<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of the Aladaghlar Mountains in northwestern Iran.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> are known for their strikingly colorful landscapes, which make them stand out among other mountain ranges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-of-the-aladaghlar-mountains">Landscape of the Aladaghlar Mountains</h2>



<p>"Ridges cast shadows in the valleys and other low elevation areas, creating a three-dimensional appearance. Human alterations to the landscape are most evident in riverbeds, where the even topography is easier to build on and navigate," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>"Natural processes over millions of years have folded rock layers of various compositions and colors into the curved patterns seen here. These folds are produced by tectonic forces operating along the convergent plate boundary of the Arabia and Eurasia plates." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rainbow-mountains">The Rainbow Mountains</h2>



<p>One of the most remarkable features of the Aladaghlar Mountains is the vivid coloration of their slopes. </p>



<p>The name "Aladaghlar" translates to "colorful mountains," which is a testament to their unique appearance.&nbsp;They are also known as the Rainbow Mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-the-aladaghlar-mountains">Wildlife of the Aladaghlar Mountains </h2>



<p>The Aladaghlar Mountains are part of a larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-ecosystems-are-in-urgent-need-of-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> that includes forests, meadows, and rivers, contributing to a rich biodiversity. </p>



<p>The region supports a variety of wildlife, including several species that are unique to the area. The diverse wildlife add to the natural beauty and ecological importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a>.</p>



<p>Among the larger mammals, the mountains host species such as brown bears, Persian leopards, and wild goats. The Aladaghlar Mountains also support smaller mammals, including foxes, hares, and various rodent species.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mountains-influence-bird-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birdlife</a> is abundant, including eagles, falcons, and a variety of songbirds. Reptiles like lizards and snakes are commonly found in the more humid areas, as well as amphibians.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-region">Cultural significance of the region</h2>



<p>In addition to their natural appeal, the Aladaghlar Mountains hold cultural significance. The region has a rich history, with evidence of ancient civilizations and historical sites. </p>



<p>Local communities have their unique cultures and traditions, which have been influenced by the natural environment of the mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geology-of-the-aladaghlar-mountains-nbsp">Geology of the Aladaghlar Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The geological history of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> is a fascinating tale of millions of years of natural processes.</p>



<p>The Aladaghlar Mountains are primarily composed of sedimentary rocks that have accumulated over millions of years. These sediments include sandstones, siltstones, shales, and conglomerates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mineral-deposition-nbsp">Mineral deposition&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The varying colors of the Aladaghlar Mountains are largely due to the presence of different minerals in the sedimentary layers. For example, red and orange hues are typically due to iron oxides, while greens can result from copper compounds.</p>



<p>These minerals were deposited in the sedimentary rocks through processes such as chemical precipitation, biological activity, and the weathering of parent rocks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tectonic-activity">Tectonic activity</h3>



<p>The region has experienced significant tectonic activity due to its location near the convergent boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian plates. This tectonic activity has caused the uplift and folding of the sedimentary layers, creating the mountain range.</p>



<p>The compression and folding associated with tectonic movements have also contributed to the exposure of the colorful strata that were originally deposited horizontally.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-erosion-and-weathering">Erosion and weathering</h3>



<p>Over time, erosion and weathering processes have played a crucial role in shaping the Aladaghlar Mountains. </p>



<p>Wind, water, and temperature variations have eroded the softer rock layers more quickly than the harder ones, creating the distinctive ridges and valleys seen today.</p>



<p>These erosive processes have also helped to expose the underlying layers, revealing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that attract tourists and geologists alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tales and legends</h2>



<p>One of the most famous tales associated with the Aladaghlar Mountains is that of a hidden treasure buried deep within the mountains by an ancient Persian king.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to legend, the treasure is guarded by mystical creatures and can only be found by someone pure of heart and brave enough to face the challenges of the mountain.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The shepherd and the fairy</h3>



<p>Another local legend tells the story of a young shepherd who fell in love with a fairy he encountered in the Aladaghlar Mountains. The fairy granted the shepherd three wishes, but warned him that the wishes would come with consequences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the warning, the shepherd made his wishes, which ultimately led to his downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The healing springs</h3>



<p>The Aladaghlar Mountains are also said to be home to a spring with magical healing properties. According to folklore, those who bathe in the spring or drink its water are cured of all ailments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the location of the spring is a closely guarded secret, known only to a few wise elders in the nearby villages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The spirit of the mountain&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Some locals believe that the Aladaghlar Mountains are inhabited by a protective spirit, who watches over the land and its people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This spirit is said to bring good fortune to those who respect the mountain and its natural beauty, but misfortune to those who exploit or harm it.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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The Aladaghlar Mountains of northwestern Iran

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.</p>



<p>Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



<p>"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."</p>



<p>When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. </p>



<p>"This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.</p>



<p>“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-the-corbassiere-glacier">Features of the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



<p>The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. </p>



<p>The glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.</p>



<p>A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. </p>



<p>One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. </p>



<p>This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.</p>



<p>The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. </p>



<p>The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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The Corbassière glacier in the Swiss Alps

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured on March 16, 2024 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



<p>"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-fire-season-in-mexico-is-part-of-a-worldwide-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fire activity</a> continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." </p>



<p>According to NASA, the haze contains mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.</p>



<p>"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.</p>



<p>James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.</p>



<p>“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



<p>According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-the-haze">Causes of the haze</h3>



<p>The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. </p>



<p>The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



<p>Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. </p>



<p>Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. </p>



<p>Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.</p>



<p>This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. </p>



<p>With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



<p>Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



<p>Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



<p>Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



<p>Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



<p>For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



<p>There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



<p>Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.</p>



<p>The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp">&nbsp;</h3>

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.</p>



<p>The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. </p>



<p>As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.</p>



<p>The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.</p>



<p>Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.</p>



<p>Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.</p>



<p>Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



<p>“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.</p>



<p>“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”</p>



<p>The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;</p>



<p>It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</p>



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a strong extratropical cyclone, which struck the Pacific Northwest on November 19, 2024.</p>



<p>“The storm knocked over trees and left nearly 600,000 people without power in Washington state on November 20, according to news reports,” noted <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fearthobservatory.nasa.gov%2Fimages%2F153605%2Fextratropical-cyclone-whips-over-the-pacific-northwest&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “This image shows the storm system at 1:50 p.m. Pacific Time on November 19.” </p>



<p>According to NASA, mature extratropical cyclones like this often feature comma-shaped cloud patterns that are the product of ‘conveyor belt’ circulation. “Heavy precipitation is often present near the low-pressure head of the comma.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-extratropical-cyclone-nbsp">Impacts of the extratropical cyclone&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The “bomb cyclone” brought <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-much-does-climate-change-influence-extreme-weather-events%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe weather</a>, including strong winds exceeding 70 mph, heavy rainfall, and snow in higher elevations. These conditions led to significant disruptions, including downed trees and hazardous travel conditions.</p>



<p>In urban and rural areas, damage to infrastructure and properties was substantial, with emergency responders and utility crews working around the clock to restore services.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, mountain passes faced dangerous blizzard conditions, with up to 20 inches of snow accumulating in some areas, severely affecting travel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-pace-of-acceleration">Rapid pace of acceleration</h2>



<p>Chris Dolce is a meteorologist at The Weather Channel. He noted that on the evening of November 19, the storm’s central pressure dropped to levels on par with a storm in October 2021, which saw the lowest pressure in about 50 years of records for that region.</p>



<p>“The pace of the storm’s intensification was more than double the criteria for bombogenesis - a popular term that describes a midlatitude cyclone that rapidly intensifies into a ‘bomb cyclone,’” said NASA.</p>



<p>The rapidly dropping atmospheric pressure at the center of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fcoastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm</a> caused winds to intensify quickly. According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, wind gusts reached up to 77 miles per hour in the mountains southeast of the city.</p>



<p>“The cyclone kicked off a long-duration atmospheric river that forecasters expect will park over Northern California and southern Oregon through November 22. The National Weather Service estimates that these areas could see rainfall totals of 12 to 16 inches over the duration of the storm,” noted NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-extratropical-cyclone">What is an extratropical cyclone?</h2>



<p>An extratropical cyclone is a large-scale weather system that forms outside the tropics, typically between 30° and 60° latitude, and is associated with areas of low pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-source">Energy source</h3>



<p>These cyclones obtain their energy from the contrast in temperature between air masses, such as cold polar air and warm subtropical air. This contrast creates instability and drives atmospheric circulation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-extratropical-cyclones-nbsp">Development of extratropical cyclones&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Extratropical cyclones usually have well-defined warm and cold fronts. They often develop along the polar front, where cold and warm air masses meet.</p>



<p>A common area for their development is the mid-latitudes, particularly in regions like the North Atlantic and North Pacific.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-conditions">Weather conditions</h3>



<p>Extratropical cyclones can bring a variety of <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhuman-activity-is-rapidly-changing-weather-in-north-america%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather conditions</a>, including heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and severe storms. They are responsible for much of the day-to-day weather in mid-latitude regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-vs-extratropical-cyclones-nbsp">Tropical vs. extratropical cyclones&nbsp;</h3>



<p>While <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Ffast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical cyclones</a> derive energy from warm ocean waters and have a warm core, extratropical cyclones gain energy from temperature contrasts and have a cold core.</p>



<p>Tropical cyclones typically lack fronts, whereas extratropical cyclones are defined by them.</p>



<p>These systems are essential in distributing heat and energy across the planet, playing a critical role in the Earth's climate system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caught-off-guard-by-the-weather">Caught off guard by the weather</h2>



<p>The bomb cyclone in the Pacific Northwest highlights the importance of <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fnew-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparedness</a>, as residents were urged to secure loose outdoor items, stock emergency supplies, and avoid unnecessary travel.</p>



<p>The fire department in Bellevue, east of Seattle, posted a Severe Weather Safety alert on Facebook: “It’s severe out there. Trees are coming down all over the city, with multiple falling onto homes. If you are able, head to the lowest floor you can and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it.”</p>



<p>The image was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on NOAA’s JPSS-1 (Joint Polar Satellite System-1).</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Bomb cyclone rapidly intensified in the Pacific Northwest

<p>In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific community tirelessly works on innovative solutions to confront the plastic crisis. Now, an exciting development paves the way towards a different form of ocean-friendly plastic that promotes environmental sustainability.</p>



<p>The team behind this novel innovation comes from the prestigious RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, led by Takuzo Aida.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Science</em>, presents a new plastic variant that is both sturdy and biodegradable with a unique attribute - it disintegrates in seawater. </p>



<p>This means the plastic will not contribute to the mounting issue of microplastic pollution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics-and-nanoplastics">Understanding microplastics and nanoplastics</h2>



<p>Current plastics never fully degrade, they shrink and become even more harmful. Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have broken down from larger plastic items or are manufactured at small sizes. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> are generally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastics</a> are even smaller, typically less than 100 nanometers. </p>



<p>You can find them in everyday products like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and synthetic clothing, as well as from the degradation of larger plastic debris in the environment. </p>



<p>These minuscule plastics are everywhere -- from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-the-tissue-and-skeletons-of-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deepest oceans</a> to the highest mountains -- because they’re so small and lightweight that they easily spread through air, water, and soil.</p>



<p>These tiny particles can be ingested by marine life, birds, and even humans, potentially causing physical harm or introducing harmful chemicals into the food chain. </p>



<p>In ecosystems, they can disrupt habitats and harm organisms that mistake them for food. For humans, there’s ongoing research into the different ways these plastics <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affect our health</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-plastic-pitfall">Overcoming the plastic pitfall</h2>



<p>Ironically, it is the durability of plastic that is its most desirable feature but this also causes its most significant environmental issue.</p>



<p>Plastics linger in the environment for centuries, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, particularly in the ocean. Traditional plastics, which are non-biodegradable, gradually fragment and contribute enormously to environmental harm.</p>



<p>The current biodegradable counterparts like polylactic acid (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLA</a>), while a step forward, remain water insoluble, and fail to degrade in the ocean.</p>



<p>The result is the accumulation of harmful microplastics in our oceans, that threaten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic life</a> and infiltrate our food chains.</p>



<p>Recognizing these challenges, Aida and his team ventured into the realm of supramolecular plastics. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-may-live-an-immortal-life-thanks-to-new-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polymers</a>, with structures held together by reversible interactions, provided a new avenue for exploration.</p>



<p>By combining two ionic monomers, the researchers created a new type of plastic that displays both strength and flexibility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-plastic-material-in-ocean">New plastic material in ocean</h2>



<p>The initial tests used sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, and different guanidinium ion-based monomers. </p>



<p>Since both monomers can be metabolized by bacteria, the plastic biodegrades once dissolved into its components.</p>



<p>The team found that the key to the stability of these plastics  lies in the use of cross-linked salt bridges. The bonds in the plastics are not weak but rather strong and stable.</p>



<p>The critical discovery was creating cross links that are irreversible - unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-new-plastics">Creation of new plastics</h2>



<p>After mixing the two monomers in water, the team noticed two separate liquids. One was thick and viscous, containing the necessary cross-linked salt bridges, while the other was watery with salt ions.</p>



<p>The 'desalting' process became a critical step as, without it, the resulting material was a brittle crystal that was unusable as a plastic.</p>



<p>These plastics exhibit an array of desirable characteristics such as non-toxicity, non-flammability, and the capacity to reshape at temperatures above 120°C, similar to other thermoplastics.</p>



<p>Different types of guanidinium sulfates yielded plastics of varying hardnesses and tensile strengths, comparable or even superior to conventional plastics. </p>



<p>The versatility of the plastic suggests that it can be customized according to necessity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ocean-friendly-plastics">Future of ocean-friendly plastics</h2>



<p>The researchers also tested the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upcycling-plastic-waste-into-valuable-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic's recyclability</a> and biodegradability. Astonishingly, they were able to recover 91% hexametaphosphate and 82% guanidinium after dissolving the plastic in salt water.</p>



<p>Soil tests revealed complete degradation of the new plastic over ten days, even proving beneficial by supplying the soil with phosphorous and nitrogen, akin to a fertilizer effect.</p>



<p>“With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions and, importantly, do not generate microplastics,” said Aida.</p>



<p>This powerful innovation exemplifies the possibilities of combining science, ingenuity, and a commitment to sustainability. With these ocean-friendly plastics, we are one step closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-lab-to-the-real-world">From the lab to the real world</h2>



<p>While this breakthrough from <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/cems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science</a> is exciting, moving it from the lab to real-world use is no small task.</p>



<p>Scaling up production will require fine-tuning the manufacturing process to ensure it's both cost-effective and practical for widespread adoption. </p>



<p>One critical hurdle is how to optimize the desalting step, which plays a vital role in creating the plastic’s unique properties, without driving up production costs. This innovation is a small but significant step toward tackling the massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic problem</a>.</p>



<p>It offers a glimpse of what’s possible when cutting-edge science and environmental responsibility come together. </p>



<p>While challenges remain, this new plastic material could pave the way for a cleaner, healthier world of oceans.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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New type of plastic is recyclable and fully dissolves in ocean water

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the scientific...

<p>Cold sores are annoying, unwanted, and often catch us off-guard, but new research suggests these small nuisances could be an unexpected caution flag for a much scarier health concern - dementia.</p>



<p>Researchers in Sweden have unearthed a link between cold sores and a heightened risk of developing the memory-stealing ailment.</p>



<p>In a long-term study that followed over a thousand elderly individuals for 15 years, a worrying pattern emerged.</p>



<p>The participants who had endured an infection by HSV-1, the pesky herpes virus that causes cold sores, were twice as likely to fall prey to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>.</p>



<p>Even though the team couldn't pinpoint a concrete reason for this alarming correlation, they theorized it might lie with the virus's insidious behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-sores-harbingers-of-inflammation">Cold sores: harbingers of inflammation?</h2>



<p>Once inside your body, the herpes virus (HSV-1) makes its home in the nerve cells - indefinitely. It gives rise to intermittent flare-ups, which could trigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> within the nervous system.</p>



<p>This inflammation may stress and harm the delicate tissue within your nervous system and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>. </p>



<p>Over time, the resulting damage might potentially set the stage for symptoms associated with dementia, like confusion, memory impairment, and gradual breakdown of brain tissue.</p>



<p>This new understanding adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation regarding the link between common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-have-eyes-and-ears-on-their-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> and an increased risk of dementia in later life.</p>



<p>In fact, researchers have also implicated the varicella-zoster virus, the culprit behind ailments like chickenpox and shingles, in affecting brain health. </p>



<p>However, the evidence does not point unequivocally towards a positive correlation in this case, and some studies have refuted any link between these viruses and cognitive decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hsv-1-and-us-an-unwanted-relationship">HSV-1 and us: an unwanted relationship?</h2>



<p>According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the HSV-1 virus affects between 50 and 80 percent of American adults.</p>



<p>Although closely related, this virus is distinct from HSV-2, the pathogen involved in sexually transmitted herpes. </p>



<p>HSV-1 primarily spreads through intimate contact such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-history-of-kissing-it-wasnt-always-romantic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kissing</a> or oral sex, and can even pass from mother to child in the womb, potentially causing serious side effects in children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hsv-1-a-manageable-menace">HSV-1: a manageable menace?</h2>



<p>Once infected, the symptoms can be mild and manageable. </p>



<p>Usual initial signs include a fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, and sores on the mouth and gums.</p>



<p>After the first flare-up, symptoms can disappear entirely, only to reappear periodically as a red, ulcerous sore on the mouth or lip. </p>



<p>In such instances, doctors usually prescribe antiviral medication or suggest over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the discomfort and manage inflammation.</p>



<p>For the longest time, we were under the impression that these unsightly cold sores were the only lingering effects of HSV-1, but recent years have brought a more sinister link to light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swedish-study-cold-sores-and-dementia-risk">The Swedish study: cold sores and dementia risk</h2>



<p>The team of researchers who brought this potential link to our attention hail from <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> and published their findings in the <em>Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease</em> in December 2023.</p>



<p>Their rigorous study followed 1,002 Swedes, of which 80 percent carried HSV-1, over a 15-year span. </p>



<p>By the end of the study, 32 subjects had developed Alzheimer's disease and 63 percent developed some form of dementia - representing 11 percent of the participants in total.</p>



<p>The majority of these individuals, about 89 percent, had herpes.</p>



<p>Even though the team took into account factors like education and genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's, they were unable to adjust for the effect of age or the potential impact of other health concerns like heart disease and diabetes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-studies">A tale of two studies</h2>



<p>The Uppsala study is not the first to explore the relationship between herpes and dementia. </p>



<p>A 2024 study from South Korea involving over 750,000 participants also found that those with HSV and the varicella-zoster virus were more likely to develop dementia.</p>



<p>However, a 2019 review from several UK universities found the link between dementia and HSV-1 inconclusive, and it failed to establish a strong association.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">The verdict</h2>



<p>Dr Jagan PillaI from the Cleveland Clinic believes the studies are not convincing enough to conclude that herpes could cause dementia. </p>



<p>Regarding the 2019 UK study, he suggests that we need better quality studies in future.</p>



<p>Along the same lines, Dr Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Francisco, points out that herpes infection rates are significantly higher than dementia rates, casting doubt on a potential connection.</p>



<p>"Given how common herpes virus infection is [in] young people, I would not let this study concern you too much," she states, reassuringly. </p>



<p>While the link between cold sores and dementia remains tenuous, what is certain is that more comprehensive and high-quality studies are needed. </p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Alzheimer's Disease</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Cold sores and dementia: The unexpected connection

Cold sores are annoying, unwanted, and often catch us off-guard,...

<p>Is America losing its battle against obesity? According to recent data, around 72-75% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. </p>



<p>The harsh reality is that approximately 86 million people struggle to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) of under 25.</p>



<p>This alarming statistic, as described by the researchers in a new study, is nothing short of an "epidemic."</p>



<p>The findings highlight how these trends have become steadily worse over decades, signaling a persistent public health crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-rates-in-america">Obesity rates in America</h2>



<p>Despite this bleak prognosis, there may still be a silver lining in sight. Separate research conducted by the CDC hints towards a possible decline in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-spiked-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity rates</a>, referred to as the "Ozempic effect."</p>



<p>The CDC's national survey, spanning from 2021 to 2023, provides a glimpse into the most recent health trends and shines a ray of hope that mitigates some of the concern arising from the raw data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-invisible-threat">The invisible threat</h2>



<p>Why is there this large-scale concern over obesity? The answer lies in the myriad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a> that come part and parcel with being overweight, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.</p>



<p>Moreover, the burden of obesity extends beyond the individual, as healthcare costs related to obesity totaled a staggering $481 billion in 2016. </p>



<p>The mounting costs and the rising tide of obesity are fueled by several factors, including the accessibility and affordability of healthy, fresh food and the consumer's choice to eat processed foods that are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-average-american-consumes-80-pounds-of-sugar-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high in sugar</a> and fat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-failure-to-tackle-the-epidemic">Failure to tackle the epidemic </h2>



<p>This comprehensive study on obesity rates in America was published recently in the journal <em>The Lancet</em>. The experts collated data from 134 sources that dated from 1980 to 2021.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by a team of over 100 scientists from international organizations, forming a group known as the GBD 2021 U.S. Obesity Forecasting Collaborators.</p>



<p>The CDC's surveys, Gallup polls and long-term studies, like Women's Health Across the Nation, were all part of the rich mosaic of data sources used to curate this extensive research material.</p>



<p>Study lead author Professor Emmanuela Gakidou is an expert in the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>.  </p>



<p>“Our analysis lays bare the decades-long failure to tackle the growing overweight and obesity epidemic in the USA," said Professor Gakidou.</p>



<p>"The catastrophic consequences of the surge in overweight and obesity among children are already evident in the rising prevalence of childhood hypertension and type 2 diabetes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-obesity-in-america">Future of obesity in America</h2>



<p>The research team devised maps depicting areas of obesity prevalence from 1990 to 2021, after segregating data by age and gender. </p>



<p>The experts further extrapolated these trends and built a model to predict scenarios for the next 25 years.</p>



<p>The model predicts that, by 2050, there will be 43.1 million obese or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overweight</a> children and adolescents, and 213 million obese or overweight adults. </p>



<p>This translates to one in three adolescents and two in three adults who will be grappling with obesity.</p>



<p>The most concerning revelation was the increasing trend of obesity among children. </p>



<p>According to research from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>, children struggling with their weight are more likely to develop health issues like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and psychological problems.</p>



<p>They also have a higher risk of dying young compared to children of average weight.</p>



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



<p>Modern pop culture has played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions about food intake and obesity in America.</p>



<p>Muk-bang creators like Nicholas Perry, better known by his username Nikocado Avocado, share videos of themselves binging on massive amounts of food, consuming more than 10,000 calories in a single sitting. </p>



<p>These motivations are predominantly monetary, with Perry amassing 150 pounds and a net worth of $2 million over seven years as a food creator.</p>



<p>However, this trend is not without its casualties. The grim reality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binge-eating-linked-to-a-specific-set-of-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binge eating</a> was highlighted by the tragic death of TikToker Brittany Sauer, who felt she had "ruined her life" with binge eating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-institutional-change">Call for institutional change</h2>



<p>While there have been recent strides made in weight loss - especially with more people turning to GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic - experts suggest that institutional change is necessary to curb obesity in America.</p>



<p>Changes could include everything from widening insurance coverage for weight loss procedures to tightening regulations on sugar and fat content in consumer products, and even making healthy options more affordable.</p>



<p>Public health campaigns focusing on education and awareness are also critical to empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.</p>



<p>"Without major reform, the forecasted trends will be devastating at the individual and population level, and the associated disease burden and economic costs will continue to escalate," concluded the researchers.</p>



<p>The full study is published in <a href="https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-without-immediate-action-nearly-260-million-people-usa#:~:text=Continuation%20of%20these%20trends%20would,%25%20to%2082.1"><em>The Lancet</em></a>.</p>



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75% of U.S. adults are overweight in what doctors are now calling "an epidemic"

Is America losing its battle against obesity? According to recent...

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day </b><span style="font-weight: 400">comes from </span><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400">NASA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> and features a look at the heavy rainfall brought to Australia and New Zealand by tropical cyclones Cook and Debbie.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">According to NASA IMERG data, rainfall totals of over 80 mm were very common from April 5th to 14th as a result of the tropical cyclones. The area west of Wellington on the South Island of New Zealand saw the heaviest rain. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400">By </span></i><a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400">Rory Arnold</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff"><i><span style="font-weight: 400">Earth.com</span></i></a></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400">Source: <a href="http://nasa.gov">NASA</a>/JAXA, Hal Pierce</span></i></p>

Rainfall from tropical cyclones Cook and Debbie