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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist to the story and history of water on Mars. 



After landing in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021, the now-defunct Zhurong rover went to work exploring the Martian surface, and its latest findings might just change the way we think about the Red Planet.



Bo Wu and a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong Polytechnic University</a> believe they've found compelling evidence of an ocean shoreline for a massive body of water that once covered Mars' northern lowlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-zhurong-mars-rover">What is the Zhurong Mars rover?</h2>



The Zhurong rover is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-plans-to-inhabit-a-space-station-on-the-moon-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China's first foray</a> into Martian exploration, landing successfully on Mars in May 2021 as part of the <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2020-049A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tianwen-1</a> mission. 



Weighing around 240 kilograms (530 lbs) -- about the size of a small car -- Zhurong is packed with scientific instruments, including navigation and topography cameras, a multispectral camera for analyzing surface materials, and a ground-penetrating radar that can probe up to 100 meters beneath the surface. 



These tools allow Zhurong to capture detailed images, study the composition of rocks and soil, and investigate the planet's subsurface structures.



What sets Zhurong apart is its ability to study Mars both above and below ground. The ground-penetrating radar is particularly exciting because it helps scientists search for signs of water ice and understand the geological layers hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-life-exist-below-the-icy-surface-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface.</a> 



The rover also carries instruments to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-internal-structure-of-mars-core-is-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars' magnetic field</a> and atmospheric conditions, contributing valuable data to our understanding of the planet's climate and potential for habitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhurong-sees-water-related-features-on-mars">Zhurong sees water-related features on Mars</h2>



For years, scientists have pondered the possibility of a vast ocean on Mars, especially during the Hesperian period about 3.7 billion years ago. Concrete proof, however, has been hard to come by. 



Using a mix of Zhurong's onboard cameras and ground-penetrating radar, plus remote sensing data from orbiting satellites, the team identified several intriguing water-related features around the rover's landing area.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1s.webp" alt="The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography." class="wp-image-1951081"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography.</figcaption></figure>



Since touching down, Zhurong has traveled about 1.2 miles, studying the geology of its surroundings in search of signs of water or ice. 



The features spotted include crater-like pitted cones, troughs, sediment channels, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-frost-detected-on-mars-enormous-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud volcano formations</a>. If that sounds like the remnants of a beachfront, you're onto something. 



According to Bo Wu and his colleagues, these formations are consistent with what you'd expect to find in a nearshore zone, suggesting this area was once a coastline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-martian-ocean">Dating the Martian ocean</h2>



Based on the composition of surface deposits, the team estimates that the ocean likely existed around 3.68 billion years ago. 



"The water was heavily silted, forming the layering structure of the deposits," study co-author Sergey Krasilnikov of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University told Reuters. 



This silt-laden water would have created distinct sedimentary layers, much like those found in ancient seabeds on Earth.



Interestingly, the researchers propose that after forming, the ocean froze over for about 10,000 to 100,000 years -- a mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-was-mars-habitable-much-more-recently-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blink in geological terms</a>. 



This freezing period etched out the coastline features observed today before the ocean eventually dried up roughly 260 million years later. Imagine a vast frozen ocean, sitting quietly on Mars, waiting for its turn to disappear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-everyone-agrees">Not everyone agrees</h2>



However, not everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. 



Benjamin Cardenas of <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> points out that erosion over billions of years would likely have erased such delicate features. It's a fair concern -- Mars isn't exactly a place where things stay preserved forever. 



Wu acknowledges this skepticism but suggests that asteroid impacts might have resurfaced portions of the shoreline, making them detectable today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-martian-life">Implications for Martian life</h2>



So, what does all this mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, the presence of an ancient ocean has profound implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorite-that-struck-mars-reveals-when-the-planet-had-liquid-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our understanding of Mars</a>. 



Water is a key ingredient for life as we know it. If Mars had oceans, could it have also hosted life? It's a tantalizing thought that keeps scientists up at night.



NASA's Insight Lander 



Adding another layer to the mystery, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/insight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Insight lander</a> found that a significant amount of water had seeped into Mars's crust. 



"At least we have identified a place that should, in principle, be able to sustain life," Michael Manga of the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, one of the study authors, said in a previous statement. 



This underground water could have provided a stable environment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life to develop</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-zhurong-and-mars-water">What's next for Zhurong and Mars water?</h2>



But here's the kicker: to get definitive answers, we need to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed analysis. 



China's Tianwen 3 Mars sample return mission aims to do just that by 2031, potentially beating NASA's own sample return mission to the punch. 



If all goes according to plan, we'll have pieces of Mars right here on Earth in less than a decade.



As we await these missions, Zhurong continues to send valuable data, inching us closer to understanding the Red Planet's watery past. 



Could Mars have been teeming with life billions of years ago? It's the million-dollar question. Only time -- and more research -- will tell.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75507-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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China’s Mars Zhurong rover finds an ocean shoreline on the Red Planet

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist...

The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our planet, is far from stationary. Most of us remain blissfully unaware that it shifts constantly under the influence of dynamic forces beneath the Earth’s crust. 



However, recent movements have been more extreme than usual, making people take notice. Once steady, this silent sentinel has recently been speeding erratically toward Russia at an unprecedented pace.



Such rapid shifts could have dramatic consequences, disrupting modern navigation systems and, by extension, the way we navigate our daily lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-the-magnetic-north-pole">What exactly is the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



First, let's make it clear what exactly we're talking about. The magnetic North Pole is the point on Earth where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s magnetic field</a> points directly downward. This is the direction that your compass needle aligns with when you’re navigating outdoors. 



Unlike the geographic North Pole, which is fixed in the Arctic, the magnetic north pole is constantly on the move, drifting several kilometers each year due to changes in Earth’s molten core. 



This movement can sometimes throw off navigation systems, requiring updates to maps and compasses to stay accurate.



What makes the magnetic North Pole even more interesting is how it affects both technology and nature. 



For example, airplanes and ships rely on accurate magnetic readings for safe travel, while some animals use Earth’s magnetic field to migrate across vast distances. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-northern-odyssey-from-canada-to-siberia">The northern odyssey: From Canada to Siberia</h2>



Ever since we started tracking it, the magnetic North Pole has been on the move. However, its recent behavior is quite out of the ordinary. 



Once comfortably located in northern Canada, the pole kicked into high gear in the late 20th century, making its way across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a> by the 1990s.



From there, the pace has increased progressively , peaking at an astonishing 55 kilometers per year during the 2010s.



Presently, it's hurtling at a slightly reduced but still impressive speed of 25 kilometers per year towards Siberia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-steering-the-magnetic-north-pole">What's steering the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



Intellectually stimulating debates have arisen among scientists trying to decipher the underlying cause of this unusual phenomenon.



Dr. William Brown, a renowned geomagnetic field analyst, identifies three possible culprits behind the magnetic North Pole's unusual behavior. 



First, changes in the flow of molten iron beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s crust</a> could be altering the magnetic field’s strength and direction, as the planet's outer core dynamics play a crucial role in generating the field in the first place.



Second, high-energy solar particles interacting with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetosphere</a>, such as during solar storms and winds, might be causing fluctuations in the magnetic field. 



Finally, the phenomenon may be linked to the Earth's history of magnetic pole reversals, which have occurred nearly 200 times over the past 100 million years. The most recent of these reversals occurred approximately 800,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-without-a-north-star">Navigating without a North Star</h2>



The potential chaos that the moving magnetic pole can cause is not abstract or confined to scholarly concern. 



Our technology is deeply intertwined with magnetic orientations, and any abrupt changes can cause significant turmoil. 



Devices like smartphones, cars, and military equipment rely on the World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is designed by the British Geological Survey and NOAA. 



This model tracks the pole’s movements and ensures accurate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation</a>. If the pole's movement outpaces updates to the WMM, our devices could miscalculate locations and throw our wayfinding abilities into disarray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-polar-paradox">Preparing for the polar paradox</h2>



Mitigating the potential risks of such a change involves a three-pronged approach: frequent updates to the WMM, expanding research to continue monitoring the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s core</a> dynamics, and raising public awareness. 



Through these efforts, industries that rely heavily on magnetic field-based navigation are being prepped for any potential upcoming disruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gearing-up-for-a-world-upside-down">Gearing up for a world upside down?</h2>



While the pole's movement is no longer as rapid, it remains a crucial area of research.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> and other organizations are keeping a close eye on its shifting trajectory, ensuring our technological world is prepared for any seismic shifts in Earth's magnetic nature. 



In the face of a potential world where the poles flip, these insights and precautionary measures could prove indispensable.



So, the magnetic North Pole's flight towards Russia isn't just an intriguing natural occurrence. Its implications for our global navigation systems and technologies could be profound and far-reaching. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-north-pole-and-earth-s-future">Magnetic North Pole and Earth’s future</h2>



Rapid movement of the magnetic North Pole&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;just&nbsp;an&nbsp;issue&nbsp;for&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and navigation but&nbsp;also&nbsp;offers&nbsp;insight&nbsp;into the inner workings&nbsp;of the Earth. The&nbsp;erratic&nbsp;behavior of the&nbsp;pole&nbsp;reflects&nbsp;what is happening in&nbsp;the dynamic processes&nbsp;deep within our&nbsp;outer core, where molten iron generates&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doughnut-shaped-region-discovered-in-earths-liquid-core-impacts-our-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>. By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a better understanding of Earth's geodynamo,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;the engine behind the magnetic field that shields us from harmful solar radiation. The&nbsp;shifting&nbsp;pole&nbsp;also&nbsp;raises questions over the possibility of a full magnetic reversal - a natural process&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;the North and South magnetic poles swap places. While such reversals have happened thousands of times in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Earth's history, their effects&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;be predicted.



A reversal could temporarily weaken Earth's magnetic field,&nbsp;meaning that&nbsp;the planet would be exposed to&nbsp;more intense and damaging cosmic radiation,&nbsp;which would affect living organisms, ecosystems and infrastructure. Monitoring&nbsp;changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;manner&nbsp;helps researchers&nbsp;keep&nbsp;an eye on&nbsp;the Earth's interior and also&nbsp;prepares&nbsp;humanity for potential future challenges.



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Magnetic North Pole is moving and changing faster than ever, surprising scientists

The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our...

The saber-toothed cat, an iconic predator from the Ice Age, continues to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike with its mysterious legacy. 



Our planet, with its rich history etched into layers of time, acts as a vast library of ancient tales, with each era preserving the stories of remarkable creatures.



Among these is a stunning new chapter - scientists have uncovered a mummified baby saber-toothed cat in Siberia.



The discovery, which boasts an extraordinary level of preservation, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the anatomy and lifestyle of this long-extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predator-was-king-prior-to-the-great-dying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a>. The research also reveals secrets that have been frozen in time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-recorded-mummified-saber-toothed-cat">First recorded mummified saber-toothed cat</h2>



The Siberian Ice Age cub is the first recorded mummified saber-toothed cat - a discovery that is setting off waves of excitement among paleontologists worldwide.



It allows us a sneak-peek into the past, and a glimpse of what saber-toothed cats looked like.



The mummy offers precious insights into the cat's muscle structure and how it might have impacted its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smilodon-fatalis-young-saber-toothed-cats-had-double-fangs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting methods</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_profile_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_profile_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="Images highlight the differences in external appearance of the heads of two 3-week-old cub specimens — the mummified Homotherium latidens (saber-toothed cat) at the top and Panthera leo (modern lion) below. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951075"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images highlight the differences in external appearance of the heads of two 3-week-old cub specimens — the mummified Homotherium latidens (saber-toothed cat) at the top and Panthera leo (modern lion) below. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The mummy's face, forelimbs, torso, and part of its body were remarkably intact and generously covered with thick, soft fur that was between 0.8 and 1.2 inches (20 to 30 millimeters) in length.



Alexey V. Lopatin is a full member of the <a href="https://new.ras.ru/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russian Academy of Sciences</a> in Moscow, director of the academy’s Borissiak Paleontological Institute, and the lead author of the study.



"It’s a fantastic feeling to see with your own eyes the life appearance of a long-extinct animal. Especially when it comes to such an interesting predator as the sabre-toothed cat," said Lopatin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-about-an-extinct-species">Learning about an extinct species</h2>



The mummy is the first Asian record of the saber-toothed cat species Homotherium latidens.



Other Ice Age mummies, like woolly rhinos and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mammoths-survived-longer-than-initially-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoths</a>, have been found fairly commonly in the Siberian region. However, mummified cats are an extraordinary rarity.



"Before this discovery, there were just two known cat mummies, both cubs of the cave lion Panthera spelaea from Yakutia’s Uyandina River basin. Now, we have added the Homotherium cub to this list", explained Lopatin.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-skull_lion-skull_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-skull_lion-skull_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The next steps in learning about this extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-sabertooth-cat-discovered-in-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> involved the analysis of extracted DNA, and detailed examination of the cub's skeleton, muscles, and hair.



Paleontologist Jack Tseng, an associate professor in the Integrative Biology Department at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, who was not involved in the discovery, expressed his astonishment at the find.



"It’s rare to find bones of this lineage in the first place, let alone soft tissue associated with it," said Tseng.



Speaking to CNN, Tseng shared that he was at a loss for words when considering "the treasure trove of information that could come out of this singular discovery."



"I don’t know if other paleontologists’ minds are as blown as mine, but it’s like reality changes now that we’ve seen this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-the-past">Clues from the past</h2>



Preserved in permafrost, the cub was discovered near the Badyarikha River in northeast Yakutia by local diggers in 2020. 



Radiocarbon dating estimates the cub to be at least 35,000 years old, making its lifetime coincide with the latter part of the Pleistocene epoch (roughly 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago).



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-paw_lion-paw_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-paw_lion-paw_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="Pictured here are the forepaws of 3-week-old large cubs. A, B and C reveal views of the mummified Homotherium latidens specimen: A is a thumb claw; B a second digit claw; and С a plantar view. D shows the plantar view of the right forepaw of a Panthera leo specimen. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951069"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pictured here are the forepaws of 3-week-old large cubs. A, B and C reveal views of the mummified Homotherium latidens specimen: A is a thumb claw; B a second digit claw; and С a plantar view. D shows the plantar view of the right forepaw of a Panthera leo specimen. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The preservation of the cub's forelimbs was exceptional, with claws and the fleshy pads or "beans" (as modern cat admirers like to call them) still intact. 



The cubs of this ancient and long-extinct species varied significantly from modern lion cubs. 



The saber-toothed cub seemed to have longer forelimbs, a bigger mouth opening, a more solid neck, darker coat, and smaller ears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-saber-toothed-cat-mystery">Decoding the saber-toothed cat mystery</h2>



The cub's forearms and paw resembled a bear's, which are known for their strength in collecting food.



This similarity suggests that adult Homotherium may have depended on their forearms, possibly using them to stabilize their prey.



Until now, 3D digital modeling of scanned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ugly-fossil-unveils-secrets-of-extinct-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> was used to hypothesize saber-toothed cat anatomy. However, nothing compares to witnessing these limbs "in the flesh." 



This find is not just about the Homotherium mummy; it offers a unique insight into the entire evolutionary history of the feline group.



The saber-toothed cat cub mummy is an invaluable find, adding another vivid glimpse into our planet's fascinating history. 



The research paper is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79546-1#citeas">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Mummified baby saber-toothed cat found with fur and toes intact

The saber-toothed cat, an iconic predator from the Ice Age,...

A prescription medication that has been available in the U.S. since 1992, which many people recognize for treating hair loss and enlarged prostate, seems to have another significant health benefit.



Recent research suggests that a drug called finasteride could lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. That's a surprising twist for a drug that's been around for decades.



Curiosity led <a href="https://fshn.illinois.edu/directory/jaume6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jaume Amengual</a>, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the <a href="https://fshn.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>, to explore this unexpected connection. 



After noticing something unusual in a national survey, he decided to dig deeper. 



"When we looked at the men taking finasteride in the survey, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-fish-oil-in-combating-high-cholesterol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a> averaged 30 points lower than men not taking the drug. I thought we'd see the opposite pattern, so it was very interesting," Dr. Amengual enthused.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-cholesterol-with-finasteride">Lowering cholesterol with finasteride?</h2>



The initial clue came from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey</a> conducted between 2009 and 2016. 



This survey collects health information from thousands of Americans. In this data, men using finasteride as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-natural-cure-male-baldness-highly-effective-sugar-2-deoxy-d-ribose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hair loss treatment</a> had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to those who weren't on the medication. 



A 30-point difference is substantial and caught the researchers' attention. But observational studies have limitations. The sample size of men over 50 using finasteride was small. 



"This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly," Amengual noted. "It was more of an observation that led us to say, 'Okay, now we've seen this in people. Let's see what happens in mice.'"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-observation-to-experimentation">From observation to experimentation</h2>



To get a clearer picture, the team turned to laboratory mice. Doctoral student <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-molina-ba3099197/?locale=es_ES" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Molina Chaves</a> conducted experiments on mice predisposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diets-impact-the-heart-health-of-their-daughters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atherosclerosis</a> -- a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup. 



The mice were fed different doses of finasteride along with a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.



"Mice that were given a high dose of finasteride showed lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-gut-bacteria-lower-cholesterol-and-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a> within the plasma as well as in the arteries," Molina Chaves said. "There were also fewer lipids and inflammatory markers in the liver." 



These findings suggested that finasteride doesn't just lower cholesterol in the blood but might also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifestyle-choices-in-young-adulthood-impact-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce inflammation</a> and plaque formation in arteries.



While the highest dose had significant effects, it's not a dose humans would take. 



"It's an incredibly high level of the drug. But we use mice as a model, and they are extremely resistant to things that would kill any of us," Amengual explained. "So it is not that wild when you think about it that way." 



The results in mice provide a direction for future human studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finasteride-testosterone-and-heart-disease">Finasteride, testosterone, and heart disease</h2>



So why would a hair loss drug affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-eating-eggs-is-not-bad-for-your-health-despite-years-of-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a>? It comes down to hormones. 



Finasteride works by blocking a protein that activates testosterone, specifically reducing levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-low-testosterone-have-a-higher-risk-of-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dihydrotestosterone (DHT)</a>. DHT is linked to hair loss, prostate enlargement, and, as it turns out, possibly heart disease.



"I was reading about this medication one day, and I started to notice that there were not many long-term studies of the implications of the drug," Amengual said. 



"Initially, it was just my own curiosity, based on the fact that hormone levels are known to have an effect on atherosclerosis, hair loss, and prostate issues. So, we decided to dig into it."



Testosterone and its derivatives can influence the development of atherosclerosis. By altering these hormone levels, finasteride might indirectly impact cholesterol metabolism and inflammation, leading to improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-expectations-of-men-are-bad-for-their-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-surprises-from-finasteride">More surprises from finasteride</h2>



Interestingly, these findings might benefit more than just men dealing with hair loss or prostate issues. 



Transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy often face a higher risk of heart disease due to hormonal changes. 



Finasteride is sometimes prescribed during gender transitions to manage hair loss triggered by hormone treatments.



"Over the past decade, doctors have started prescribing this drug for individuals transitioning either from male to female or female to male. In both cases, the hormonal changes can trigger hair loss," Amengual said. 



"The interesting thing is that transgender people are also at a higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-and-cardiovascular-diseases-are-genetically-linked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>. So this drug could have a potential beneficial effect to prevent cardiovascular disease not only in cis men, but also in transgender individuals."



This opens up the possibility that finasteride could serve a dual purpose for transgender patients, helping with hair loss while also reducing heart disease risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-catch-understanding-finasteride-risks">What's the catch? Understanding finasteride risks</h2>



Of course, no medication is without risks. Finasteride can cause side effects, and it's important to consider them. 



Some users experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-exhibit-better-sexual-health-eating-a-plant-based-vegan-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual side effects</a> like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. These effects happen because finasteride reduces DHT, which plays a role in sexual function.



There have also been reports of psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and mood changes. While not everyone experiences these, they're important to monitor. 



Physical side effects can include breast tenderness or enlargement, rashes, and swelling in the hands or feet. Rarely, finasteride can affect liver enzymes, so regular medical check-ups are recommended.



A small percentage of users report persistent side effects even after stopping the medication, a condition referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). 



Symptoms can include ongoing sexual dysfunction and psychological issues. Research is ongoing to understand and address these concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds-for-finasteride">What the future holds for finasteride</h2>



These discoveries suggest that finasteride could have a role in heart health beyond its current uses. More research is needed, though. 



Clinical trials involving people would help determine if the cholesterol-lowering effects seen in mice also occur in humans at practical doses.



"This was not a clinical study in which you can control everything perfectly," Amengual emphasized. "It was more of an observation that led us to say, 'Okay, now we've seen this in people. Let's see what happens in mice.'"



If future studies confirm these benefits, finasteride could become part of a strategy to prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, especially in populations at higher risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-hope-proceed-with-eyes-wide-open">A new hope? Proceed with eyes wide open</h2>



Finasteride has been around for a while, helping many with hair loss and prostate issues. Now, it might have a new role to play in promoting heart health. 



This could be significant not just for men but also for the transgender community and others at risk of cardiovascular disease.



As with any medical treatment, it's crucial to consult healthcare providers before making changes. Finasteride's potential benefits must be balanced with its risks. But this research opens up exciting possibilities.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jlr.org/article/S0022-2275(24)00012-9/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Lipid Research</a>.



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Old drug now called a "magic pill" because it regrows hair and improves heart health

A prescription medication that has been available in the U.S....

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability, is increasingly vanishing from U.S. farmland, washing into rivers and streams at alarming rates.&nbsp;



A new study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> reveals that despite efforts to curb phosphorus loss, agricultural runoff has continued to rise over the past four decades, posing significant threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-and-phosphorus-loss">Soil nutrient and phosphorus loss</h2>



Phosphorus is indispensable for life, playing a key role in DNA formation and cellular energy transfer.&nbsp;



However, unlike nitrogen, it is a non-renewable resource with limited geological reserves. Once it is lost from soil and enters <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>, it cannot naturally replenish in agricultural lands.



“This is a problem for many reasons,” said Li Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;



“When it’s lost from farmland, it can reduce crop yields, potentially leading to higher food prices. Then, when phosphorus enters our waterways, it can cause harmful algal blooms that can make water unsafe for swimming and fishing - and can even reduce oxygen levels in water and kill fish and other aquatic life.”



Li also highlighted the economic impact of phosphorus depletion: “It makes it more expensive to treat drinking water, which means higher water bills for all of us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-phosphorus-levels-in-rivers">Rising phosphorus levels in rivers</h2>



Analyzing data from 430 U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> spanning 1980 to 2019, the research team used a deep learning model to uncover troubling trends. 



While phosphorus levels have declined in 60% of the studied rivers, overall phosphorus flowing into waterways has increased.



“Agricultural areas are the biggest contributors to the problem, with phosphorus levels increasing in most rivers near agricultural areas, even as they decline in rivers near urban areas,” Li explained.&nbsp;



“This suggests that efforts to control phosphorus pollution from sources like agricultural runoff are not as effective as we thought.”



By contrast, targeted efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution from urban wastewater treatment plants appear to be succeeding.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-loss-is-beyond-local-control">Soil nutrient loss is beyond local control </h2>



However, the researchers warn that the broader problem is worsening due to factors beyond local control, particularly the increased frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.



“This means that even though we’re doing a better job at limiting phosphorus pollution from urban areas, the problem is getting worse overall, due to factors largely beyond the control of just one region,” Li said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather events</a>, such as heavier rainfall and flooding, have amplified phosphorus runoff into waterways. As storms grow wetter and more frequent due to climate change, the volume of water flowing through rivers increases, pulling more phosphorus from the soil.



“We’ve seen from recent weather events that water quantity, the amount of water that storms and waterways carry, can lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides,” Li said.&nbsp;



“What we wanted to understand is what happens to the land when these storms pull the subsurface of the soil into rivers and streams. What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-are-needed">Innovative solutions are needed</h2>



To combat this escalating issue, the researchers emphasize the need for innovation and changes in agricultural practices. One promising development is a technology invented at Penn State by alumnus Hunter Swisher.



Swisher, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.phospholutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phospholutions</a>, has developed a fertilizer designed to improve phosphorus efficiency in soil. “We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency,” Li said.



The company’s product has shown remarkable results, reducing phosphorus runoff potential by 78% compared to conventional fertilizers.&nbsp;



Phospholutions is now expanding its technology across the Americas, Europe, and India, aiming to address phosphorus pollution on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ddressing-soil-nutrient-loss">Addressing soil nutrient loss</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address phosphorus loss.&nbsp;



With climate change exacerbating the problem, researchers call for a combination of advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices to mitigate the impacts on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> and aquatic ecosystems.



“The connection between water and land is essential, and that balance is growing increasingly fragile,” Li concluded.



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Soil nutrient loss due to heavy rainfall threatens agriculture 

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability,...

A team of scientists led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute has developed the most detailed cellular map of the human gut to date, combining data from 1.6 million cells.&nbsp;



This atlas provides crucial insights into conditions like bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by highlighting cellular changes and interactions within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07571-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, the study combined over 25 single-cell datasets to create a unified and freely available resource for researchers worldwide. 



The atlas includes samples from both healthy individuals and those with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a>-related diseases, offering a valuable tool for understanding and potentially treating these conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gi-tract-and-its-illnesses">The GI tract and its illnesses</h2>



The GI tract comprises organs responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-stimulates-digestion-and-protects-against-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestion</a> and nutrient absorption, including the stomach, intestines, and rectum. It also acts as a barrier against pathogens. Disorders affecting this system, such as IBD and bowel cancer, significantly impact millions of lives globally.



For instance, over seven million people worldwide suffer from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-have-gut-bacteria-that-can-help-dogs-with-canine-ibd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBD</a>, which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue often disrupt daily life. 



Meanwhile, bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers globally, affects nearly two million people each year and is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the UK.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unified-picture-of-gut-cells">A unified picture of gut cells</h2>



Despite extensive research, fragmented data from multiple studies with varying processes and labeling systems have complicated efforts to understand the cellular structure of the gut.&nbsp;



To address this, the <a href="https://www.sanger.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellcome Sanger Institute</a> team developed a tool to harmonize these datasets, enabling researchers to see a unified picture of gut cells, their locations, and their interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-resource-for-gut-health-research">A new resource for gut health research</h2>



The researchers merged 25 datasets to create an atlas containing spatial and single-cell data from 1.6 million cells.&nbsp;



This unified resource includes tissue samples from individuals with conditions like gastric and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-aspirin-use-strongly-tied-to-colorectal-cancer-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancers</a>, celiac disease, and IBD, as well as from healthy individuals.



The atlas allows researchers to identify which cells are present in the gut, their precise locations, and how they communicate with their environment.&nbsp;



By integrating this data, the team has created a dynamic resource that can be updated with future studies, enhancing collaboration among scientists worldwide.



“Spatial and single-cell data provide unique information about how gut cells interact, that can be used to continue piecing together an in-depth understanding of how the human body works,” said lead author Amanda Oliver, a scientist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.&nbsp;



“Combining existing single-cell datasets allows us to create a more complete picture of the human gut and ensures that researchers can work together to continue to benefit human health.”&nbsp;



“Our Gut Cell Atlas is also harmonized and freely available, and we hope that people will continue to build on this, adding in data for scientists worldwide to use.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-gut-inflammation">Insights into gut inflammation</h2>



One of the study’s significant findings involves gut metaplastic cells. Previously known for their role in healing the stomach lining, these cells were found to share genetic similarities with inflammatory cells in the gut.&nbsp;



Researchers suggest that in conditions like IBD, inflammation transforms these metaplastic cells, perpetuating a cycle of inflammation that contributes to pain and distress.



Study co-senior author Rasa Elmentaite is a scientist at <a href="https://www.ensocell.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ensocell Therapeutics</a> who previously worked at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.



“As the integrated atlas contains such a large amount of data, from people with and without gut conditions, we were able to uncover a pathogenic cell type that may play a role in some chronic conditions and could be a target for intervention in the future,” said Elmentaite.&nbsp;



“This demonstrates the power of using integrated single-cell atlases in research, and I am confident that applying this approach to other tissues and organs will drive new therapeutic discoveries for a range of conditions.”&nbsp;



Understanding this cycle of inflammation could pave the way for innovative treatments for IBD and similar chronic conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-cell-atlas-initiative">Human Cell Atlas initiative</h2>



This research is part of the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) initiative, which aims to map every cell type in the human body to better understand human health and disease.&nbsp;



The Gut Cell Atlas is among more than 40 studies recently published in Nature journals, representing a significant leap in cellular biology and the development of new analytical tools.



Professor Sarah Teichmann, co-senior author and co-founder of the HCA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of cells through the Human Cell Atlas will help explain many aspects of human health and disease and possibly illuminate new avenues for treatment,” said Teichmann.&nbsp;



“This harmonized Gut Cell Atlas shows what can be achieved through open collaboration with scientists worldwide, and has led to an accessible combined resource that can be used by everyone to find new ways to understand and treat disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-global-collaboration">A tool for global collaboration</h2>



The Gut Cell Atlas not only advances gut research but also provides a framework for studying other organs.&nbsp;



Its harmonized data and innovative analytical tools could drive breakthroughs in understanding various conditions and developing new therapies.&nbsp;



With the resource freely accessible, it stands as a testament to the power of open collaboration in science.



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Map of 1.6 million gut cells will reveal new ways to treat disease

A team of scientists led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute...

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of plastic goods, once we no longer need them, is also ever-present. Plastic waste is everywhere, even in our precious oceans. The North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) is&nbsp;witnessing&nbsp;a&nbsp;meteoric&nbsp;rise in the&nbsp;levels&nbsp;of plastic fragments, with&nbsp;centimeter-sized particles showing&nbsp;a particularly alarming spike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-insight-into-the-research-process">An insight into the research process</h2>



The study, published in Environmental Research Letters,&nbsp;relies&nbsp;heavily on data gathered by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to removing plastic from aquatic ecosystems.



Their systematic surveys&nbsp;between 2015 and 2022&nbsp;provided invaluable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch. The Ocean Cleanup collected data from 917 manta trawl samples, 162 mega trawl samples, 74 aerial surveys, and 40 clean-up system extractions&nbsp;during a total of 50 expeditions, making this study one of the most comprehensive assessments of oceanic plastic pollution to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-plastic-problem">Unearthing the plastic problem</h2>



The key findings of the study highlight a series of concerning trends. The most striking of these is the rapid increase of plastic fragments in the NPGP - rising from 2.9kg per km² to 14.2kg per km² within just seven years.



Shockingly, between 74 and 96% of this surge is suspected to originate from the arrival of new plastic fragments, rather than from the gradual break-down of larger plastics that were already present. And it is likely that these new arrivals come from all over the world. 



Furthermore, the concentration of small debris hotspots in the region magnified tenfold, from 1 million per km² in 2015 to over 10 million per km² in 2022.



Essentially, every size class of floating plastics has seen a significant uptick, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, mesoplastics, and macroplastics all demonstrating concerning increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-threats-to-the-local-ecosystem">Severe threats to the local ecosystem </h2>



This plastic overload doesn't only represent an environmental eyesore; it poses severe threats to the local ecosystem, as well as to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon cycle</a>.



The area's endemic marine animals may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, and some also face direct competition from invasive species that have colonized the plastic debris and drifted into the region.



Furthermore, grazing by zooplankton - a crucial component of the carbon cycle - is being disrupted by the presence of floating plastics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-global-action-on-plastic-pollution">Call for global action on plastic pollution</h2>



“The exponential rise in plastic fragments observed in our field studies is a direct consequence of decades of inadequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> management, leading to the relentless accumulation of plastics in the marine environment," said Laurent Lebreton, lead author of the study.



"This pollution is inflicting harm on marine life, with impacts we are only now beginning to fully grasp. Our findings should serve as an urgent call to action for lawmakers engaged in negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Now, more than ever, decisive and unified global intervention is essential."



While researchers emphasize the need for upstream solutions to prevent plastic waste in the first place, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are tackling the issue directly.



By deploying innovative systems to remove plastic from oceans and rivers, The Ocean Cleanup exemplifies how technological advancements can complement policy measures. 



Since its inception, the organization has removed over 16 million kilograms of trash from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a> worldwide, proving the feasibility and necessity of large-scale cleanup efforts.



The findings highlight not only the sheer scale of the problem but also the urgency with which it needs to be addressed. As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear - the time to act is now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-crisis-in-the-garbage-patch">Plastic crisis in the Garbage Patch </h2>



The plastics crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch requires not just awareness but innovative solutions and coordinated global action. The study emphasizes the potential of partnerships in scientific research, technology, and policy-making. Programs such as The Ocean Cleanup show that targeted efforts can make a difference. 



Their two-tier approach - preventing more plastic waste from entering the rivers and then removing that which is already accumulating in oceans stands out for combining both technological innovation and actionable clean-up strategies. Researchers also point to the integrative approach of prevention and removal efforts. Governments and industries should consider adopting sustainable waste management systems and invest in minimizing the leakage of plastics into marine ecosystems. Global policies, for instance, could leverage a treaty to act as a check on plastic pollution across international boundaries.



The fact that all of these tools and knowledge already exist to deal with the crisis speaks well for the solutions that people are already talking about.



Efficient&nbsp;usage&nbsp;of&nbsp;such&nbsp;resources,&nbsp;therefore,&nbsp;willdetermine&nbsp;if&nbsp;the plastic tide&nbsp;will&nbsp;ever&nbsp;be reversed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;oceans protected in the future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78ed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Surging plastic levels found in the North Pacific Garbage Patch

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of...

Over the past few weeks, you've probably heard somewhere that Earth was going to get a second moon. Well, we can now confirm that Earth now officially has two moons after capturing asteroid 2024 PT5.



On Sunday, September 29, our planet captured the tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon.



This intriguing event was first spotted by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid. Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), shared some insights about these celestial visitors.



“These happen with some frequency, but we rarely see them because they’re very small and very hard to detect,” Binzel said. “Only recently has our survey capability reached the point of spotting them routinely.”



Using a powerful telescope located in Sutherland, South Africa, the team from Complutense University detected the small space rock back in August. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-mini-moons">What are mini-moons?</h2>



What exactly are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini-moons</a>, and how often do they visit us?



Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 are small asteroids that Earth's gravity grabs for a bit, letting them orbit our planet before they move on. 



These little guys usually travel around the sun like other asteroids, but when they get close enough to Earth, our gravitational pull can pull them into a temporary orbit.



They don’t stick around for long -- they might hang out for a few weeks or months before breaking free and continuing their journey around the sun. 



Scientists find mini-moons really interesting because they give us a chance to study near-Earth objects up close and learn more about how our solar system works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-2024-pt5">Journey of 2024 PT5</h2>



According to data from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory <a href="https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizons system</a>, this mini-moon's stay will be brief.



The temporary capture started at 3:54 p.m. EDT on September 29, 2024, and will end at 11:43 a.m. EDT on November 25, 2024. Which means, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it won't be around much longer</a>, so enjoy it while you can.



So, where did this little visitor come from? 



2024 PT5 is part of the Arjuna asteroid belt -- a group of space rocks that follow orbits similar to Earth's, about 93 million miles from the sun.



Some Arjuna <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-chicxulub-caused-dinosaurs-extinction-event-traced-to-origin-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt objects</a> can approach Earth at a close range of around 2.8 million miles and at a relatively low velocity of less than 2,200 miles per hour. 



"Asteroid 2024 PT5 will not describe a full orbit around Earth. You may say that if a true satellite is like a customer buying goods inside a store, objects like 2024 PT5 are window shoppers," Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a professor and mini-moon expert from the Complutense University, explained to Space.com.



Carlos is the author of a scientific paper titled "<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Two-month Mini-moon: 2024 PT5&nbsp;Captured by Earth from September to November</a>" recently published by the by the American Astronomical Society in the journal <a href="https://www.iop.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IOPscience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-common-are-captures-like-2024-pt5">How common are captures like 2024 PT5?</h2>



Though it might sound extraordinary for Earth to gain a second moon, these gravitational captures are more common than you might think. 



Scientists have officially documented two prior "short captures," which last about a week and are estimated to occur several times per decade. There have also been two rarer "long-capture" events.



After its brief visit, 2024 PT5 will continue its journey around the sun as part of the Arjuna family of asteroids. 



It won't stick around for billions of years like our primary moon, but its fleeting presence is a reminder of the dynamic nature of our cosmic neighborhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-currently-visible">Not currently visible</h2>



Now, you might be wondering if you can spot this mini-moon in the night sky. Unfortunately, it's too small and dim for most of us.



The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars. However, the object is well within the brightness range of typical telescopes used by professional astronomers. 



A telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches plus a CCD or CMOS detector is needed to observe this object; a 30-inch telescope and a human eye behind it will not be enough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-2024-pt5-to-our-moon">Comparing 2024 PT5 to our moon</h2>



Scientists currently believe Earth's Moon, the big one, was formed around 4.5 billion years ago when a Mars-sized object, often called Theia, collided with our planet. 



This massive impact blasted a huge amount of debris into space, which then came together and cooled to create the Moon we see today. 



The giant-impact theory explains many of the Moon’s features, like its composition and orbit, making it the most widely accepted explanation among scientists.



To put its size into perspective, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our moon</a> is about 2,159 miles in diameter. In contrast, 2024 PT5 is believed to be just 37 feet wide. That makes our moon over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid!



Even though we can't see it ourselves, knowing it's up there is pretty exciting. It's like having an invisible guest sharing our orbit for a little while.



These mini-moons might be small, but they offer big opportunities for scientists to learn more about near-Earth objects. They can provide insights into the composition of asteroids and the dynamics of our solar system.



“These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories,” Binzel mentioned. “They help us understand the small bodies that come close to Earth and could be important for future space missions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



As 2024 PT5 continues its journey, we'll keep our eyes -- and telescopes -- on the skies. After all, who knows when the next mini-moon might drop by?



Perhaps future technology will allow us to study these fleeting visitors more closely. Maybe one day, we'll even send missions to them to gather samples or test new spacecraft.



So, for a few weeks, Earth will have a tiny companion circling around it. While it's here, let's appreciate the wonders of our ever-changing universe and the surprises it brings our way.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal IOPscience</a>.



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It's official: Earth now has two moons

Over the past few weeks, you've probably heard somewhere that...

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human scientists had what they describe as a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain. Dr. Brenda McCowan from the University of California Davis was at the heart of this unexpected exchange.



Dr. McCowan and her team, known as Whale-SETI, have been studying how humpback whales communicate. They're aiming to understand whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication systems</a> to help in the search for life beyond Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-responds-to-a-human-greeting">Whale responds to a human greeting</h2>



Using an underwater speaker, the team played a recorded humpback "contact" call into the ocean. To their astonishment, Twain approached their boat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversation-with-humpback-whale-gives-seti-team-ideas-on-how-to-talk-to-aliens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began responding</a>. 



For about 20 minutes, the whale circled them, matching the intervals between each call they played.



"We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback 'language,'" said Dr. McCowan. 



The researchers were thrilled to see such direct interaction using the whale's own signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-encounter">Science behind the encounter</h2>



The <a href="https://www.projectceti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale-SETI team</a> is working on developing filters to detect intelligent signals, which could be used in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. 



By studying how whales communicate, they hope to find patterns that could apply to signals from outer space.



Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation emphasized just how intelligent humpback whales are. He pointed out their complex social systems and unique behaviors. 



"They create tools such as nets made of bubbles to catch fish and extensively communicate through songs and social calls," Dr. Sharpe explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-whales-and-extraterrestrial-life">Humans, whales and extraterrestrial life</h2>



The behavior they observed in Twain supports an important idea in the search for life beyond Earth. 



"Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers," noted Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute.



"This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a>."



By engaging with whales, the team believes they can learn how to detect and understand intelligent signals, whether they come from the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space.



The details of this extraordinary encounter are published in the journal Peer J, in an article titled "Interactive Bioacoustic Playback as a Tool for Detecting and Exploring Nonhuman Intelligence: 'Conversing' with an Alaskan Humpback Whale."



The researchers plan to use mathematics and various forms of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically information theory and machine learning, to measure how complex the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale's communication</a> is. They want to understand the rules and structures in the messages they receive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-whales-talking-what-s-next">Humans and whales talking -- what's next?</h2>



The Whale-SETI team isn't stopping there. They're preparing another paper focusing on the non-audio ways humpback whales might communicate, like the bubble rings they make around humans. 



Co-authors Dr. Josie Hubbard, Lisa Walker, and Jodi Frediani bring expertise in animal intelligence, whale song analysis, and whale behavior to the project.



The team acknowledges the financial support from the <a href="https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/our-priorities/diverse-intelligences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Templeton Foundation Diverse Intelligences Program</a>, which helped make their research possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-whale-seti">What Is Whale-SETI?</h2>



Whale-SETI, short for Whale Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, is a unique project that combines marine biology with the quest to find life beyond Earth. 



The researchers are trying to decode whale communication, working under the idea that these sounds might contain complex messages similar to human languages -- or even those of extraterrestrial beings.



Using advanced technology like sophisticated underwater microphones and artificial intelligence, they record and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyze whale sounds</a>. 



The AI looks for patterns that might indicate language-like structures. This not only helps us understand whales better but also could improve how we search for intelligent life elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-humans-should-care-about-humpback-whales">Why humans should care about humpback whales</h2>



Humpback whales are fascinating creatures. They can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. 



Known scientifically as Megaptera novaeangliae, these whales are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins and knobbly heads.



They travel great distances, migrating up to 5,000 miles between feeding and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding grounds</a>. 



Their songs are complex and melodious, playing a crucial role in how they interact socially, especially during breeding season.



Once hunted nearly to extinction, humpback whale populations have been recovering thanks to international protections. 



However, they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-benefits-of-whale-remains-and-their-proper-disposal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still face threats</a> like getting caught in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and changes to their environment caused by climate change.



Understanding their communication and social structures can help in conservation efforts, ensuring these majestic creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seti-institute-s-role">SETI Institute's role</h2>



The SETI Institute, founded in 1984, is dedicated to exploring life beyond Earth. Using cutting-edge technology, their team of scientists scans the skies for radio signals and other potential indicators of extraterrestrial civilizations. 



Their main job is to analyze data from space, hoping to uncover patterns or messages that could reveal we're not alone in the universe. 



By studying signals from space and striving to understand how life may evolve beyond Earth, they aim to answer the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?



But SETI Institute isn’t all about the hunt for aliens -- they’re also committed to inspiring and educating the public. 



They host cool workshops, engaging lectures, and interactive programs designed to spark curiosity and nurture the next generation of scientists. 



In addition to space, their research contributes to breakthroughs in fields like astrobiology and planetary science, answering some of the biggest questions about life and our place in the universe. 



Their work with Whale-SETI is an exciting intersection of this quest and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study of intelligent life</a> on our own planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-it-all-mean">What does it all mean?</h2>



To sum it all up, this encounter with Twain isn't just a fascinating story about humans and a whale. It's a step toward understanding intelligence in all its forms. 



By learning how to communicate with humpback whales, scientists hope to develop tools that could one day help us recognize and understand messages from extraterrestrial beings.



What does this mean for us? It highlights the importance of looking closely at the intelligent life we share our planet with. 



Perhaps by understanding the minds of whales, we can better prepare ourselves for encounters with life beyond Earth.



-----



The group behind this research includes scientists from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, and the <a href="https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Whale Foundation</a>. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



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AI helps humans have a 20-minute "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a> describes a big data study by experts at UT Austin that could revolutionize earthquake science.&nbsp;The research is focused on a massive rock called the Kumano Pluton, which is buried miles beneath the coast of southern Japan.&nbsp;



Based on 20 years of seismic data processed through one of the world's most powerful supercomputers, the scientists have developed the first complete, 3D visualization of Kumano Pluton.



The results of the analysis suggest that the mountain-sized rock now may be acting like a "lightning rod" that channels energy into the megaquakes seen in the this region.&nbsp;



While scientists have known about thy existence of Kumano Pluton for years, they were only aware of small sections of it. The UT Austin study provides a view of the entire rock formation. This will enable experts to study the pluton's effect on regional tectonics.&nbsp;



According to study co-author Shuichi Kodaira, director of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, the findings will provide critical information for a major new Japanese government-funded project to find out whether another major earthquake is building in the Nankai subduction zone, where the pluton is located.



"We cannot predict exactly when, where, or how large future earthquakes will be, but by combining our model with monitoring data, we can begin estimating near-future processes," said Kodaira, who was among the scientists who first discovered the Kumano Pluton in 2006. "That will provide very important data for the Japanese public to prepare for the next big earthquake."



"The fact that we can make such a large discovery in an area that is already well studied is, I think, eye opening to what might await at places that are less well monitored," said study lead author Adrien Arnulf, a research assistant professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics.



Image/ Video Credit: National Science Foundation/ UT Austin&nbsp;



---



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

Kumano Pluton could be a magnet for megaquakes

[sendtonews key="xD9vsIXoKi-1905077-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Astronomer,With,A,Telescope,Watching,At,The,Stars,And,Moon.

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Today’s Video of the Day from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> describes what you can get a glimpse of this month in the October sky. 



"Giant planets Jupiter and Saturn are visible throughout the night in October. Early in the evening, you'll find them to the southeast, moving slowly westward with the stars over the course of the night. They form a triangle with bright star Fomalhaut," says NASA.



"When observing this trio, note how the planets shine with a steady light, while the star twinkles. This can be an easy way to know if what you're looking at is a planet or a star."



Over the next few months, Mars will appear to change direction. This is called retrograde, and occurs when the apparent motion of a planet is in the opposite direction of other bodies within its system,



The Orionid meteor shower is active in October and November, and will peak on the night of October 20. At its peak, this shower usually produces 10 to 20 meteors per hour.



Video Credit: NASA JPL



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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

October stargazing: Mars retrograde and the Orionid meteor shower

[sendtonews key="63NQhFvafn-2276563-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA's...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. The archipelago consists of eight main islands including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma, as well as many small islands and islets. The Canary Islands make up the southernmost region of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;



Tenerife is dominated by Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world. Teide National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located in the center of the island. Tourists flock to the beaches of Tenerife, which have sand that ranges in color from golden yellow to black.&nbsp;



"Owing to the island’s diverse topography and unique climatic factors, Tenerife has multiple microclimates, which means that the weather can vary drastically from one part of the island to the other," says ESA.



"Weather and climate are heavily influenced by the trade winds blowing from the northeast for most of the year, bringing humidity and precipitation to the north of the island, as well as to the northern slopes of Mount Teide."&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency



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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

Tenerife in the Canary Islands

[sendtonews key="b3yIdenGyb-1803835-12187" 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> describes a new data release from the Gaia observatory, which was launched in 2013. The observatory has been mapping our galaxy from Lagrange point 2, creating the most accurate and complete multi-dimensional map of the Milky Way.



"By now two full sets of data have been released, the first set in 2016 and a second one in 2018. These data contained stellar positions, distances, motions across the sky, and colour information, among others," says ESA.



On June 13, 2022 a third full data set was released. ESA said this data release contains even more and improved information about almost two billion stars, Solar System objects and extragalactic sources. 



"It also includes radial velocities for 33 million stars, a five-time increase compared to data release 2," explains ESA. "Another novelty in this data set is the largest catalog yet of binary stars in the Milky Way, which is crucial to understand stellar evolution."



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

Gaia is mapping the Milky Way in unprecedented detail

[sendtonews key="XZh1GxhYo8-2063028-12187" 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 Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The false-color image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"The Canary Islands are a group of ocean island volcanoes that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The Spanish region and archipelago is located around 100 km off the north coast of Africa and 1,000 km from the Iberian Peninsula," says ESA.



"The eight main islands are (in order of largest to smallest in area) Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. The archipelago also includes many smaller islands and islets."



Lanzarote is the third most populous Canary Island, with a population of 150,000, and is also the easternmost island in the archipelago.



"Lanzarote has a long history of eruptions and is often referred to as the ‘Island of the 1000 volcanoes,' yet it is actually the least mountainous Canarian Island," reports ESA.



"The highest mountain is the volcano Peñas del Chache near Haría in the northern part of the island, which is 670 m above sea level. The Timanfaya National Park can be seen in the southwest part of the island and is entirely made up of volcanic soil."



Fuerteventura Island is the second largest of the Canaries. It is also the oldest, emerging between 12 and 20 million years ago.



"The island is fairly flat and has a desert landscape of sand and stones as well as long beaches," says ESA. "The center of the island is made up of a wide, elongated valley and, from north to south, is dissected by a series of extinct, eroded volcanoes. The west coast is dotted with rugged cliffs and small bays."



Video 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

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote of the Canary Islands

[sendtonews key="eAwSlxGPZC-2094572-12187" 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> (ESA) reveals an image from the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission which illustrates the extreme temperatures that struck Britain in August. Summer heatwaves also affected North Africa, Asia, and the United States.



"The image, captured on 12 August 2022, shows the United Kingdom’s previously green land appear brown (particularly in the southeast) amid the scorching conditions. The heatwave comes after months of extreme temperatures and low rainfall left the landscape parched. The dry conditions are also visible in parts of France, Belgium and the Netherlands," says ESA.



"The severe heatwaves experienced across Europe this summer are a harsh reminder of what is in store for our future.&nbsp; Extreme weather events will happen more frequently and intensely according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This trend is set to worsen unless the rise in atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities is addressed."



Video 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

Impacts of UK heatwaves can be seen from space

[sendtonews key="o6LXhhDb3g-2243740-12187" 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.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a> reveals that lizards could provide new insight into how species have evolved over centuries.  Understanding how environmental changes have affected animals in the past can help predict how they will be affected in the future.



A research team led by Dr. Melissa Kemp, a paleobiologist at the University of Texas at Austin, is studying lizards to find out more about a process called "adaptive radiation," or how organisms evolve to adapt to changing environments. The research is focused on lizards in the&nbsp; Caribbean.



"If we can gain any insights from past instances of extinction, it might be informative of what communities might look like in the future as these communities undergo future environmental changes," Dr. Kemp said in a profile piece by UT Austin.&nbsp;



Image/ Video Credit: National Science Foundation/ UT Austin&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

Lizards hold secrets of how animals evolve

[sendtonews key="aCpmMcvr6y-1900663-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Milky,Way,In,The,Night,Sky

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> features some tips for skywatchers in August 2022. 



The morning quartet of planets will come to an end in August - with Venus and Saturn making their exits on opposite sides of the sky. Mars and Jupiter, however, will remain visible.&nbsp;



"The daily parade of four naked-eye planets in the mornings comes to an end this month. But there are still lots of great highlights, especially if you have access to binoculars," says NASA. "Plus, Saturn and Jupiter are returning to nighttime skies!"&nbsp;



"The outlook for the Perseid meteors isn't great due to a full moon on the peak night of August 12, but still it's worth keeping an eye out for early Perseids after midnight the week before. And August is a great month to learn an easy-to-spot constellation – Cygnus the swan."



Video Credit: NASA JPL



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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

NASA reveals what you can find in the August sky

[sendtonews key="fVFiY2MR4h-2145169-12187" 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 Great Lakes - Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario - captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission.&nbsp;



According to ESA, the lakes represent the largest surface of freshwater in the world with a combined area of around 244,000 square kilometers, covering an area larger than the United Kingdom.



The lakes were formed around 100,000 years ago, when a massive ice sheet and giant glaciers transformed the landscape across most of Canada and part of the United States. As the ice melted, holes left behind from glaciers filled with meltwater and formed thousands of lakes. 



Huron is one of the five American great lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes. It forms a natural border between the American state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario.



Video 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

The Great Lakes of North America

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. This region is one of the most famous places on the planet for viewing wildlife.



The Galápagos Islands are home to many native plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including giant tortoises and sea lions.&nbsp;



When Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835, his wildlife observations inspired the theory of evolution by natural selection. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government made the entire archipelago a national park to protect its unique diversity.



The archipelago is made up of 13 major islands and several smaller islands and islets across 60,000 square kilometers of ocean. According to ESA, repeated volcanic eruptions and ongoing seismic activity have helped form the rugged mountain landscape of the islands. The most populated islands of Galapagos are San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela.



The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela, was formed from the joining of six shield volcanoes - Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. Volcanic activity persisted in the Galapagos for at least 20 million years, and possibly&nbsp; even longer. The archipelago is characterized by large contemporaneous volcanoes - some with plume magma sources, others from the asthenosphere. 



Video 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

The Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific

Today's Video of the Day from the European Space Agency...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> reveals a fascinating discovery from Gaia, a space observatory launched in 2013. The researchers have discovered that Gaia is capable of detecting starquakes – tiny motions on the surface of stars that change their shape. This is unexpected, considering that detecting starquakes is not something that Gaia was built for.  



"Previously, Gaia already found radial oscillations that cause stars to swell and shrink periodically, while keeping their spherical shape. But Gaia has now also spotted other vibrations that are more like large-scale tsunamis. These nonradial oscillations change the global shape of a star and are therefore harder to detect," says ESA.



"Nonradial oscillation modes cause a star's surface to move while it rotates, as shown in the animation. Dark patches are slightly cooler than bright patches, giving rise to periodic changes in the brightness of the star. The frequency of the rotating and pulsating stars was increased 8.6 million times to shift them into the audible range of humans."



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

Gaia spacecraft is capable of detecting starquakes

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Italian city of Carrara, which is known around the world for its prestigious marble. Carrara is located on the Carrione River in northern Tuscany about 130 kilometers from Florence.&nbsp;



"The city is famous for its white or blue-grey marble, called Carrara, taken from nearby quarries in the Apuan Alps, a mountain range that stretches for approximately 55 kilometers and reaching around 2,000 meters high," reports ESA. "What appears as snow cover on the rugged mountains is actually bright white marble, contrasting with Tuscany’s lush green vegetation."



According to ESA, Carrara marble is one of the most prestigious marbles in the world, and its quarries produce more marble than any other place on Earth. The famous stone was formed by calcite-rich shells that were left behind by marine organisms after they died.&nbsp;



"When water bodies evaporate, the deposited remains form limestone, and when buried under multi-tonne layers of rock, the intense heat and pressure cause the limestone to metamorphose into marble," explains ESA.



"The special quality of the Carrara marble has made it a popular resource for many famous sculptures, including Michelangelo’s Pietà, and has been used for some of the most remarkable buildings in Ancient Rome, including the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column."



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&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

Carrara, Italy and its world famous marble

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