchered and ate</a> a range of animal species," Dr. Smith explained.



He further emphasized the significance of their discoveries, noting that the study provides insights into how Denisovans adapted to challenging environmental conditions. 



"We are only just beginning to understand the behavior of this extraordinary human species," Dr. Smith concluded, highlighting the nascent state of our knowledge about this species. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-details-of-denisovan-life">Uncovering details of Denisovan life</h2>



The bone remains were shattered into many fragments, rendering identification very challenging. Nevertheless, the team developed a novel scientific method to determine which species the bone remains belonged to. It uses differences in bone collagen between animals.



Dr Huan Xia, of <a href="https://en.lzu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lanzhou University</a>, sheds light on this innovative technique, "Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) allows us to extract valuable information from often overlooked bone fragments, providing deeper insight into human activities."



The introduction of <a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_2418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZooMS</a> represents a quantum leap in archaeological studies. This cutting-edge technique allows scientists to extract identifiable collagen peptides from minute bone fragments, rendering an otherwise obscure and convoluted puzzle into a clearer picture of the past.



Most of the bones, the researchers discovered, belonged to blue sheep (bharal), wild yaks, equids, the extinct woolly rhino, and the spotted hyena. There were also bone fragments from small mammals, like marmots, and birds.



"Current evidence suggests that it was Denisovans, not any other human groups, who occupied the cave and made efficient use of all the animal resources available to them throughout their occupation," explained Dr Jian Wang of Lanzhou University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-denisovans-were-resourceful-and-resilient">Denisovans were resourceful and resilient</h2>



Moreover, the researchers' meticulous analysis of the fragmented bone surfaces indicates the Denisovans weren't just preying on these animals. They were also adapting their remains into useful tools.



The team identified a rib bone, dating between 48,000 and 32,000 years ago, as belonging to an unknown Denisovan individual. 



This person lived at a time when our ancestors, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-may-be-the-biggest-roadblock-to-solving-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern humans</a>, were beginning to spread across the Eurasian continent.



The researchers believe that Denisovans weathered two cold periods, as well as a warmer interglacial period between the Middle and Late Pleistocene eras.



Together, the fossil and molecular evidence indicates that Ganjia Basin, where Baishiya Karst Cave is located, provided a relatively stable environment for Denisovans, despite its high-altitude. 



Dr Frido Welker, of the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, leaves us with a lingering question, "The question now arises when and why these Denisovans on the Tibetan Plateau went extinct."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-modern-human-society">Implications for modern human society</h2>



In summary, this latest discovery prompts a wave of new queries. Why did these resilient beings go extinct? What lessons can we learn from their survival amid changing climates?



The insights gathered from studying Denisovans resonate with pressing contemporary issues. In today’s world, where climate change shifts the environmental parameters at an unprecedented pace, understanding how Denisovans adapted to severe climatic fluctuations could offer valuable lessons.



Their ability to endure harsh, high-altitude conditions mirrors the contemporary challenges faced by communities in similarly extreme environments.



Reflecting on their resourcefulness and resilience, we might draw parallels to the importance of sustainable living and adaptive strategies.



As we delve deeper into the remnants of these ancient humans, perhaps we'll find more than just the echoes of our ancestry. Perhaps, we'll find a guide for our future.



The <a href="http://english.itpcas.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research</a>, CAS, China, also contributed to this study.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07612-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Mysterious Denisovan species of humans lived undisturbed in the mountains for 160,000 years

High up on the Tibetan Plateau, inside the Baishiya Karst...

Your diet in midlife can shape your health after 70. It may sound surprising, but new research backs this claim. The study suggests that maintaining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy diet</a> in your 40s could significantly increase your chances of healthy aging.



Less than 10% of individuals manage to maintain strong physical, cognitive, and mental health past the age of 70, but the keys to join this elite group may be on your plate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-diet-and-future-health">Midlife diet and future health</h2>



The research, which was focused on an extensive data set of over 100,000 people tracked for 30 years, brought to light some fascinating insights.



It was found that individuals maintaining a healthy diet from their 40s were considerably more likely to enjoy a high-functioning physical and mental state at age 70. In fact, their likelihood of healthy aging was boosted by up to 84% compared to those who did not maintain a healthy diet.



“People who adhered to healthy dietary patterns in midlife, especially those rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, were significantly more likely to achieve healthy aging,” said Dr. Anne-Julie Tessier, postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.</a>



The research provides an all-important clue: "Your midlife diet can significantly impact the quality of your aging process."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-magic-diet-for-healthy-aging">Is there a magic diet for healthy aging?</h2>



Certain foods were linked to higher probabilities of healthy aging, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Conversely, high intakes of trans fat, sodium, total meats, and processed meats were linked to lower odds of healthy aging.



While many studies have explored diet's impact on chronic diseases, this research uniquely focuses on healthy aging. 



In this context, healthy aging is not merely the absence of disease but the ability to live independently while enjoying a good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a> as one grows older.



“Traditionally, research and derived dietary guidelines have focused on preventing chronic diseases like heart disease,” said Tessier. “Our study provides evidence for dietary recommendations to consider not only disease prevention but also promoting overall healthy aging as a long-term goal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-the-dietary-guidelines">Reimagining the dietary guidelines</h2>



The research analyzed data from over 106,000 people starting from 1986, with participants being at least 39 years old and free from chronic diseases. Unsurprisingly, only 9.2% of those surveyed had fully maintained their physical, cognitive, and mental fitness by age 70.



Based on eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-eating-patterns-reduce-the-risk-of-premature-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy dietary patterns</a> from previous scientific studies, some striking trends were noted.



The alternative healthy eating index, closely adhering to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, displayed the strongest correlation. People who followed this dietary pattern were 84% more likely to achieve healthy aging than those who did not.



The experts also found that a diet similar to the one in the EAT Lancet Commission's report - the "planetary health diet" - had a substantial impact on healthy aging.



“A finding that stood out was the association between the planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health diet</a> and healthy aging,” said Tessier. “This diet is based on the EAT Lancet Commission’s report which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins and healthy fats from sustainable sources." 



"The fact that it emerged as one of the leading dietary patterns associated with healthy aging is particularly interesting because it supports that we can eat a diet that may benefit both our health and the planet.”



These findings held up even when factors such as physical activity, known to impact health, were taken into account. Each healthy dietary pattern was linked to overall healthy aging and to its physical, cognitive, and mental components. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-supplements-in-midlife-diets">The role of supplements in midlife diets</h2>



While the primary focus is on whole foods, supplements can also play a supportive role in a midlife diet aimed at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy aging</a>.



Certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, have been shown to benefit cognitive and physical health. 



As the focus of the study was on midlife dietary patterns, future research may help to clarify the potential impact of switching to a healthier diet later in life. However, one thing is made clear from the results of this study - the seeds of healthy aging are sown in midlife. 



The research was presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/N24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.



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The secret ingredient to healthy aging: Your midlife diet

Your diet in midlife can shape your health after 70....

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption and fluid flow in the brain triggers headaches, linking the neurological symptoms of aura to the subsequent migraine. The study has also identified new proteins that could serve as foundations for new migraine drugs.



“In this study, we describe the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system brought about by increased concentrations of proteins released in the brain during an episode of spreading depolarization, a phenomenon responsible for the aura associated with migraines,” said senior author Maiken Nedergaard, the co-director of the <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ctn.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester Center for Translational Neuromedicine</a>. 



“These findings provide us with a host of new targets to suppress sensory nerve activation to prevent and treat migraines and strengthen existing therapies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-migraines-are-preceded-by-an-aura">Many migraines are preceded by an aura</h2>



Approximately one out of ten people experience migraines, and in one-fourth of these cases, the headache is preceded by an aura. This sensory disturbance can include light flashes, blind spots, double vision, and tingling sensations or limb numbness, usually appearing five to 60 minutes before the headache.



The cause of the aura is a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression. This temporary depolarization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> and other cells is caused by the diffusion of glutamate and potassium, radiating like a wave across the brain, reducing oxygen levels and impairing blood flow. 



Most frequently, the depolarization event is located in the brain's visual processing center, hence the visual symptoms that often precede a migraine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-communication-during-migraines">Brain communication during migraines</h2>



Although auras arise in the brain, the brain itself cannot sense pain. Instead, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pain-signals-travel-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain signals</a> are transmitted from the central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) to the peripheral nervous system, which includes sensory nerves responsible for sending information such as touch and pain. 



Until recently, the process of communication between the brain and these peripheral nerves in migraines has largely remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluids-circulating-the-brain">Fluids circulating the brain</h2>



Nedergaard and her colleagues at the University of Rochester and the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> are well-known pioneers in understanding how fluids circulate in the brain. 



In 2012, Nedergard’s lab was the first to describe the glymphatic system, which uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to eliminate toxic proteins in the brain.&nbsp;



Together with experts in fluid dynamics, the team has built detailed models of how CSF moves in the brain, along with its role in transporting proteins, neurotransmitters, and other types of chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-source-of-migraines-nbsp">An unexpected source of migraines&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, scientists argued that nerve endings on the outer surface of the membranes enclosing the brain are responsible for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-migraines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headaches</a> following an aura. 



However, the new study, conducted in mice, describes a different route and identifies proteins - many of which are currently potential new drug targets - which may be responsible for activating the nerves and causing pain.



As the depolarization wave spreads, neurons release a variety of inflammatory proteins (as well as other types of proteins) into the CSF.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed how CSF transports these proteins to the trigeminal ganglion, a massive bundle of nerves located at the base of the skull that supplies sensory information to the head and face.



Scientists have previously assumed that the trigeminal ganglion, like the rest of the peripheral nervous system, resided outside the blood-brain barrier, which tightly controls what molecules enter and leave the brain.&nbsp;



However, Nedergaard and her team identified a previously unknown gap in the barrier, allowing CSF to flow directly into the trigeminal ganglion and expose sensory nerves to the proteins released by the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-proteins-involved-nbsp">Identifying the proteins involved&nbsp;</h2>



The experts identified twelve proteins called ligands that bind with receptors on sensory nerves found in the trigeminal ganglion, potentially causing these cells to activate. The concentrations of several of these proteins found in CSF more than doubled following a cortical spreading depression.&nbsp;



One of these proteins, the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is already the target of a new class of drugs called CGRP inhibitors, which aim to treat and prevent migraines.&nbsp;



Other identified proteins are known to play a role in other pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, and are likely important in migraine headaches as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-for-new-migraine-drugs-nbsp">Targets for new migraine drugs&nbsp;</h2>



“We’ve identified a new signaling pathway and several molecules that activate sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Among the identified molecules are those already associated with migraines, but we didn't know exactly how and where the migraine-inducing action occurred,” said lead author Martin Kaag Rasmussen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen.&nbsp;



“Defining the role of these newly identified ligand-receptor pairs may enable the discovery of new pharmacological targets, which could benefit the large portion of patients not responding to available therapies.”



Finally, the researchers found that the transport of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-may-lower-levels-of-alzheimers-abnormal-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a> released in one side of the brain reaches mostly the nerves in the trigeminal ganglion on the same side, potentially explaining why pain occurs on one side of the head during most migraines.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adl0544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists finally discover what causes migraines

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption...

Imagine traveling back in time, around forty million years before dinosaurs roamed Earth. Picture an ancient predator: fierce, patient, and lurking in swampy waters. Meet Gaiasia jennyae, an ancient swamp creature with a skull oddly resembling a toilet seat.



Its hunting strategy involved lying in wait, with jaws wide open, ready to capture any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/550-million-year-old-fossil-sponge-discovered-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creature</a>. This intriguing discovery adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric</a> life. 



What can we learn from such ancient predators, and how do they reshape our understanding of Earth's history?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-salamander-like-top-predator">Giant salamander-like top predator</h2>



Jason Pardo, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago and co-lead author of the study, described the impressive characteristics of Gaiasia jennyae. 



He explained that this ancient creature was significantly larger than a human and likely inhabited the lower regions of swamps and lakes. 



Pardo vividly described its distinctive features, stating, "It's got a big, flat, toilet seat-shaped head, which allows it to open its mouth and suck in prey." 



He further emphasized the creature's formidable dentition, noting, "It has these huge fangs, the whole front of the mouth is just giant teeth. It’s a big predator, but potentially also a relatively slow ambush predator.”



Affectionately dubbed the swamp creature with a toilet seat-shaped head, Gaiasia jennyae is believed to have hung around the swamp and lake bottoms while silently preparing for its next ambush.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-gaiasia-jennyae-got-its-name">How Gaiasia jennyae got its name</h2>



The name Gaiasia jennyae commemorates the location where the fossils were discovered: the Gai-as Formation in Namibia. It pays tribute to renowned paleontologist, Jenny Clack, celebrated for her work on the evolution of early tetrapods.



The term 'tetrapod' denotes four-limbed vertebrates that evolved from lobe-finned fishes, which laid the foundation for the evolution of a wide variety of species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-Marsicano_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-Marsicano_1s.jpg" alt="Skeleton of Gaiasia jennyae recently unearthed. Credit: Marsicano" class="wp-image-1938244"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Skeleton of Gaiasia jennyae recently unearthed. Credit: Marsicano</figcaption></figure>



“When we found this enormous specimen just lying on the outcrop as a giant concretion, it was really shocking. I knew just from seeing it that it was something completely different. We were all very excited,” said Marsicano. 



“After examining the skull,&nbsp; the structure of the front of the skull caught my attention. It&nbsp; was the only clearly visible part at that time, and it showed very unusually interlocking large fangs, creating a unique bite for early tetrapods.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worlds-apart-worlds-together">Worlds apart, worlds together</h2>



Namibia of the present stands just north of South Africa. Around 300 million years ago, it was even further south, approximately on par with modern-day northern tips of Antarctica. 



The world was gradually coming out of an ice age. As swamps near the equator were drying up and turning into forests, the swampy ecosystem near the poles managed to survive, potentially amidst patches of ice and glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creatures-before-gaiasia-jennyae">Creatures before Gaiasia jennyae</h2>



At such times of significant climatic transformation, animals were adapting to new forms of existence. 



Stem tetrapods, which are early four-legged vertebrates, started to diverge into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lineages</a> that would eventually evolve into mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.



Meanwhile, in regions like what is now Namibia, ancient forms persisted. Holding on to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lineage</a>, creatures like Gaiasia jennyae turned out to be a surprise.



Somehow tied to organisms believed to have gone extinct about 40 million years prior, Gaiasia jennyae's survival and dominance in its ecosystem as a primary predator were astonishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-permian-period-code">Cracking the Permian period code</h2>



Gaiasia jennyae is more than just a prehistoric creature - it's a key to unlocking the mysteries of the Permian period, enabling paleontologists to understand how the world evolved.



It suggests that the dynamics at the Equator differed significantly from those in the far south. This revelation is crucial because it may provide answers about the origins of various animal groups.



The discovery of this ancient predator suggests the existence of a thriving ecosystem, capable of nurturing such large predators. 



"The more we look, we might find more answers about these major animal groups that we care about, like the ancestors of mammals and modern reptiles." concludes Pardo.



Who knows what other secrets of evolution lie <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/470-million-year-old-animal-fossils-discovered-in-frances-cabrieres-biota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buried</a>, awaiting their own time in the sun? 



The quest for knowledge is far from over, and each new discovery brings us closer to understanding our world's wondrous past.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07572-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Giant salamander-like beast was a top predator before the dinosaurs

Imagine traveling back in time, around forty million years before...

How many times have you wished for a miracle to fix a past mistake? What if our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> might have the ability to mend its own errors? Recent research shows neurons and cells can change functions, offering new hope.



Recently, researchers from Ludwig Maximilian <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Munich</a> and the <a href="https://www.pioneercampus.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Pioneer Campus</a> took a deep dive into the ocean of neuroscience to unlock the miracles of direct neuronal reprogramming.



This is where cells can change their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">function</a> from one type to another, opening up promising strategies to counter neurological disorders that cause significant impairments in brain function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glial-cells-to-neurons">Glial cells to neurons</h2>



Guiding this exploration are researchers Magdalena Götz, Chair of Physiological Genomics at LMU and Head of the Stem Cell Center Department at Helmholtz Munich, alongside Boyan Bonev from the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. 



The research was focused on using glial cells, which are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system. The experts demonstrated that these glial cells can be transformed into functional neurons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-epigenome">Role of the epigenome</h2>



The researchers and their teams have narrowed their attention to small chemical modifications in the epigenome. Acting as a control switch, the epigenome determines which genes are active in different cells at various times.



The researchers claim that a post-translational modification of a key factor significantly impacts this command center, facilitating cell transformation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yin-and-yang-of-cell-reprogramming">Yin and Yang of cell reprogramming</h2>



Enter YingYang1 - a novel protein and an essential player in directing this transformation. 



Acting as a transcriptional regulator, YingYang1 opens up the chromatin for reprogramming and interacts with the transcription factor to facilitate gene expression changes. 



Simply put, YingYang1 helps to fine-tune the conversion from astrocytes, a type of glial cell that provides support and nutrition to neurons, into functional neurons. This process is vital for neuroregenerative medicine and understanding how certain diseases affect the brain and its functions. 



Overall, YingYang1 stands out as a key element in cellular reprogramming, making significant contributions to advancing neuroscience.



"The protein YingYang1 is crucial for achieving the conversion from astrocytes to neurons," explained Götz. "These findings are important to understand and improve reprogramming of glial cells to neurons, and thus bring us closer to therapeutic solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-possibilities">Challenges and possibilities</h2>



Despite the promising developments in direct neuronal reprogramming, the road to practical, widespread therapeutic applications is not without its obstacles. One major challenge lies in the efficiency and specificity of the reprogramming process. 



Ensuring that glial cells consistently and accurately transform into functional neurons, without unintended effects, requires meticulous fine-tuning of the protocols used. 



Furthermore, the human brain’s intricate network poses another level of complexity. Introducing new neurons into established circuits must be done in a way that maintains or restores cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-light-instantly-enhances-brain-function-alertness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a> rather than disrupting them.



Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding neuronal reprogramming must be responsibly navigated. This innovative field involves manipulating fundamental aspects of human biology. It necessitates rigorous ethical scrutiny and public dialogues.



Long-term effects, potential risks, and societal implications must be carefully weighed as this research moves from the lab to clinical settings.



Scientists need to consider the long-term effects of neuronal reprogramming. They must understand any potential risks involved in this process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-of-turning-cells-to-neurons">Potential applications of turning cells to neurons</h2>



The potential applications of direct neuronal reprogramming are vast and transformative. One of the most promising areas is the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. 



Beyond neurodegeneration, direct neuronal reprogramming could change how we treat brain injuries and strokes. Current treatments usually focus on managing symptoms. They also aim to prevent further damage. 



However, generating new, functional neurons offers a different approach. This ability presents the possibility of efficiently repairing the brain. It can help restore lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive</a> and motor functions.



So, why not take a moment to appreciate this remarkable discovery? And while you're at it, maybe even take a minute to marvel at the wonders of your own brain's capabilities. Because who knows? One day, we might just be able to flip the switch and give our brains the reboot they need.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01677-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>.



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Rebooting the brain: Experts can transform cells into neurons

How many times have you wished for a miracle to...

Ever wondered how our <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> manage to decipher spoken words into usable meaning? A study led by experts at <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a> might have the key. They were able to uncover a conclave of neurons which they've dubbed the "brain thesaurus."



This fascinating research is the work of Dr. Ziv Williams, a highly regarded physician-investigator in the Department of Neurosurgery at Mass General.



He's also an associate professor of Neurosurgery at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>. Williams and his team set out to understand the complex process of how our brain interprets <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> at the individual neuron level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-language-comprehension">Language comprehension</h2>



"Humans possess an exceptional ability to extract nuanced meaning through language - when we listen to speech, we can comprehend the meanings of up to tens of thousands of words and do so seamlessly across remarkably diverse concepts and themes," said Williams.



"Yet, how the human brain processes language at the basic computational level of individual neurons has remained a challenge to understand."



Through their research, the team sought to construct a detailed map of how neurons in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bilingual-brain-maintains-youthfulness-with-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> represent word meanings. For instance, how do we associate the word "cat" or "dog" with the concept of an animal? How do we distinguish the meaning of "dog" from "car"?



To understand the mechanics behind these associations, the experts used a novel technology that recorded the activities of up to a hundred neurons while subjects listened to sentences and short stories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-words-in-the-brain-s-thesaurus">Decoding words in the brain's thesaurus</h2>



The researchers conducted a study on how the brain processes different words. They found that listening to specific word categories activated distinct groups of neurons. Words related to physical actions, like "ran" or "jumped," triggered certain neurons.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emotionally</a> significant words, like "happy" or "sad," activated different neurons. This shows the brain has specialized regions for various linguistic stimuli. It suggests a complex neural network dedicated to language processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinction-in-context">Distinction in context</h2>



In addition, the experts discovered that certain neurons could differentiate between homonyms like "sun" and "son" or "see" and "sea" based on their sentence context.



"Moreover, when looking at all of the neurons together, we could start building a detailed picture of how word meanings are represented in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>," said Williams. 



This opens the potential to predict, with some degree of accuracy, what someone is listening to or thinking about.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-communication-through-the-brain-thesaurus">Improved communication through the brain thesaurus</h2>



According to Williams, this depth of understanding could prove vital for developing future brain-machine interfaces. Such interfaces could potentially enable individuals with conditions such as motor paralysis or stroke to communicate more effectively.



This study catapults us closer to comprehending the remarkable human brain. It offers us a glimpse into how we derive meaning from language, a unique perspective to better understand our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-neuroscience-and-technology">Bridging neuroscience and technology</h2>



The fusion of neuroscience and technology showcased in this study signifies a burgeoning field with transformative possibilities. By leveraging advanced recording techniques and computational algorithms, researchers can obtain real-time insights into neural activities, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical applications. 



This convergence not only enhances our understanding of cognitive functions but also propels the development of next-generation devices designed to interact seamlessly with the human brain. 



Such innovations could revolutionize various fields, from medical diagnostics to artificial intelligence, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve the quality of life.



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



Ensuring that these advancements are accessible and beneficial to all segments of society requires transparent policies and collaborative efforts among scientists, ethicists, and policymakers. 



Furthermore, future research needs to address the variability across different individuals' brain structures and functions to develop more inclusive and effective solutions. 



The path ahead is challenging yet exciting, promising a deeper understanding of the human mind and more sophisticated artificial systems that could transform varied aspects of human experience.



This research paves the way for pioneering advancements that could reshape how we interact with technology and each other.



After all, the interplay between language, technology, and the human brain deepens our understanding of what it means to be human.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07643-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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The brain uses a secret 'thesaurus' to find the right words

Ever wondered how our brains manage to decipher spoken words...

Imagine attending a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live</a> music performance and feeling a sense of unity with the audience as everyone's hearts beat in rhythm with the melody.



This occurrence isn't just a poetic expression; recent research suggests it could occur scientifically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulse-behind-the-phenomenon">Pulse behind the phenomenon</h2>



Recent findings from the esteemed <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University in Japan</a> indicate that an audience's heartbeat can synchronize during a live performance.



The research, conducted by Professor Ryota Nomura, experimented with the idea of "common input synchronization." This phenomenon explains how systems or organisms respond equivalently when exposed to the same stimulus - in this case, music.



“Music-induced synchronization of heart rate may be the mechanism underlying the coherent behavior of a large audience in a theater,” said Professor Nomura.



Although previous studies have shown low correlations in heart rate synchronization between different individuals, Nomura's focus on intra-person correlations presents a fresh perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-live-music-and-the-heart">Live music and the heart</h2>



Nomura's research pivoted from a broad, intersubjective perspective to a more intra-focused approach.



Addressing a significant challenge in this field of research - the elusive control of intra-person correlation - the study sought to minimize individual processing differences by applying the same "common input" repeatedly.



Analyzing intra-subject correlations (within one individual) and inter-subject correlations (between multiple individuals), Nomura gained fascinating insights.



The findings revealed that an individual’s heart rate synchronization in response to music was less dependent on their mood or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical preferences</a>. Instead, it hinged on the person’s reliable physiological responses to the music.



“This study allows us to explain the reproducibility of the aesthetic experience of the theater in terms of reliability,” noted Professor Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-of-synchronization">A symphony of synchronization</h2>



By having participants listen to the same piece of music on different days and by investigating differing music preferences, Nomura determined that heart rate synchronization was more reproducible within an individual over time than between different people.



“Inter-subject correlations were consistently lower compared to intra-subject correlations, regardless of participants’ music preferences and daily moods. Furthermore, music-induced heart rate synchronization depends on the reliability of physiological responses to musical pieces rather than mood or motivation,” said Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-live-music-performances">Future of live music performances</h2>



The research opens up new avenues in understanding collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-gives-rise-to-unique-physical-sensations-in-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>, particularly those evoked during shared aesthetic experiences like theatre.



By identifying the key factors contributing to heart-rate synchronization and subsequent emotional responses, the field of performing arts stands to gain valuable insights. 



“From data on small audiences, for example, the degree of proficiency of performers, commercial success can be predicted in terms of reliability. This could contribute to better performances in theaters," said Nomura.



"Moreover, engineered devices that enhance reliability may facilitate synchronization of the physiological states of multiple audience members."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



The implications of the study extend beyond the realm of live performances. Understanding how physiological synchronization can be influenced by shared stimuli might open new pathways in fields such as education, therapy, and virtual reality (VR).



In educational settings, for instance, teachers could design lessons that foster synchronized engagement among students, thereby enhancing collective learning experiences. 



In therapy, music and other stimuli could be used to promote emotional and physiological harmony between patients and therapists, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. 



Furthermore, in VR, developers could create experiences that elicit synchronized physiological responses, making virtual environments feel more immersive and emotionally engaging.



As technology advances, the applications of this research could revolutionize how we connect and interact across various domains, making shared experiences even more profound and impactful.



While we continue to dive deeper into understanding the connection between music, heart rhythms, and collective experience, we may soon discover new ways to enhance our enjoyment of the shared auditory experience.



As we eagerly anticipate the day our heartbeats align with the music's rhythm, we should take time to appreciate the profound impact music has on our lives and bodies.&nbsp; It connects us, evokes emotions, and can even synchronize our heartbeats, enhancing the shared experience during live performances.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62994-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Live music can synchronize the heartbeats of the audience

Imagine attending a live music performance and feeling a sense...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.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

[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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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.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

[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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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" 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.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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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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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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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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