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Significant Shifts in Oral Microbiome During Pregnancy Could Contribute to Tooth Loss

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Maintaining good oral hygiene may be especially important during pregnancy

Chondros Eva Catalin/Getty Images

A popular saying suggests that “if you give birth to a child, your teeth will fall out.” While pregnancy is known to elevate the risk of dental issues, the underlying reasons remain somewhat unclear. Recent studies indicate that the oral microbiome alters during pregnancy, becoming less diverse and potentially more susceptible to inflammation.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are often cited as the main culprits for the increased risk of conditions like periodontal disease and tooth decay. Moreover, there’s a widespread belief that the fetus extracts calcium from the mother’s teeth, a notion that lacks scientific backing.

Disruption of the oral microbiome, which comprises over 700 bacterial species, can lead to dental issues regardless of pregnancy status. However, Yoram Luzon and his team from Bar-Ilan University in Israel aimed to explore whether this typically stable ecosystem shifts during pregnancy. They collected saliva samples from 346 Israeli women across all three trimesters: 11-14 weeks, 24-28 weeks, and 32-38 weeks.

Their investigation revealed a decrease in species diversity in saliva samples starting from the transition between the first and second trimesters, continuing to decline throughout the pregnancy. A notable characteristic was the reduction in the number of species, with Akkermansia muciniphila, often hailed as a beneficial bacterium, declining alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria like Gammaproteobacteria and Synergystobacteria.

“While the oral microbiome is generally stable, we have noted a gradual decrease in its diversity over the years,” Louzoun observes. “Pregnancy accelerates this slow evolution, allowing changes that typically take years to manifest in just nine months.”

Despite being relatively minor overall, numerous factors may contribute to these changes. “Pregnancy involves a multitude of hormonal shifts and inflammation, leading to alterations in your microbiome,” explains Lindsay Edwards from King’s College London. “Dietary changes are frequent during pregnancy, and various factors such as nausea, medication cessation, and altered eating habits all play a role.”

The participants filled out questionnaires regarding their diets and health, allowing the researchers to identify similar yet distinct effects among different women. This included those who followed a gluten-free diet, took antibiotics, experienced stress, or were current or former smokers. “Many women quit smoking during pregnancy, but their prior smoking habits can impact their microbiome,” notes Dr. Luzon, emphasizing the potential long-term effects.

A parallel study found similar changes in the oral microbiomes of 154 pregnant women in Russia during their second and third trimesters.

Although pregnancy heightens the risk of dental complications, particularly in the early stages, Luzon does not definitively link oral microbiome changes to these issues. “We can’t conclude whether these microbiome alterations are beneficial or detrimental, but they are undoubtedly changing rapidly,” he states.

Conversely, Edwards suggests that shifts in microbial composition might be a contributing factor, highlighting that saliva tends to become more acidic during pregnancy, altering the types of bacteria present.

Valentina Biagioli and her colleagues from the University of Genoa in Italy assert that changes in the oral microbiome may correlate with variations in systemic hormone levels, as both systems potentially influence each other. “There exists a plausible biological link connecting the observed microbiome changes to prevalent dental issues during pregnancy, such as tooth loss,” she comments.

Disruption in the oral microbiome has been noted to relate to pregnancy complications. Consequently, establishing what constitutes an optimal microbiome during pregnancy could serve as a benchmark for monitoring pregnancy progression. “Once we establish the baseline oral microbiome of pregnancy, deviations can be detected,” Louzoun states.

Moreover, ongoing research aims to elucidate this microbiome’s role in the immune system, affecting both the health of the pregnant woman and her unborn child. “The microbiome is instrumental in shaping the immune system, fostering a reciprocal relationship,” Edwards explains.

In light of this, enhancing our understanding of how to sustain a healthy oral microbiome (e.g., via good dental hygiene and a balanced, nutritious diet) could yield significant benefits. “Microbiome changes may influence the inflammatory state of expectant parents and better prepare the child’s immune system, potentially affecting long-term health, allergies, infection susceptibility, and chronic inflammatory conditions,” cautions Edwards.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Indicates That Certain Snacks May Contribute to Winter Weight Gain

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Indulging in snacks rich in saturated fats during winter can mislead your body into accumulating more fat, as noted by recent findings.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have uncovered that the types of dietary fat we consume can affect how our bodies recognize seasonal changes.

“Our research indicates that the food you eat plays a crucial role in informing your body clock about the time of year,” stated Dr. Dan Levin, a postdoctoral fellow in neurology at UCSF, in a conversation with BBC Science Focus.

They discovered that consuming more saturated fat—found in red meat, butter, cakes, pies, and various baked goods—activates a protein named PER2, signaling your body that it’s summer and that it needs to store energy for the forthcoming colder months.

Conversely, consuming unsaturated fats (present in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and vegetable oils) influences PER2 to make your body believe it’s winter, prompting it to utilize the energy from food.

These conclusions arose from experiments where the UCSF researchers simulated seasonal transitions by altering light and dark periods for mice.

During the experiments that mimicked spring and fall, mice were exposed to 12 hours of light daily, 20 hours during summer, and only 4 hours in winter.

As the faux winter nights extended, the mice, on a balanced diet, exhibited normal nocturnal behaviors, such as running on wheels as darkness fell.

However, the mice on a high-fat diet took longer to wake up and began their running routine much later after the artificial sunset, indicating a misalignment of their internal clock with the simulated light conditions.

The scientists then assessed the impacts of various dietary fats. Mice consuming a diet abundant in saturated fat were found to wake up several hours later than their counterparts before engaging in physical activity.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and are found in butter, fatty meats, and many baked goods – Credit: Getty Images

As a result, increased saturated fat consumption during these simulated winter conditions appeared to further disrupt the synchronization of the body’s internal clock with the light cycles.

Professor Levin emphasized that, despite being conducted on mice, the relationship between dietary fats and the body clock via the protein PER2 is likely relevant across different species.

“We believe that many insights gained from our mouse studies can be translated to humans,” he remarked. “I am eager to discover any disparities that may exist between species.”

How Our Bodies Prepare for Winter

For both wild animals and hunter-gatherers, adapting to seasonal changes is vital for survival, especially during prolonged, harsh winters when food is limited.

“In nature, fluctuations in water availability, light, and temperature dramatically alter the environment each season, compelling all organisms within the food chain to adjust,” noted Levine.

“For instance, one adaptation is for plants to produce more unsaturated fats, aiding their survival in cold, which causes both herbivores and carnivores to consume and store greater amounts of unsaturated fats.”

Thus, our bodies might be biologically programmed to anticipate higher intake of unsaturated fats as daylight hours shorten.

However, because we have access to the same food options throughout the year, many individuals often disregard this natural dietary shift.

We can indulge in our favorite saturated fat-laden foods year-round, but excessive consumption in the fall or winter can mislead your body clock into thinking it’s still summer.

“In modern society, foods high in saturated fats are abundantly available,” asserted lead author Professor Louis Ptacek, a UCSF neurologist, in BBC Science Focus. “Moreover, we often eat at ‘unnatural’ times due to light conditions. Generally, adhering to a consistent circadian eating schedule during daylight is healthier.”

Levin added that consuming seasonally appropriate foods might also be advantageous, suggesting a potential shift in fat sources throughout the year. However, he stated that further research is needed to validate this strategy.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Nvidia and AMD Allegedly Set to Contribute 15% of China’s Chip Sales Revenue to the US

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Nvidia and AMD have made a groundbreaking agreement to allocate 15% of their revenue from chip sales in China to the US government, a deal aimed at securing a semiconductor export license. The Financial Times reported on Sunday.

This revenue-sharing initiative includes Nvidia’s H20 chips and AMD’s Mi308 chips, with details emerging from US officials indicating that the Trump administration is yet to determine the allocation of these funds.

An anonymous official stated that the chipmakers consented to this Quid Pro Quo arrangement as a prerequisite for obtaining a Chinese export license last week.


According to export management specialists, this marks the first time US companies have agreed to a revenue-sharing model in exchange for export licenses, as reported by the newspaper. Donald Trump has reportedly encouraged these firms to invest in the US to “offset” the tariffs imposed.

In a statement to Reuters, an Nvidia spokesperson mentioned, “We haven’t shipped H20 to China for months, but we are optimistic that export control regulations will enable us to compete globally.”

AMD did not provide an immediate response to inquiries for comment.

Last week, the US Department of Commerce commenced the issuance of licenses to NVIDIA for the export of H20 chips to China, removing a significant barrier to entering key markets.

In July, the US overturned an earlier ban on the sale of H20 chips to China. Nvidia had specifically modified its microprocessors for the Chinese market to align with the Biden administration’s AI chip export regulations.

Nvidia’s chips are pivotal in driving the current AI surge, and the company became the first to surpass a market valuation of $4 trillion in July.

However, Nvidia faces growing scrutiny from Chinese regulatory bodies, with challenges likely to persist. Recently, China’s Cyberspace Watchdog summoned Nvidia to clarify concerns regarding a potential “backdoor” security risk that might grant remote access or control over the chip. Nvidia refuted these claims.

Nonetheless, concerns have been echoed in Chinese state media. Earlier this month, it was reported that officials stated Nvidia needs to furnish “persuasive security proofs” to assuage worries over security risks for Chinese users and regain trust in the market. Additionally, the WeChat national media account highlighted potential security risks posed by the H20 chip, suggesting the possibility of “remote shutdown” features via a hardware “backdoor.” Nvidia has yet to respond to these allegations.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Breakdown of Protein Production May Contribute to Brain Aging

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Ribosome (center) responsible for synthesizing protein (red) from mRNA. Dark purple strands illustrate transfer RNAs involved in protein production.

The underlying factors contributing to cellular senescence may have been uncovered, revealing insights into various aging processes at the cellular level.

Studies on the brains of a type of freshwater fish known as Killifish reveal that as these fish age, their internal protein factories begin to malfunction, leading to critical protein classes being synthesized abnormally and creating a damaging feedback loop.

This revelation could pave the path for innovative approaches to addressing cognitive decline in aging; Alessandro Cellerino from the Leibniz Institute on Aging in Germany states, “Our focus is more on enhancing cognitive function and preventing cognitive impairment, rather than merely extending life span.”

Within cells, the templates for protein synthesis are encoded in DNA. When proteins are required, these instructions are transcribed into mRNA molecules.

This mRNA is then processed and transported to ribosomes, the cellular factories responsible for protein assembly. Ribosomes attach to and traverse mRNA strands, interpreting the three-letter codons and translating them into amino acid sequences, ultimately forming proteins.

Typically, a greater quantity of mRNA leads to increased protein synthesis. However, numerous studies indicate that this relationship falters in aging human cells, suggesting that protein output may diminish even if mRNA levels remain unchanged.

Through their investigation of aging ribosomes in the brains of Killifish, Cellerino and his team may have identified the cause of this phenomenon. Employing advanced imaging techniques, the researchers captured dynamic movements of ribosomes on constrained mRNA.

The findings revealed that, as the Killifish brain aged, an unexpected buildup of ribosomes occurred, particularly at codons for the amino acids arginine and lysine, leading to stalled ribosome activity and incomplete protein synthesis.

Arginine and lysine are crucial for numerous biomolecules associated with DNA and RNA, and their charged nature suggests that these stallings could significantly disrupt RNA and DNA-binding proteins.

These protein malfunctions pose a serious issue, as they are integral to crucial cellular processes such as RNA synthesis, splicing, and DNA repair.

“Aging is associated with increased DNA damage, reduced RNA production, decreased splicing efficiency, and diminished protein synthesis,” explains Cellerino. “We propose that this ribosome stalling binds these diverse senescence phenomena together.”

Moreover, Cellerino notes that ribosomes themselves harbor RNA-binding proteins, creating a detrimental cycle of stalling that further reduces ribosome availability and, accordingly, protein production.

The pressing question remains whether ribosomal stalling is also present in the human brain. Recent work by Jean Yeo at UC San Diego indicates that RNA-binding proteins diminish in aging human neurons, echoing Cellerino’s findings, although the underlying causes are still uncertain. “This change in RNA-binding proteins could explain their declining levels,” Yeo states.

If these observations hold true for humans, it could herald new strategies for treating age-associated cognitive disorders. Additionally, in Killifish, ribosomal stalling triggers stress signals that instigate inflammatory responses. “The persistent activation of this pathway leads to chronic inflammation,” warns Cellerino. “Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in brain aging.”

Experimental drugs that may mitigate this condition by blocking the associated signaling pathways are on the horizon, according to Cellerino.

“However, it is premature to draw definitive conclusions regarding their potential impact on longevity,” he cautions. This uncertainty arises from the lack of understanding regarding the initiation of ribosomal stalling at specific amino acids, as well as whether the same stalling mechanism exists across all organs.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How WWII Wrecks Contribute to Unraveling Space Mysteries

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[The world underwent a profound transformation when project scientists in Manhattan detonated the first atomic bomb on July 16, 1945.

The Trinity test created a radioactive legacy, much like the numerous ground nuclear tests that followed (with a total of 528 explosions), which introduced radioactive particles into the atmosphere.

As a result, the air we breathe now carries a slight level of radioactivity. This has led to unforeseen effects on various materials we produce.

For instance, steel is manufactured by pushing refined oxygen through molten iron ore. Given the radioactivity present in today’s air, the steel produced is subtly radioactive as well.

The fallout from nuclear tests reached its peak in 1963, with levels subsequently dropping over 95% as the radioactive particles in the atmosphere decreased. This decline occurred gradually.

While the steel produced today poses no health risks, its slight radioactivity can interfere with sensitive scientific instruments, particularly those designed for detecting dark matter.

Hence, scientists are on the lookout for materials with minimal radiation contamination. Steel made before the first nuclear explosion in 1945 is particularly valuable for particle physics research because it contains significantly fewer radioactive particles.

Much of this “low-radiation steel” has been salvaged from shipwrecks, including a fleet of 52 German battleships that sank in the shallow waters of Orkney, Scotland.

Even slight radioactivity can disrupt sensitive scientific instruments, like those made to detect dark matter. – Image credits: Science Photo Library

However, the rising demand for low-radiation steel has sparked controversy. In 2017, it was revealed that salvage divers had illegally looted up to 40 World War II warships near Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

This discovery triggered protests from veterans and historians, who regard these wrecks as sacred sites of underwater warfare.

Ancient Roman lead is also prized among physicists for its ability to shield ultra-sensitive experiments from background radiation. Naturally radioactive, lead ore can contain trace amounts of isotope lead 210, which has a half-life of 22 years.

While fresh lead suitable for particle physics takes centuries to produce, Roman-sourced lead had enough time to lose its radiation.

In 2010, Italy’s National Archaeological Museum celebrated a historic agreement to donate 120 lead ingots, recovered from a Roman ship that sank around 80-50 BC, to the Nuclear Physics Institute for use in future experiments.

This article answers the question posed by Henry Becker from Durham: “How does background radiation affect particle detectors?”

For inquiries, please email us at Question @sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate Fun facts for more amazing science content.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Penguin Droppings Contribute to Antarctica’s Cooling Effects

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Adelie penguins on the sea ice off the Antarctic Peninsula

Ashley Cooper Photo/Alamy

Ammonia emitted from droppings in a bustling Antarctic penguin colony contributes to cloud formation.

“This highlights the profound relationship between ecosystems and atmospheric phenomena,” remarks Matthew Boyer from the University of Helsinki, Finland.

The connection lies in how ammonia influences atmospheric particle counts. Cloud formation requires water vapor to condense around significant particles, which are scarce in the frigid, pristine air of Antarctica.

Typically, available cloud formation particles arise from dust, vegetation, or air pollution, primarily sulfate clusters generated by natural emissions from nearby phytoplankton. It has been established that high ammonia levels can enhance the creation of these clusters by up to a thousand times. But where does this ammonia originate in Antarctica? The droppings of penguins appear to be a significant source.

To verify this, Boyer and his team analyzed the concentrations of ammonia, sulfuric acid, and larger particles in the air around Pygoscelis adeliae on the Antarctic Peninsula. “They have a strong odor,” Boyer comments. “They are quite messy birds.”

When the wind blew from the direction of the colony, the ammonia concentrations were significantly higher compared to air from other directions. This uptick in ammonia prompted the formation of sulfuric acid particles large enough to attract condensation, potentially resulting in cloud formation. This phenomenon persisted for several weeks even after the penguins vacated the colony.

Increased cloud cover, particularly at sea, reflects sunlight away from the Earth’s surface, producing a cooling effect. Boyer also notes that declines in penguin populations could lead to warming trends in Antarctica by diminishing cloud cover, particularly due to climate change-driven ocean ice loss. However, current measurements do not adequately estimate the magnitude of this effect.

Other studies indicate significant implications; for instance, Jeffrey Pierce from Colorado State University and his peers have found ammonia in puffin droppings in the Arctic, leading to increased cloud cover during summer, estimating that this cooling effect could offset about one-third of warming caused by carbon dioxide in the region. “I’m confident it has some effect,” states Pierce.

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  • Antarctica/
  • Animal behavior

Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetic Factors Could Contribute to Your Dog’s Weight Struggle, Just Like in Humans

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Have you ever wondered why some dogs look naturally rounded, no matter how much they run around? After all, the same genes that contribute to human obesity are also found in our dogs.

in New genome researchscientists have identified several genes associated with obesity in dogs. This is a gene that we humans share. This means that our favorite furry friends (sorry, cats) will actually help researchers unlock new insights into weight gain, health and complex diseases.

Environmental factors such as Inexpensive availability of ultra-processed foods Scientists, commonly chosen for increased rates of obesity, emphasize that it is a complex condition with a large number of biological root causes. The main factor is hereditary Research from 2007 People estimate that there is 40-70% of people who develop obesity due to genes they inherit from their parents.

As Dr. Eleanor Rafansaid he will lead the academics with new research. BBC Science Focus, “If you're unlucky enough to get the genes that are prone to obesity, it manifests as a bigger appetite and makes it difficult to resist those drives. Slim people aren't morally good. You don't need to show that much willpower to maintain a healthy weight.”

To see if obesity in dogs is also hereditary, researcher Natalie Wallis and her team looked at the genes of a 241 pet Labrador retriever.

Oscar and Isla, and the Labrador used in this study. Photo credit: Natalie Wallis

Using a heterologous approach, they identified multiple obesity-inducing genes shared by dogs and humans. Among these, the gene dennd1b plays an important role in the way our cells process energy – has emerged as a particularly strong genetic association between human and dog obesity.

“By looking at just a few hundred Labrador retrievers, we discovered new biology about the associations of the whole species. We hope that more people will consider using dog genetic models for more scientific discoveries in the future, especially for complex diseases,” Wallis said. BBC Science Focus.

Not only does it provide scientists with new models to understand human diseases, but this study also helps to care for dogs. Pet obesity is on the rise, and at Royal Veterinary College in London Recently, we have reported 1 in 14 dogs It is recorded as overweight every year in the UK.

In the US, 2022 Pet Obesity Association (APOP) Survey It is found that 59% of dogs are overweight, indicating a wide range of issues in pet health. However, up until now, the genetic basis of dog obesity has not been extensively studied.

Dr. Eleanor Lafan takes chocolate Labrador retrievers. Photo credit: Dr. Eleanor Rafan

Understanding pet genetics may be a game changer for their care. “Our results underscore the importance of encouraging exercise and limiting food intake for pet dogs,” says Dr. Rafan.

“Many people still blame the owners of fat dogs, saying they are lazy or extravagant, and the same stereotypes are reflected on obese people. Our data shows that controlling food intake in high-risk dogs is much more difficult. It should actually change the way dogs deal with obesity. They should target high-risk dog owners and support effective management (rather than criticizing them).”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Uber and its CEO contribute $1 million each to President Trump’s inaugural fund

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Uber and its CEO have donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, joining a growing list of technology companies and executives seeking to build good relations with the incoming administration.

This donation was announced by a spokesperson for Uber Technologies. The Wall Street Journal reported that on Tuesday, Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi each donated $1 million to Trump’s fund. Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.

Uber had previously donated $1 million to President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, but Khosrowshahi did not donate to that event, according to the Wall Street Journal. The $1 million donation to Trump’s fund is said to be Khosrowshahi’s largest contribution to a political candidate or presidential inaugural fund.

The donations from Uber and Khosrowshahi add to a growing list of tech companies and executives who have pledged to donate $1 million to the president-elect’s inaugural fund.

Mehta, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed last week that he had donated $1 million to the foundation. CEO Sam Altman of OpenAI also planned to make a $1 million personal donation to the foundation. Amazon is also preparing to donate $1 million to Trump’s fund.

Unlike companies and executives like Mark Zuckerberg, Mehta, and Jeff Bezos, Uber and Khosrowshahi do not have a historically strained relationship with President Trump, making their donations especially significant.

Notably, Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, is the brother-in-law of Vice President and former Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Mr. West took time off to volunteer with Mr. Harris’ presidential campaign before returning to his role at Uber.

Donations to inaugural committees are common among large companies looking to establish better relations with the new administration.

According to Amazon, the company donated $57,746 to President Trump’s first inaugural fund in 2017. Open Secrets reported that other companies such as Google and Microsoft also made donations. Mehta confirmed to the Guardian that he did not donate in 2017.

Recent donations from tech companies and executives come amidst reports of perks being offered to top donors to the president-elect’s inaugural fund. Since Trump’s election win, he has dined with several technology company executives.

In the past month, Trump has dined with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at his Mar-a-Lago mansion. Apple CEO Tim Cook; as well as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Sergey Brin; are among those who have had dinners with Trump. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to have dinner with Trump this week.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Large factory emissions may contribute to snowfall.

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SEI 229454176

Factory aerosols could change clouds in the sky

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Satellite images show that plumes of pollutants from large factories can cause snowfall and leave holes in widespread clouds.

It has long been known that fine particles of soot-like pollutants, known as aerosol pollution, can affect clouds in a variety of ways. Water vapor can condense on pollutant particles and cause cloud formation, and pollutants can also change the properties of existing clouds.

While researching these effects, Vere Thor Researchers at the University of Tartu in Estonia noticed that holes sometimes appear in clouds downwind of major pollution sources. He and his colleagues have now analyzed thousands of satellite images of North America and Eurasia and found 67 locations where this effect can be seen under the right atmospheric conditions.

Weather radar confirmed that these events were causing snowfall. In the largest example the researchers found, up to 15 millimeters of snow fell over an area of ​​2,200 square kilometers (850 square miles).

This happens because pollutant particles freeze around supercooled water droplets in the cloud, creating ice crystals that grow into snowflakes, Toll said. “And as the water comes out of the clouds as snow, you end up with fewer clouds.”

In the absence of particles, water droplets in clouds remain liquid even when the air is as cold as -40°C (-40°F).

This satellite image shows reduced cloud cover downwind of a Canadian copper smelter

Vere Thor

Most of the 67 sources of pollution found by the research team were oil refineries and factories producing metals, cement, and fertilizers. But surprisingly, the researchers occasionally observed similar effects near four nuclear power plants that do not produce any aerosol emissions.

This could be because the warm air rising from these power plants is picking up aerosol pollution from elsewhere, but the researchers have not confirmed this. “There's no clear explanation for that,” Toll said.

In theory, it's possible to intentionally induce snowfall using aerosol effects, but that would only work if a cloud of supercooled liquid water droplets was already present, Tolle said. say.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Storms in California contribute to the creation and maintenance of lakes in Death Valley.

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Following the recent historic heavy rains in California, an unusual event continues to unfold at the lakes of the famous Death Valley.

Officials from the park confirmed that a lake formed in the Badwater Basin in August, typically a salt flat, after heavy rains and flash flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hillary in Death Valley National Park.

Thanks to atmospheric river events over the past two weeks, heavy rain across much of California has caused the lake to last longer than it would have under normal conditions. According to the park’s statement on Thursday, “Most of us thought the lake would be gone by October,” park ranger Abby Wines said in a statement. “We were shocked to see it still here after almost six months. Rain this week will extend the length of time the lake is here. It’s too shallow for kayaking, but It gives us great reflections of the mountains.”

People walk along Lake Manly, a temporary shallow lake in Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, California, on December 24.Abbey Wines/NPS Photo

Death Valley typically only receives about 2 inches of precipitation a year, but in the past six months it has seen just under 5 inches of rain, almost entirely due to Hillary and recent atmospheric river events. This was announced on Thursday.

During Hurricane Hillary, about 2.2 inches of rain fell per day, hitting California as a rare tropical storm, resulting in floods that damaged roads and other infrastructure.

The lake, which at one point was 11 miles long, 4 miles wide and 2 feet deep, spilled out following the heavy rainfall, as reported by the National Park Service.

Death Valley received 1.66 inches of rain earlier this week, according to the National Weather Service said earlier Wednesday. With a 72 hour precipitation report.

Park officials say temporary lakes in Badwater Basin are rare. Once an inland lake named Lake Manly, the basin has long since dried up. The park states that it has existed in the geologic past, and the most recent one dried out approximately 10,000 years ago.

Known for having some of the hottest, if not record-setting, scorching summer temperatures ever recorded on Earth, this week’s highs in Death Valley are in the 50s to 60s. The average high temperature in Furnace Creek usually begins to reach 90 degrees in April. According to the park.

The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, reaching 134 degrees, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Research: How small structures in the wax coating of blue-pigmented fruit contribute to its blue color

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It is perhaps surprising that fruits with blue pigments are less common, since many visually guided fruit eaters have eyes highly adapted to blue sensitivity. However, some fruits do not contain blue pigment. In a new study, scientists from the University of Bristol and elsewhere investigated dark fruits with wax blooms, such as blueberries, plums and juniper cones, and found that structural color mechanisms are involved in their appearance. Did.

The structural color of the wax bloom gives the fruit a blue appearance across a wide range of accessions. (A) Undamaged highbush blueberries growing on the plant. (B) Blueberry (i) unmodified wax, (ii) mechanical wax removal, (iii) chloroform wax removal, (iv) surface application of (approximately) index-matched oil, (v) surface application of water; (vi) peeling off the outer skin to expose the pulp; (vii) the underside of the peeled skin; (C) Transmission light microscopy of a blueberry peel peeled from the inner edge showing red pigmentation of epidermal cells. Scale bar – 200 μm. (D) (i and ii) Plum selection (Plum) Fruits with different cell pigmentation, (i) with wax intact and (ii) with wax removed.Image credit: Middleton other., doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4219.

“You can't 'extract' the blue color from blueberries by crushing them, because blueberries are not present in the highly pigmented juice that can be squeezed from the fruit,” said lead author Dr Rocks Middleton, a researcher at the University of Bristol.

“That's why I knew there had to be something strange about this color.”

“So we removed the wax and recrystallized it on the card. In doing so, we were able to create a completely new blue UV coating.”

This ultra-thin colorant is about 2 microns thick, has a low reflectance, but looks blue and reflects UV well, potentially paving the way for new colorant methods.

“This shows that nature has evolved to use a very neat trick: an extremely thin layer of a vital colorant,” Dr Middleton said.

Most plants are covered with a thin layer of wax, which has multiple functions, many of which are still unknown to scientists.

They know that it is highly effective as a hydrophobic, self-cleaning coating, but only now have they realized how important this structure is for visible coloration.

Now Dr. Middleton and colleagues plan to look at easier ways to recreate and apply the coating.

This could lead to the development of more sustainable, biocompatible, and even edible UV- and blue-reflecting paints.

Additionally, these coatings may have multiple functions similar to natural biological coatings that protect plants.

“It was really interesting to discover that there was an unknown coloration mechanism just beneath the surface of the popular fruit that we grow and eat all the time,” Dr Middleton said.

“It was even more exciting to be able to recreate that color by taking wax and creating a new blue coating that no one had ever seen before.”

“Our dream is to incorporate all the functionality of this natural wax into a man-made material.”

of result It was published in the magazine scientific progress.

_____

Rocks Middleton other. 2024. Self-organized disordered structural colors from fruit wax blooms. scientific progress 10(6); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4219

Source: www.sci.news