Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Montgomery Reef in Western Australia, where one of the world's most significant tidal ranges is displayed. 



Montgomery Reef is a remarkable natural formation located in the Kimberley region. This unique reef system covers an area of more than 300 square kilometers, making it one of the largest inshore reefs in Australia.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-montgomery-reef-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Montgomery Reef&nbsp;</h2>



What makes Montgomery Reef especially fascinating is its dynamic nature; during low tide, the reef dramatically emerges from the ocean, revealing a vast expanse of sandstone islets, seaweed-covered coral, and tidal lagoons.



As the tide falls, water cascades down the sides of the emerging reef, creating temporary waterfalls and exposing a rich ecosystem that includes marine life like turtles, reef sharks, and various species of fish and birds, which can be seen feeding in the shallow pools left by the receding water.&nbsp;



This dynamic interaction between the sea and the reef makes Montgomery Reef a popular destination for tourists, particularly those interested in nature and photography.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-montgomery-reef-nbsp">Structure of Montgomery Reef&nbsp;</h2>



Montgomery Reef's current structure is layered over a flat-topped mesa of dolomite and sandstone formed around 1.8 billion years ago, now covered with marine life, including the coralline algae rhodolith. The reef is adorned with both hard and soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>, resilient to the extreme tidal temperature fluctuations and prolonged exposure during low tide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-montgomery-reef-wildlife">Montgomery Reef wildlife</h2>



The wildlife on and around Montgomery Reef is incredibly diverse and includes a wide variety of marine and bird species. The reef is home to an array of marine life such as sea turtles, including the hawksbill and green turtles, which use the reef as a feeding ground. Dugongs can often be seen grazing on sea grasses, while various species of sharks and rays patrol the waters.



Additionally, the reef supports a vibrant population of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, making it a vital habitat in the marine ecosystem. The intertidal zones provide breeding grounds for numerous bird species, including the white-bellied sea eagle and various species of herons and waders.



Montgomery Reef is also significant for its cultural heritage, being part of the traditional sea country of the Dambimangari people, who have a deep spiritual connection to the area. This adds an important cultural dimension to the natural biodiversity of the reef.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-coral-bleaching-event-nbsp">Global coral bleaching event&nbsp;</h2>



Despite their resilience, these corals faced significant stress in 2016 during a global bleaching event that followed a marine heat wave. More recently, in April 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the fourth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global coral bleaching event</a> on record. 



While Montgomery Reef has yet to show signs of bleaching, NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch suggests that corals in southwestern Western Australia and near the equator are currently more susceptible to bleaching risks.



The mass bleaching event has been confirmed in numerous regions, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a>, the Caribbean, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.



Coral bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by elevated sea temperatures, expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that give them color and provide most of their energy. This can lead to coral death if the stress continues for a prolonged period, though recovery is possible if conditions improve relatively quickly.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-address-climate-change-nbsp">Urgent need to address climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The widespread nature of this bleaching event has been attributed to unusually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high sea temperatures</a> and is exacerbated by ongoing climate change.



The impact of such extensive bleaching is profound, affecting not only the biodiversity of coral ecosystems but also the economic and social structures of human communities dependent on these ecosystems for food, tourism, and coastline protection.&nbsp;



NOAA and other scientific bodies are emphasizing the urgent need for global efforts to address climate change and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral resilience</a> through conservation and restoration initiatives​.



The image was captured on April 29, 2024 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Montgomery Reef: A uniquely dynamic ecosystem

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tibetan Plateau</a>. The image was captured on January 25, 2024 by a crew member aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted NASA. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



“Several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the Himalayas, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters. 



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a vibrant and detailed depiction of the Gulf of Oman. The image was captured on March 17, 2024 by the primary sensor on the PACE satellite. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pace-satellite-nbsp">PACE satellite&nbsp;</h2>



NASA launched the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 8, 2024. The mission marks a significant advancement in our ability to study Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems.&nbsp;



The PACE satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), designed to capture intricate details of ocean phenomena that are often invisible to the naked eye. This technology aims to provide new insights into the complex interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compelling-visual-data-nbsp">Compelling visual data&nbsp;</h2>



Less than two months after its launch, the PACE satellite has already begun delivering compelling visual data, thanks to the efforts of NASA engineer Joseph Knuble and his team. Knuble, who serves as the lead instrument systems engineer for OCI, compiled a remarkable gallery of 36 images.



This standout image of the Gulf of Oman has been crafted using a combination of red, green, and blue wavelengths of light, specifically at 630, 532, and 465 nanometers, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-image-of-the-gulf-of-oman">Enhanced image of the Gulf of Oman</h2>



The image Knuble selected is not a natural-color representation but an enhanced one designed to highlight specific details within the water.&nbsp;



This technique allows for a more vivid portrayal of oceanic features, such as the swirling bands of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-remain-surprisingly-active-underneath-arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> bloom. Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted: "The image highlights the beauty and complexity of that area."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-bloom-in-the-gulf-of-oman-nbsp">Phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman&nbsp;</h2>



Phytoplankton blooms, like the one visible in the Gulf of Oman, occur when environmental conditions - such as light availability and nutrient levels - are favorable, leading to rapid growth. These blooms can have significant ecological impacts.&nbsp;



The swirls of green seen in the image likely include Noctiluca scintillans, a type of marine dinoflagellate known for its striking appearances. However, despite their beauty, Noctiluca blooms can deplete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen levels</a> in the water, resulting in hypoxia and creating dead zones that severely impact marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-dynamics-in-the-arabian-sea-nbsp">Changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea&nbsp;</h2>



The changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea are also noteworthy. Historically rich in diatoms, vital components of the marine food chain, the region now sees a dominance of Noctiluca. This shift could be attributed to changes in water stratification and nutrient availability, with Noctiluca thriving under conditions that are less favorable for diatoms.



One of the groundbreaking aspects of the OCI is its ability to detect hundreds of different wavelengths of light. This capability is not just about capturing beautiful images; it provides a critical tool for identifying and differentiating between various types of phytoplankton from space. Previously, such determinations could only be made through direct water samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-health-of-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Tracking the health of marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



The PACE mission is poised to transform our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric interactions. By providing detailed, high-resolution images and data, the satellite will enable scientists to monitor environmental changes, track the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, and better understand the global climate system. 



This mission highlights the importance of continued investment in space technology and research, offering a clearer view of our planet's intricate and changing natural systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-of-oman">Gulf of Oman</h2>



The Gulf of Oman is a strategically significant body of water located in the Middle East, connecting the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then leads into the Persian Gulf. This gulf borders several countries including Iran, Oman, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, making it a crucial geographic and economic zone.



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



The Gulf of Oman is particularly important for its role in global oil transportation. A large percentage of the world's petroleum, as it is shipped from the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf, passes through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and then to various destinations across the globe.&nbsp;



This makes the area not only economically significant but also a hot spot for geopolitical tensions and security concerns.



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



Ecologically, the Gulf of Oman is diverse, hosting various species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> which support local fishing communities. However, the area faces environmental challenges, including the risk of oil spills and the impacts of industrialization and maritime traffic which threaten its marine ecosystems.



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



Additionally, the Gulf of Oman has a rich cultural history, influenced by the various civilizations that have inhabited its shores and traded across its waters. This history is reflected in the diverse cultures of the region today, making it a place of significant cultural heritage.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Gulf of Oman in the Middle East

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Shasta Lake, which has reached near-full capacity for the second consecutive year in 2024. Following similarly high levels in spring 2023, this marks a significant recovery from the severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megadrought-in-the-western-u-s-is-the-worst-in-at-least-1200-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and reduced water levels experienced from 2019 to 2022.



The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of Shasta Lake on May 7, 2024, showing the reservoir at 96 percent of its total capacity, which is 114 percent of the average for that date. By contrast, an image from Landsat 9 in April of 2022 showed the lake at only 39 percent capacity, with the year's maximum reaching just 40 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-shasta-lake-nbsp">Transformation of Shasta Lake&nbsp;</h2>



The turnaround began in early 2023, driven by heavy rains and substantial runoff from an above-average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-record-snowpack-in-the-west-early-melting-could-lead-to-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> in the mountains. By May 29, 2023, the reservoir had filled to 98 percent of its capacity, erasing the visible "bathtub ring" that had marked its perimeter in previous years.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water levels</a> at Shasta Lake began to rise significantly again by mid-January 2024 due to persistent storms, leading to higher levels at the start of 2024 than in the previous year. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-rainfall">Abundance of rainfall</h2>



By mid-February 2024, the reservoir was considered excessively full for the season. In an effort to accommodate more inflow and reduce flood risks, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation increased water discharges to up to seven times the winter baseline rate.



The abundance of rainfall in early 2024 also benefited other state reservoirs like Lake Oroville, which reached full capacity for a second year. Despite ongoing water releases, it held 128 percent of its average capacity in early May 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-gains-nbsp">Groundwater gains&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groundwater</a>, which typically makes up 40 percent of California's water supply and up to 60 percent in dry years, also saw improvements. The California Department of Water Resources reported a net gain of 4.1 million acre-feet in managed groundwater recharge during the last water year (October 2022 through September 2023), marking the first annual increase since 2019.&nbsp;



However, the department estimates it would require five consecutive above-average water years to recover from the deficits of the past two decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-shasta-lake">More about Shasta Lake</h2>



Shasta Lake, located in Northern California, is the largest reservoir in the state. It was created by the damming of the Sacramento River with the construction of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-strategy-fish-species-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shasta Dam</a> in the 1940s. This massive lake is a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, and water skiing.



The lake's surroundings are characterized by scenic landscapes, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest which is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The area is also known for its geological significance, featuring a variety of volcanic features and the nearby Mount Shasta, a prominent volcanic peak.



Additionally, Shasta Lake plays a crucial role in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control in California. Its capacity and strategic location make it integral to the Central Valley Project, which manages the water resources of the region for agricultural, urban, and environmental uses.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Shasta Lake is full for the second consecutive year

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a groundbreaking study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas veiling the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>. 



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study second author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, the dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



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



The study also focused on understanding how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy tendrils of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment. 



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early galaxies, which were common in the young universe.



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



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the European Space Agency (ESA) emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke from fires around the Canadian community of Fort Nelson and streaming east into Alberta on May 11, 2024.



Canada is currently facing an intense start to its wildland fire season, following a severe season last year.&nbsp;



By mid-May, parts of British Columbia were already shrouded in smoke from early and aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, a phenomenon typically seen much later in the summer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-observations-of-canada-fires">Satellite observations of Canada fires</h2>



The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite.&nbsp;



Additional observations by NASA's Terra satellite and others showed the smoke plume rising several kilometers into the air and spreading into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States, where it raised air quality concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-fueled-by-dry-conditions-and-high-winds">Fires fueled by dry conditions and high winds</h2>



One particularly dangerous fire, which ignited on May 10, rapidly expanded southeast of Fort Nelson and a nearby First Nation community, threatening around 3,400 residents.&nbsp;



Dry conditions and high winds from a passing cold front fueled the blaze, prompting immediate evacuation orders for the area.&nbsp;



Cliff Chapman, British Columbia’s Wildfire Service Director of Provincial Operations, advised against travel near Fort Nelson due to the fire's severe intensity and rapid spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holdover-fires-in-canada">Holdover fires in Canada</h2>



To the north, several other fires consumed tens of thousands of hectares. Some of these were "holdover" fires, which persisted under the snow throughout the winter and rekindled in the spring, fed by vegetation dried from ongoing severe drought conditions as per the North American Drought Monitor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-emissions">Carbon emissions</h2>



This year's fire intensity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> in British Columbia are notably high, with Mark Parrington, an atmospheric scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, reporting over 5 megatons of carbon emissions from the province's wildfires by mid-May - marking the highest May emissions in 22 years. 



Parrington's assessments, part of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, utilize data from the Global Fire Assimilation System, which incorporates MODIS fire observations from NASA's satellites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-fires-in-2023">Canada fires in 2023</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 wildfire season</a> in Canada was particularly intense and significant due to a combination of factors including climate conditions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human impacts</a>. 



Throughout the season, Canada experienced an unusually high number of wildfires, which affected vast areas across the country, particularly in regions like British Columbia and Alberta.&nbsp;



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



These fires were fueled by a combination of dry weather, higher than average temperatures, and strong winds, creating challenging conditions for firefighting efforts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality">Air quality</h3>



The smoke from the wildfires had a profound impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a>, not only in Canada but also in parts of the United States, leading to health advisories and concerns over air pollution. The fires prompted widespread evacuations and significant damage to properties and ecosystems. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



The season highlighted the growing concerns over climate change as a driving force behind the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfire events.&nbsp;



The Canadian government and local authorities were actively engaged in firefighting and mitigation efforts, but the scale of the fires called for an increased focus on long-term strategies for fire prevention and forest management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-wildfires-on-human-health">Impact of wildfires on human health</h2>



Wildfires have a significant impact on human health, affecting both physical and mental well-being.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-health">Physical health</h3>



The most immediate health issue is the inhalation of smoke, which contains a mix of harmful gases and fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.&nbsp;



This can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma exacerbations, bronchitis, and other chronic lung conditions.&nbsp;



Additionally, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



Beyond physical health, wildfires can also have a profound effect on mental health. The stress and trauma of experiencing a wildfire, losing property, or being displaced can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, the recovery and rebuilding process can be lengthy and stressful, further impacting mental health.



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



People in affected areas often face challenges with water and food safety due to contamination from fire-related chemicals and debris. The destruction of infrastructure can also limit access to medical care and health services, exacerbating all these health issues.&nbsp;



Overall, the impact of wildfires on human health is complex and can be long-lasting, necessitating both immediate and long-term public health interventions to support affected communities.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Canada's fire season is off to an intense start

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke from fires across Australia’s Northern Territory about one month after the arrival of spring.&nbsp;



According to NASA, a warm and dry start to the season created an environment ripe for blazes in the fire-prone outback.



"About 15 fires raged in the territory on that date, with several burning near Alice Springs, a town of about 25,000 people," said NASA.



"The largest plume of smoke in the image streamed from the Gillens Bore fire, located approximately 85 kilometers north of Alice Springs, along the Stuart Highway."&nbsp;



"As of October 12, the fire had burned almost 19,000 hectares (46,000 acres). Notice a burn scar on Northern Territory’s border with Western Australia. The scar is from the Tanami fire, located north of Lake MacKay."



Bushfires are common in northern Australia during the dry season between March and December. Their severity depends on the amount of dry vegetation that is available as fuel. 



NASA reports that in the Northern Territory, September 2023 was the seventh driest September on a record that goes back to 1900. The region received only 0.4 millimeters of rain.



The photo was captured on October 10, 2023 by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instrument on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fires across Australia’s Northern Territory

The response of Arctic phytoplankton to heatwaves differs significantly from their response to constantly elevated temperatures. The findings from new research broaden our understanding of the complex effects of temperature fluctuations on these crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine organisms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-world-of-arctic-phytoplankton">Fascinating world of Arctic phytoplankton</h2>



Arctic phytoplankton are microscopic algae that form the foundation of the Arctic marine food web. These tiny organisms <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thrive in the cold</a>, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic Ocean and play a crucial role in the ecosystem's health and productivity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem</h3>



Arctic phytoplankton are the primary producers of the Arctic Ocean. They harness the energy of the sun through photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. 



This process forms the basis of the entire marine food chain, supporting a wide range of organisms, from tiny zooplankton to massive whales.



In addition to their role in the food web, Arctic phytoplankton also contribute to the global carbon cycle. As they photosynthesize, they absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate the Earth's climate. 



When phytoplankton die, some of this carbon sinks to the ocean floor, where it can remain sequestered for hundreds or even thousands of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Phytoplankton adaptations to the Arctic environment</h3>



Arctic phytoplankton have evolved unique adaptations to survive in the harsh conditions of the Arctic Ocean. They can thrive in water temperatures near the freezing point of seawater. 



They have evolved special enzymes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-tiny-ocean-creatures-overlooked-critical-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular mechanisms</a> that allow them to maintain their metabolic processes in these extreme conditions.



The Arctic experiences dramatic seasonal changes in light availability, from the 24-hour darkness of the polar night to the constant daylight of the midnight sun. 



Arctic phytoplankton have developed strategies to optimize their light-harvesting abilities, such as adjusting their pigment composition and cellular structures to capture as much light as possible.



Finally, nutrients in the Arctic Ocean are limited, particularly in terms of nitrogen and iron. Arctic phytoplankton have evolved efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-plankton-hold-a-long-record-of-ocean-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient uptake mechanisms</a>, such as specialized transport proteins and symbiotic relationships with bacteria, to maximize their access to these essential elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-paradox-heatwaves-vs-constant-warming">Phytoplankton paradox: Heatwaves vs. constant warming</h2>



The study was conducted by a team led by Dr Klara Wolf from the Universities of <a href="https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamburg</a> and <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Konstanz</a>, and Dr Björn Rost from the Alfred Wegener Institute (<a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWI</a>). The experiments took place at the Alfred Wegener Institute's AWIPEV Station in Svalbard.



One of the key findings of the study is that the phytoplankton's behavior primarily depends on the cooling phases after or between heatwaves. 



"Under stable temperatures, even an extreme increase of +7° C led to accelerated growth and higher productivity, with surprisingly small changes in the composition of species, even over weeks," explains Klara Wolf. 



"In contrast, the effects of heatwaves are considerably more complex and don't follow the same pattern. This implies that our knowledge about constant temperature increases cannot readily be applied to these short-term warm phases, which normally only last a few days," Wolf continued.



The team emphasizes that not just the exposure to increased temperatures has a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on productivity</a>, but also and especially the cooling phases after or between heatwaves. However, very little is known about these effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-puzzle-for-scientists">Complex puzzle for scientists</h2>



Björn Rost, an AWI biologist, highlights the importance of gaining a better understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a> impact the polar regions. 



"Our study represents an important first step and shows which aspects of heatwaves and which phytoplankton-related processes we need to take a closer look at," Rost explained. 



"In addition, our study shows that what we know about the processes and effects of constantly higher temperatures can't simply be applied one-to-one," he concluded.



The study reveals that scenarios involving fluctuating temperatures can produce a broad range of effects, making it more challenging to predict their implications compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-the-food-web">Maintaining the food web</h2>



Phytoplankton form the basis of the marine food web in the Arctic, and changes in their behavior could have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem. 



To develop better projections and models regarding how primary production and the Arctic ecosystem will change in response to climate change, researchers need to investigate not only the effects of mean temperatures but also the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frequent-heatwaves-have-become-the-norm-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature fluctuations</a>.



"While stable warming up to a certain temperature increases productivity, some heatwaves can decrease it, while others increase it," the researchers explain. 



A better grasp of the effects of variable temperatures, especially the cooling phases, is therefore essential to improving forecasts on potential biodiversity changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-lessons-from-arctic-phytoplankton">Climate change lessons from Arctic phytoplankton</h2>



The study emphasizes the crucial role of phytoplankton research in understanding the potential impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on the Arctic ecosystem. Changes at the basis of the food web can impact all higher trophic levels, all the way up to fisheries.



As heatwaves become more common in the Arctic due to climate change, it is essential to continue investigating their effects on phytoplankton and the broader ecosystem. 



By gaining a better understanding of these complex processes, researchers can develop more accurate models and projections, helping to inform conservation efforts and sustainable management practices in the face of a changing climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl5904" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Arctic heatwaves have complex effects on phytoplankton

The response of Arctic phytoplankton to heatwaves differs significantly from...

Dickinsonia,,Extinct,Creatures,Of,The,Ediacaran,Era,,One,Of,The

Scientists have used cutting-edge computer simulations to unravel the mysteries of Earth's earliest animal ecosystems, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-animals-were-very-picky-about-where-they-lived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine animal forests</a>. These virtual recreations have shed light on the crucial role these ancient communities played in shaping the evolution of our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-ecosystems-cradle-of-animal-evolution">Ediacaran ecosystems: Cradle of animal evolution</h2>



The study, published in the journal Current Biology, was led by the Natural History Museum and involved researchers from the University of Cambridge. 



By analyzing fossils from the Ediacaran time period, approximately 565 million years ago, the scientists discovered how these early animals influenced their surroundings by <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ediacaran-ecosystem_dickinsonia-creature_drove-evolution_illustration_UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mixing the seawater around them</a>.



Dr. Emily Mitchell, a co-author of the report from the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Zoology</a>, expressed her excitement about the findings.



"It's exciting to learn that the very first animals from 580 million years ago had a significant impact on their environment, despite not being able to move or swim. We've found they mixed up the water and enabled resources to spread more widely -- potentially encouraging more evolution," Mitchell explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-ediacaran-period">Understanding the Ediacaran Period</h2>



The Ediacaran Period, spanning from approximately 635 to 541 million years ago, represents a fascinating chapter in Earth's history. 



This era witnessed a series of profound changes that paved the way for the emergence of complex life forms and the eventual rise of animals as we know them today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Setting the stage for life's emergence</h3>



The Ediacaran Period began in the wake of the Cryogenian Period, which was characterized by extensive global glaciations known as the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a>" events. As the world thawed and the climate stabilized, conditions became more favorable for the development of life.



During the Ediacaran Period, Earth's atmosphere and oceans experienced a significant increase in oxygen levels. This oxygenation event, known as the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event, played a crucial role in the evolution of complex life forms, as oxygen is essential for the metabolism of most multicellular organisms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dawn of animal life</h3>



The Ediacaran Period is best known for the emergence of the Ediacaran biota, a diverse assemblage of enigmatic life forms that have puzzled scientists for decades. 



These organisms, preserved as impressions in sedimentary rocks, exhibit a wide range of shapes and sizes, from simple discs and fronds to more complex forms resembling modern animals.



While the exact nature of many Ediacaran organisms remains a subject of ongoing research, recent studies suggest that some of these life forms represent early animals. 



Their soft bodies, lacking hard shells or skeletons, have made their preservation and interpretation challenging, but advances in paleontology and modern imaging techniques have shed new light on their anatomy and ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Foundation for the Cambrian Explosion</h2>



The Ediacaran Period saw the emergence of several key evolutionary innovations that would later prove crucial for the diversification of animal life. These include the development of specialized cells, tissues, and organs, as well as the appearance of novel feeding strategies and modes of locomotion.



As the Ediacaran Period drew to a close, the stage was set for one of the most remarkable events in the history of life on Earth: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Explosion</a>. 



This relatively brief period, lasting from approximately 541 to 521 million years ago, witnessed an unprecedented diversification of animal life, with the appearance of most major animal phyla and the development of complex ecosystems.



The Ediacaran Period, with its unique organisms and pivotal evolutionary developments, represents a critical transition in Earth's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mistaken-point-fossils-window-into-the-past">Mistaken Point fossils: Window into the past</h2>



To test the extent of this process in Earth's history, the researchers focused on some of the oldest examples of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-exist-today-ediacaran-period-earth-weak-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine animal communities</a>, preserved in rocks at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, Canada. 



This world-renowned fossil site, sometimes referred to as an "Ediacaran Pompeii," has perfectly preserved early life forms thanks to a protective layer of volcanic ash.



Although some of these life forms resemble plants, a thorough analysis of their anatomy and growth patterns strongly suggests that they were, in fact, animals. 



The exceptional preservation of these fossils allowed the scientists to create digital models of key species, which served as the foundation for further computational analyses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-modeling-and-computer-simulations">Ecological modeling and computer simulations</h2>



Dr. Susana Gutarra was the first author and a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum. She explained further, stating, "We used ecological modeling and computer simulations to investigate how 3D virtual assemblages of Ediacaran life forms affected water flow."



Their results showed that these communities were capable of ecological functions similar to those seen in present-day marine ecosystems.



The study revealed that one of the most significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ediacaran organisms</a> for disrupting water flow was the cabbage-shaped animal Bradgatia, named after Bradgate Park in England. Some of the largest fossils found at Mistaken Point were Bradgatia, with diameters exceeding 50 centimeters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-evolution-and-the-environment">Implications for evolution and the environment</h2>



Through their influence on the surrounding water, the scientists believe that these Ediacaran organisms might have been capable of enhancing local oxygen concentrations. 



This biological mixing could have also had implications for the broader environment, potentially making other areas of the sea floor more habitable and even driving evolutionary innovation.



Dr. Imran Rahman, the lead author and Principal Researcher at the Natural History Museum, emphasized the significance of this new approach. 



"The approach we've developed to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-segmented-animal-fossilized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ediacaran fossil</a> communities is entirely new in paleontology, providing us with a powerful tool for studying how past and present marine ecosystems might shape and influence their environment," Rahman explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-insights-into-ancient-ecosystems">Unprecedented insights into ancient ecosystems</h2>



This intriguing study has opened a new chapter in our understanding of Earth's earliest animal ecosystems. 



By combining state-of-the-art computer simulations, ecological modeling, and the exceptional fossil record from Mistaken Point, scientists have uncovered the hidden secrets of Ediacaran marine animal forests. 



This innovative approach has revealed how these ancient organisms, despite their inability to move or swim, played a crucial role in shaping their environment, influencing the distribution of resources, and potentially driving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-evolution-was-accelerated-by-fluctuating-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary innovation</a>. 



As we continue to explore the complex interplay between life forms and their surroundings, this study displays the power of paleontology in unraveling the mysteries of our planet's past and provides a solid foundation for future research into the evolution of life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224005335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Behavior of sea creatures in Earth's first ecosystem drove animal evolution

Scientists have used cutting-edge computer simulations to unravel the mysteries...

Dogs can imitate human actions from two-dimensional video projections, according to a new study led by researchers from the Department of Ethology at <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> (ELTE).



The experts discovered that the cognitive ability of dogs to process and replicate actions observed in 2D video projections aligns with their everyday observational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-and-experience-help-young-kids-recognize-dog-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> with humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-actions-as-verbal-dog-cues">Human actions as verbal dog cues </h2>



Using the “Do as I Do” training method, the researchers trained two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-communication-what-is-your-pet-trying-to-tell-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> - Tara, a male Golden Retriever, and Franc, a female Labrador Retriever - to imitate human actions, first from live demonstrations, and then displayed on a screen. 



The setup involved life-size video projections streamed via online conference software, enabling real-time interaction between the dogs and their owners, who were located remotely. For example, the owner would spin in a circle in front of the camera of its device and verbally cue the dog to imitate the action.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-ability-to-imitate-human-actions">Dogs’ ability to imitate human actions</h2>



The experiment tested the dogs’ ability to imitate actions observed from three different camera angles: frontal, side and above. The tested actions included walking backward, spinning horizontally, pushing a buzzer button and lying down, among others.&nbsp;



Additionally, the dogs were tested on their ability to imitate novel actions, not included in the training, such as picking up an object, touching a pole with their nose, and knocking down a water bottle.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observational-perspectives-in-dogs-daily-lives">Observational perspectives in dogs’ daily lives</h2>



The results showed that dogs could replicate actions observed from frontal and side angles, which are observational perspectives commonly encountered in dogs’ daily lives with humans.



However, they faced challenges when trying to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/imitation-guides-important-social-decisions-among-parrots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imitate</a> actions from an overhead perspective, which is a less familiar viewpoint.



“Using the Do as I Do imitation paradigm is similar to asking the dogs, ‘What did I just do?’ while showing them on the screen various human actions under different camera angles,” explained study co-author Fumi Higaki, the founder and director of the Ichinomiya Animal Assisted Education Dog Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The dogs responded by performing matching actions based on how they perceived and processed the demonstration. For instance, one of the demonstrated actions included knocking down a plastic bottle, which was demonstrated from an overhead view.”&nbsp;



“My dog Tara observed my demonstration on the screen, looked for the bottle in his room, in front of the screen, and then knocked it down. But he struggled to replicate other actions with an overhead view.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research-nbsp">Broader implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



“This study, even if only exploratory, not only advances our understanding of how dogs perceive and interpret human actions, but more importantly, this innovative method could broaden research into several other potential cognitive abilities, and could also be extended to other species,” concluded lead author Claudia Fugazza, an ethologist at ELTE.



The Do as I Do training method has been employed to study imitative abilities not only of dogs but also of cats, orcas, and various other species. If you are intrigued by this training approach, you can explore it further in the recently published second edition of the authors’ book, now available from <a href="https://www.dogwise.com/do-as-i-do-2nd-edition-using-social-learning-to-train-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogwise</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-imitate-human-actions">How dogs imitate human actions</h2>



Dogs have a remarkable ability to imitate human actions, a skill that's deeply rooted in their history of domestication and their relationship with people. This capability is partly due to their keen observation skills and their social nature, which drive them to engage and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-use-their-tails-more-for-communication-than-movement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interact</a> with their human companions. 



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



When a dog imitates human actions, it is often through a process known as social learning, where the dog watches a human perform a task and then tries to replicate that behavior. This might include simple actions like opening a door, fetching specific items, or more complex behaviors seen in training scenarios such as assistance dogs who perform tasks to aid their handlers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonding-hormone">Bonding hormone</h3>



The inclination to imitate also stems from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interactions-with-dogs-relieve-stress-and-heighten-concentration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bonding</a> hormone, oxytocin, which enhances social learning abilities in dogs. This hormone increases their attentiveness to their human companions and makes them more likely to engage in mimicry. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reward-system">Reward system</h3>



Additionally, dogs are motivated by the rewards they receive from humans, whether those are treats, praise, or affection, reinforcing their imitative behaviors. 



This interplay of biological predisposition and environmental reinforcement helps explain how dogs can effectively mirror human actions in their own way.



The ELTE study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42977-024-00222-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biologia Futura</a>.



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Dogs can imitate human actions from videos

Dogs can imitate human actions from two-dimensional video projections, according...

Microplastics,On,The,Surface,Of,Polluted,Water.,Concept,Of,Global

Microplastics in the ocean are well-documented hazards, posing direct threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> life such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-plastic-items-found-in-deceased-sea-turtles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> and fish. However, a recent collaborative study has uncovered an additional, more insidious risk. 



These tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-kills-ocean-embryos-during-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> not only endanger marine organisms but also compromise the ocean's capacity to mitigate climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-microplastics-on-the-ocean">Impact of microplastics on the ocean</h2>



The ocean has long been a crucial component in the Earth’s carbon cycle, acting as a significant carbon sink. 



This process involves the formation of what is often referred to as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-snow-cools-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine snow</a>," a phenomenon where dead <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, the tiny plants of the sea, clump together and sink to the ocean's depths, effectively sequestering carbon away from the atmosphere.



However, the introduction of microplastics into this environment is altering this age-old process. 



The study, co-authored by researchers from <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a> and the <a href="https://www.unh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a>, reveals that these microplastics increase the buoyancy of marine snow, slowing its descent to the ocean floor. 



“Plastics want to float. If phytoplanktons grow on microplastics in biofilms, instead of as free-living organisms, that changes the buoyancy of the phytoplankton when they die,” explains lead researcher, Aron Stubbins, a professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-down-the-marine-snow">Slowing down the marine snow</h2>



The research team conducted experiments that involved growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> in controlled environments both with and without microplastics. 



They observed the rate at which these clumps sank in cylinders filled with seawater, noting that the descent of phytoplankton entwined with microplastics was approximately 20% slower. 



“Basically, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-sea-turtle-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> are slowing down the sinking rate of the marine snow, which is potentially reducing the efficiency with which the ocean can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” Stubbins says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration-implications">Carbon sequestration implications</h2>



The implications of this slowed descent are profound, especially at a time when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-a-new-ocean-carbon-sequestration-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> is crucial to offsetting human emissions of carbon dioxide. 



As marine snow travels deeper into the ocean, it transports carbon away from the atmosphere, playing a vital role in regulating the Earth’s temperature. The disruption of this process by microplastics could thus have significant effects on global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-ocean-nutrients">Microplastics and ocean nutrients</h2>



A secondary aspect of the study focuses on another troubling impact of microplastics. When exposed to sunlight, these plastics dissolve, releasing organic carbon that bacteria can utilize, subsequently robbing vital nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from phytoplankton. 



This not only slows the growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-phytoplankton-absorb-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> but also diminishes their ability to capture atmospheric carbon, further weakening the biological carbon pump.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Imperative for caution and action</h2>



Microplastics are now ubiquitous in our oceans, and their concentrations continue to rise, posing a potential threat to critical global processes like the carbon cycle. 



“We’re finding that it could be a threat to global scale processes, such as the carbon cycle that is so important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-tiny-ocean-creatures-overlooked-critical-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for all life</a>,” Stubbins states, underscoring the gravity of the situation. 



While definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn about the full impact of microplastics on the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon, the study's findings are a cause for concern and a call for careful consideration and action.



As the research progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the proliferation of microplastics could significantly alter fundamental environmental processes. 



The insights provided by this study deepen our understanding of the ecological roles of our oceans and remind us of the interconnectedness of our actions and the natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030442032400046X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Chemistry</a>.



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Microplastics hinder the ocean's ability to absorb carbon, worsening climate change

Microplastics in the ocean are well-documented hazards, posing direct threats...

In a disconcerting update from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the agency revealed that bleaching has affected nearly two-thirds of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s coral reefs</a> due to significant heat stress in just the past year. 



As of now, an alarming 60.5% of coral reefs globally have been impacted by this phenomenon, and unfortunately, this percentage is on the rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalysts-behind-the-reef-bleaching-crisis">Catalysts behind the reef bleaching crisis</h2>



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-mass-bleachings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass bleaching</a> is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend exacerbated by climate change and a recent El Niño event, which have collectively driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> to unprecedented highs. 



"We are seeing ocean temperatures that are very extreme in nature," expressed Derek Manzello, coordinator of NOAA’s <a href="https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral Reef Watch</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-coral-bleaching">Understanding coral bleaching</h2>



Coral bleaching occurs when corals, under stress, expel the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-coral-reef-symbiotic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic</a> algae residing in their tissues -- algae that provide essential nutrients through photosynthesis. This expulsion turns the corals pale and greatly heightens their vulnerability to starvation and disease. 



Furthermore, the gravity of the current situation is underscored by historical comparisons. The last major global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching event</a>, spanning from 2014 to 2017, affected 56.1% of the world’s reefs, while earlier events in 1998 and 2010 impacted 20% and 35% of reefs, respectively. 



Although the current event has impacted a broader area, Derek Manzello notes that the 2014-2017 episode remains the most severe on record, owing to its duration and intensity. 



However, the ongoing 2023-2024 event may soon exceed it in severity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caribbean-reed-at-the-epicenter-of-bleaching">Caribbean reed at the epicenter of bleaching</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-disease-is-pushing-caribbean-reefs-toward-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caribbean reefs</a> have been particularly hard-hit, with a staggering 99.7% of the Atlantic basin’s reefs experiencing bleaching-level heat stress in the past year. "The Atlantic Ocean has been off the charts," Manzello highlighted. 



A recent study indicated severe coral mortality, ranging between 50% and 93%, in areas like Huatulco, Oaxaca, along the Mexican Pacific.



The situation appears grim as we approach the summer, with heat stress already accumulating in the Southern Caribbean. 



Alarmingly, the thresholds for bleaching have been crossed much earlier in the year than ever before. "This is alarming because this has never happened so early in the year before," Manzello warns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-coral-reef-bleaching-and-its-global-impact">Addressing coral reef bleaching and its global impact</h2>



Looking ahead, scientists anticipate further bleaching events in the Southern Caribbean, around Florida, and at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest reef. 



"El Niño is dissipating, but the ocean is still anomalously hot. It won’t take much additional warming to push temperatures past the bleaching threshold," Manzello explained.



The distressing trend of coral bleaching poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity and the health of ocean ecosystems globally. 



This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate climate change and protect our planet's vital coral reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-save-coral-reefs-from-bleaching">Tips to save coral reefs from bleaching</h2>



Following measures may potentially reduce the current rate of coral reefs bleaching:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Reduce greenhouse gas emissions</h3>



Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Lowering CO2 emissions reduces global warming, which is a major cause of coral bleaching. Elevated water temperatures stress corals, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) they rely on for energy, causing bleaching.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protect-marine-areas">Protect marine areas</h3>



Designate and enforce Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where activities such as fishing and mining are restricted. MPAs provide safe havens for corals and marine life, reducing stress from human activities and increasing resilience against bleaching events.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promote-sustainable-fishing">Promote sustainable fishing</h3>



Implement quotas and regulations to prevent overfishing, use of destructive fishing methods, and bycatch. Healthy fish populations maintain balanced ecosystems, which support coral health. Sustainable practices also prevent physical damage to coral structures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-control-coastal-development">Control coastal development</h3>



Enforce zoning laws and environmental impact assessments for coastal projects. Implement sustainable development practices. Reducing runoff from construction, agriculture, and other activities decreases sediment and nutrient pollution, which can smother corals and promote harmful algal blooms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduce-pollution">Reduce pollution</h3>



Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, improve waste management, and control plastic pollution. Lowering the amount of pollutants entering the ocean prevents water quality degradation that stresses coral reefs. Nutrient pollution can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms that block sunlight and deplete oxygen.



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Over 60% of global coral reefs face bleaching amid rising temperatures

In a disconcerting update from the U.S. National Oceanic and...

Fresh,Green,Corn,Plants,With,Roots

In the vast kingdom of plants, roots serve as the vital "mouths" through which they absorb water and nutrients, anchor themselves, grow, and thrive in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>. 



Yet, the intricate mechanisms behind plant root growth have long remained a mystery. Now, an important study has solved this puzzle, revealing a surprising connection between plant root growth and a biological process familiar to those who practice fasting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-is-the-hero-of-plant-root-growth">Autophagy is the hero of plant root growth</h2>



Researchers from the University of Copenhagen's <a href="https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biology</a>, led by Assistant Professor Eleazar Rodriguez, have discovered that a beneficial clean-up mechanism called autophagy plays a crucial role in the growth and strength of plant roots. 



Autophagy, which is also present in humans and has gained popularity as part of a health trend, helps cells dispose of various waste products during periods without food.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-triggers-remarkable-changes-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fasting</a> has become popular as it seems to have a range of health-promoting effects in humans, as periods without food cause the body to activate a clean-up processes to dispose of various waste products in cells," explains Assistant Professor Eleazar Rodriguez.



"In our study, we have proven that the same mechanism, which also exists in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, plays a vital role in the ability of plant roots to grow and absorb water and nutrients for the rest of the plant," Rodriguez continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-autophagy">Understanding autophagy</h2>



The process of autophagy acts as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/">cellular recycling</a> system, breaking down and repurposing old, damaged, or unnecessary components within the cell. 



By doing so, autophagy maintains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-restriction-slows-brain-aging-and-increases-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular health</a>, promotes survival during stress, and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three types of autophagy</h3>



Cells carry out autophagy through three main pathways:



<ol>
<li>Macroautophagy: This is the most well-known form of autophagy, often referred to simply as "autophagy." In this process, a double-membraned vesicle called an autophagosome engulfs cellular components and fuses with a lysosome, where the contents are degraded.</li>



<li>Microautophagy: In this process, the lysosome directly engulfs small portions of the cytoplasm, including proteins and organelles, through invaginations in its membrane.</li>



<li>Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA): This highly selective process targets specific proteins that contain a particular amino acid sequence. These proteins are recognized by chaperone proteins and directly transported into the lysosome for degradation.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits of autophagy</h3>



Autophagy provides numerous benefits to cells and organisms:



<ul>
<li>Cellular clean-up: By removing damaged or dysfunctional components, autophagy helps maintain cellular health and prevents the accumulation of toxic substances that can lead to disease.</li>



<li>Nutrient recycling: During periods of starvation or stress, autophagy breaks down cellular components to generate energy and building blocks for essential processes.</li>



<li>Immune defense: Autophagy plays a role in defending cells against invading pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, by targeting them for degradation.</li>



<li>Longevity: Increased autophagy has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-may-be-the-secret-to-slowing-down-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased lifespan</a> in various organisms, from yeast to mammals, likely due to its role in maintaining cellular health and preventing age-related diseases.</li>
</ul>



As research continues to uncover the complex mechanisms and far-reaching implications of autophagy, it becomes increasingly clear that this cellular self-cleaning process plays a vital role in maintaining health and preventing disease across various living organisms, from plants to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-growth-has-a-heartbeat">Root growth has a heartbeat</h2>



It is well-known that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auxin</a>, a plant hormone, controls plant growth, including root growth. Auxin acts as a fuel for a kind of heartbeat that pulsates in each root tip of a plant. 



Every four to six hours, auxin levels and the heartbeat in a plant's roots reach a maximum, triggering the growth of new roots.



"The movement of a root is almost like watching a snake slithering forward in search of water and nourishment in the soil. And we can see that the heartbeat is strongest every time the root meanders forth," says Eleazar Rodriguez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-autophagy-in-plant-root-growth">Role of autophagy in plant root growth</h2>



To understand the significance of autophagy in root growth, the researchers disabled the clean-up mechanism in their experiments. The results were striking.



"In our experiments, we disabled the clean-up mechanism to understand its significance. Imagine if every garbage collector in Copenhagen went on strike –- it wouldn't be long before trash filled the streets," notes Rodriguez.



The scientists observed the exact same thing happening in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-and-temperature-collaborate-to-boost-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant cells</a>, as the heartbeats that drive root growth became much weaker and went out of sync.



This allowed the researchers to conclude that autophagy helps maintain the perfect balance of different biochemical components, enabling the most efficient root growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-climate-change">Implications for climate change</h2>



The new knowledge about plant roots could have significant implications in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-way-of-telling-us-what-climate-they-can-survive-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. As extended periods of drought and floods become more common, food security is increasingly threatened. Crops with roots that can grow even in these harsh conditions are crucial.



"Numerous methods to change the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-plants-fight-climate-change-with-a-genetic-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic characteristics</a> of plants are available today. These can be used to get plants to develop longer roots, faster, and in doing so, become more resistant to droughts or floods," explains Ph.D. student Jeppe Ansbøl, a co-author of the study.



"One of the methods enlists the help of bacteria that live in symbiosis with the plant and can cause the plant to change its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-sleap-creating-new-plants-that-help-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth pattern</a>. Several companies in Denmark are working on this right now," noted Ansbøl.



The researchers believe that this new knowledge applies to all flowering plants and potentially more. In principle, crops like tomatoes, potatoes, rice, wheat, and corn could be altered to grow more and denser roots, thanks to this newfound understanding of how plants get their roots to grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-plant-root-growth-autophagy-discovery">Impact of plant root growth autophagy discovery</h2>



The discovery of the role of autophagy in plant root growth represents a significant step forward in our understanding of plants. 



"The more roots the plants have the more water and nutrients they can take, so the plants grow better faster. We're heavily dependent on plants because they feed us, extract CO2 from the atmosphere and produce the oxygen we breathe. As such, it is extremely important to understand them fully, to which end we have just taken a big step forward," concluded Rodriguez.



In summary, by harnessing this new knowledge and applying innovative techniques, such as genetic modification and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial symbiosis</a>, we can develop plants with more extensive and efficient root systems, better equipped to absorb water and nutrients in challenging environmental conditions. 



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of plant biology, we move closer to ensuring food security and sustainability in an ever-changing world, reminding us of the vital importance of understanding the complex mechanisms that sustain life on our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44319-024-00142-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Reports</a>.



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Science finally learns what makes plant roots grow faster and stronger

In the vast kingdom of plants, roots serve as the...

Many of Jupiter's moons have long captivated our imagination. Nestled in the shadow of the gas giant, Europa is believed to harbor a massive, hidden ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/europa_jupiter-moon_hidden-ocean_ice-cracks_NASA_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath its icy shell</a>, a tantalizing prospect for life beyond Earth. 



Now, thanks to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Juno spacecraft, we have a fresh, high-definition look at this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiter-and-the-moon-will-share-a-cosmic-kiss-on-valentines-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmatic world</a>, and it's revealing more than we ever imagined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-s-deep-ocean-and-icy-shell">Europa's deep ocean and icy shell</h2>



Europa, one of Jupiter's largest moons, has fascinated scientists for decades. Its icy surface, unique geological features, and potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harboring life</a> make it a prime target for exploration. 



Europa's surface is covered by a thick layer of ice, estimated to be about 10-15 miles (15-25 kilometers) thick. Beneath this ice, scientists believe there is a vast ocean of liquid water, possibly containing twice as much water as all of Earth's oceans combined. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Geological activity and surface features</h3>



Europa’s icy shell displays a variety of geological features, including:



<ul>
<li>Ridges and bands: Long, linear cracks and ridges crisscross the surface, some stretching for thousands of miles.</li>



<li>Chaos terrain: Regions where the surface ice appears to be broken and re-frozen in a chaotic jumble.</li>



<li>Impact craters: Few in number, suggesting a relatively young and dynamic surface that is frequently resurfaced.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-s-wandering-poles-above-liquid-ocean">Europa's wandering poles above liquid ocean</h2>



Europa is not a static, frozen ball. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amalthea-jupiter-tiny-moon-captured-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno's images</a> support the theory of "true polar wander," a phenomenon where the moon's icy shell shifts and slides over the liquid ocean below. This is like a giant jigsaw puzzle slowly rearranging itself, with new cracks and ridges forming over time.



"True polar wander occurs if Europa's icy shell is decoupled from its rocky interior, resulting in high stress levels on the shell, which lead to predictable fracture patterns,"&nbsp;explains Candy Hansen, a Juno co-investigator who leads planning for the JunoCam.



These shifting plates could have implications for the potential habitability of Europa. The movement of the ice could bring nutrients and energy from the ocean to the surface, creating conditions that might support life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-platypus-region">"The Platypus" region</h2>



One of the most intriguing features captured by Juno is a chaotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/europa_jupiter-moon_shifting-ice_closeup_Juno_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">region nicknamed "the Platypus."</a> 



This area has a jumbled landscape with ridges, hummocks, and dark stains. These characteristics hint at recent surface activity and the potential presence of subsurface water.



The Platypus isn't the only sign of activity on Europa. Juno also captured images that appear to show plume deposits. 



These deposits might indicate that water vapor is erupting from the ocean below the ice. These plumes could provide a direct way to sample the moon's subsurface and search for signs of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-juno-s-research-on-europa">Future of Juno's research on Europa</h2>



Juno's flyby of Europa was brief, but it provided a wealth of information to ponder. It's also a tantalizing preview of what's to come. 



"These features hint at present-day surface activity and the presence of subsurface liquid water on Europa,"&nbsp;said Heidi Becker, lead co-investigator for the Stellar Reference Unit on Juno.&nbsp;



"The SRU’s image is a high-quality baseline for specific places NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper mission</a> and European Space Agency’s (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>’s) <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juice missions</a> can target to search for signs of change and brine," Becker concluded.



These missions will carry a suite of instruments designed to study Europa's composition, surface features, and potential for life. They will map the moon's surface in unprecedented detail, search for plumes of water vapor, and even attempt to sample the subsurface ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eternal-fascination-of-europa">Eternal fascination of Europa</h2>



Europa has always been a source of wonder and speculation. It's a world that challenges our understanding of where life can exist. 



The images from Juno have only deepened this fascination. They reveal a dynamic and active moon. Europa has a hidden ocean that could hold the keys to some of the biggest questions in science.



The journey to Europa is just beginning, and it promises to be a thrilling one. As we continue to explore this distant world, we may find that we're not alone in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>, that life can thrive in the most unexpected places. 



Europa, once a mysterious moon, is now a beacon of hope in our quest to understand the cosmos and our place within it.



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New evidence that Europa is covered by a deep ocean beneath a shifting icy shell

Many of Jupiter's moons have long captivated our imagination. Nestled...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a fascinating satellite view of the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023. The photograph reveals the shadow over North America as the Moon blocked out the Sun&#8217;s light.



&#8220;An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun but is too far from Earth to completely obscure it,&#8221; explained NASA.



&#8220;The Moon is at or near its farthest distance from Earth &#8211; known as its apogee &#8211; during an annular eclipse, making it look smaller in the sky. This leaves the Sun’s edges exposed in a red-orange ring, dubbed the &#8216;ring of fire.'&#8221;



The annular path started in Oregon around 9:13 a.m., then moved across Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, before passing over Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.



According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Texas to Maine on Monday, April 8, 2024.



The image was captured by NASA’s EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) imager aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory, a joint NASA, NOAA, and U.S. Air Force satellite.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Annular solar eclipse casts a shadow over North America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the first significant snowfall of the 2023 snow season in the Rocky Mountains



"A cold front swept across several western states in mid-October 2023, delivering the first significant snowfall of the season to the Rocky Mountains," said NASA.



"The front brought wind gusts, freezing temperatures, and precipitation to Colorado and Wyoming on October 12 and 13 - and covered some high peaks of the Rockies with up to a foot of snow."



The Rocky Mountains stretch more than 3,000 miles from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the U.S.



Snow is a significant feature of the Rockies. Given the high altitudes, many areas receive snow year-round. Peaks and high-altitude locations can have snow even during the summer months.



The Rockies are renowned for winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities, with numerous ski resorts spread throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and other parts of the mountain range.



With heavy snowfall comes the risk of avalanches. It's important for backcountry skiers and hikers to be aware of avalanche conditions, especially after heavy snowfalls or rapidly changing weather.



In the spring and early summer, melting snow feeds rivers and streams throughout the Rockies. This snowmelt is a critical source of water for the region.



The image was captured on October 15, 2023 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Terra satellite, when snow was still visible.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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