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AFP
6 days ago
- Science
- AFP
Fireflies will still light up summers, despite a decline in diversity
"We are the last generation to see fireflies," says text over a July 14, 2025 post on TikTok, which gathered more than 30 million views and includes images -- some of which appear to be computer-generated -- of the little lantern bug. Image Screenshot of a TikTok post taken July 17, 2025 Similar posts expressing concern about extinction gained traction across platforms in July 2025, coinciding with the height of the insect's season in North America, where they are mainly observed between the months of May and September. While climate stressors on certain firefly varieties exist, others have adapted well to urban habitat changes, making it unlikely that they will disappear by the end of the century, scientists say. "In short, no, we will not be the last generation to see fireflies," Clyde Sorenson, a professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology at North Carolina State University, told AFP July 16, 2025 (archived here). There are over 2,000 species of fireflies, found on every continent except Antarctica (archived here). Crepuscular fireflies, such as the Common Eastern firefly, continue to proliferate in big eastern US cities, as they adapt to ambient light and may thus be more resilient to light pollution (archived here). These are what we call habitat generalists, Sorenson explained. By nature, they are highly adaptable species (archived here). Varying adaptability What is at risk over the next generation, however, is firefly diversity, scientists say. Many species that are habitat specialists -- rather than generalists -- live in ecosystems that have been significant human caused changes. They can face threats to their ecosystems due to human development, pesticide use, light pollution, climate change and natural disasters. "Species which use coastal marshes or mangroves could be displaced as sea level rise eliminates their habitats," Sorenson said. This is the case for the rare Bethany Beach firefly, endemic to Delaware wetlands (archived here and here). The Bethany Beach firefly is the first of its type to be proposed for listing as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act, a federal law enacted in 1973 to protect species of fish, wildlife, and plants, as well as their habitats, from extinction. Rising sea levels, in addition to more frequent and severe storms, threaten to degrade and eventually destroy their habitats, with the majority of the Bethany Beach firefly population likely to be lost to high-tide flooding by 2100, according to climate models (archived here and here). "The greatest threats to the Bethany Beach firefly are the compounding impacts from climate change on habitat availability," the US Fish and Wildlife Service said in a September 30, 2024 statement (archived here.) Three main threats other species of fireflies have also been petitioned to be listed on the Endangered Species Act: the Florida intertidal firefly, the southwest spring firefly, the mysterious lantern firefly, and the loopy five firefly. Some are currently under review for acceptance, but none is currently listed as of July 2025. Candace Fallon, a senior endangered species conservation biologist at the nonprofit Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, told AFP that at least 18 species of fireflies in the United States are at risk of extinction (archived here and here). "Up to a third of firefly species may be at risk once we compile enough information to conduct a thorough assessment of data deficient species," she said Sarah Lower, a biologist at Bucknell University, told AFP that it is essential to consider "the greater likelihood of losing" local firefly populations due to human developments and changes in ecosystems (archived here). "If the field next door becomes a paved parking lot with streetlights on all night long," and if that area "represents the last remaining population of a particular species, then that species could go extinct," she explained July 16. Lynn Faust, an advisory consultant on firefly studies with US state and national parks, agreed (archived here). "Fireflies have many, many challenges in today's world. Habitat destruction from development is one of the biggest," Faust, who has studied fireflies for 35 years, said July 17. She added, however: "My personal experience is the fireflies are doing very well as long as the three things I mentioned above are not happening to their habitat." Individuals can contribute to firefly conservation by maintaining native vegetation on their properties, limiting the use of insecticides and reducing night-time lighting as much as possible (archived here). AFP has previously written about other claims misconstruing the impact of changes in climate and human pollution on species and ecosystems.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning on ocean phenomenon that could impact hurricane season: 'It's been notable over the month'
Despite rising sea surface temperatures across the globe, the emergence of an Atlantic Niña has brought cooler waters to portions of the Atlantic. However, experts believe that its potential effects may be short-lived. What's happening? An Atlantic Niña, characterized by persistent cool surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic, typically lasts for at least two consecutive three-month periods. An Atlantic Niña can cool the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean by over one degree Fahrenheit below normal. In August 2024, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration first made note of the potential for the development of an Atlantic Niña. Unlike El Niño and La Niña, which are based in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Niñas are often considered to have less impact on overall weather patterns. However, the cooler surface temperatures in the Atlantic can play a large role in determining the viability of tropical waves coming off the coast of West Africa. Carl Schreck, a senior research scholar with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies at North Carolina State University, explained the inner workings of the weather phenomenon. "An Atlantic Niña is cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Guinea, which tends to weaken the monsoon and easterly waves over West Africa," Schreck told the Cayman Compass. "The strength of that monsoon is a key predictor of hurricane activity, so an Atlantic Niña could reduce activity." Why is an Atlantic Niña important? Although an Atlantic Niña may seem to be good news for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, it appears that the effects will soon dissipate. "It's been notable over the month," said Ryan Truchelut, president of Weather Tiger. "But I don't think it will continue very long. It just doesn't have the kind of persistence that the Pacific events do." According to Truchelut, the writing is already on the wall. "We're already seeing weaker trade winds, and those waters are warming up very quickly. Also, if you go down 25 or 50 metres, it's still warmer than normal." "If the Atlantic Niña was going to persist longer, the cold water would likely go down a lot further. So, I think that this will turn around probably within the next month," Truchelut added. With the Atlantic Niña likely on its way out the door, the waters will eventually warm back up, providing fuel for tropical systems to develop. As warm ocean water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. As this moist air rises and cools, water vapor condenses into clouds and potentially storms. What's being done about the upcoming hurricane season? Because of the potential for such warm ocean waters, many tropical waves that develop into storms have a higher probability of bringing stronger winds and heavier rainfall. This is why, despite the slow start to the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, many experts are still forecasting a highly active summer. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The NOAA is predicting that at least 17 named storms will develop throughout the hurricane season, with up to five of those storms becoming major hurricanes. It's not too late to help reverse the rising global temperatures and the wide array of climate issues that come with them. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuel consumption and turning to renewable energy sources, we may be able to lower our rate of carbon pollution and work toward a cooler and calmer future. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
'Ice cube' clouds discovered at the galaxy's center shouldn't exist — and they hint at a recent black hole explosion
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Two of the strangest structures in the galaxy just got even stranger. Ballooning above and below the Milky Way's center like a massive hourglass, the mysterious Fermi bubbles loom large over our galaxy. These enormous twin orbs of superheated plasma have been gushing out of the galactic center for millions of years. Today, they span some 50,000 light-years from tip to tip, collectively making them half as tall as the Milky Way is long. Now, scientists studying the perplexing bubbles with the U.S. National Science Foundation Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia have discovered something shocking: Nestled deep within the superhot bubbles are gargantuan clouds of cold hydrogen gas that have inexplicably survived in an extreme environment. According to the researchers, these bewildering clouds are likely the remnants of much larger structures that puffed out of the galaxy's center several million years ago. "Think of it like dropping an ice cube into boiling water: a small one melts quickly, but a larger one lasts longer — even as it dissolves," lead study author Rongmon Bordoloi, an associate professor in the Department of Physics at North Carolina State University, told Live Science in an email. "We believe these clouds may be remnants of much larger structures that are currently being eroded by the galactic wind." The discovery could indicate that our galaxy's central black hole experienced a violent outburst of matter more recently than previously thought, Bordoloi added. The research describing the clouds was published July 7 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Baffling bubbles Towering over the galactic center, the Fermi bubbles were discovered in 2010 by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Despite being comparable to our galaxy in size, the bubbles are visible only in gamma-rays, and they overlap with an equally mysterious X-ray counterpart known as the eROSITA bubbles. These bubbles are incredibly hot, with the plasma that makes up the Fermi bubbles reaching more than a million kelvins (nearly 2 million degrees Fahrenheit). It's thought that the bubbles are likely the result of an ancient, violent outburst from the Milky Way's central black hole, which spewed twin jets of matter above and below the galactic plane simultaneously, scooping up nearby matter in the process and flinging it outward into space. Related: Scientists discover rare planet at the edge of the Milky Way, using space-time phenomenon predicted by Einstein The newly discovered cold hydrogen clouds may be remnants of some of that matter, according to the study authors. Spotted with the Green Bank Telescope, the cold clouds range from about 13 to 91 light-years across, making each one many times larger than our solar system. However, for those cold clouds to survive in the superhot environment where they were discovered — well within the Fermi bubbles, about 13,000 light-years above the galaxy's center — they must have been significantly larger when they were first swept up into the thrall of the bubbles, Bordoloi said. RELATED STORIES —Behold, 'The Beast': Gigantic animal-like plasma plume 13 times wider than Earth hovers over the sun —Scientists detect most massive black hole merger ever — and it birthed a monster 225 times as massive as the sun —100 undiscovered galaxies may be orbiting the Milky Way, supercomputer simulations hint "In principle, these clouds shouldn't have survived this long," he added. "Yet they do exist, which gives us a kind of clock: their survival implies that the black hole at the Milky Way's center erupted just a few million years ago. In cosmic terms, that's a blink of an eye." This discovery could help solve a major mystery about the Fermi bubbles by significantly constraining how old they are. This age, in turn, hints that our galaxy's monster black hole may experience violent, sporadic outbursts whenever large amounts of material fall into it, with the last one occurring more recently than previously thought. However, the precise schedule of black hole eruptions in our galaxy remains an open question. "What's clear is that features like the Fermi Bubbles — and more recently, the eROSITA Bubbles — suggest the center of the Milky Way has been much more active in the recent past than we once believed," Bordoloi concluded. Solve the daily Crossword
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
The secret strengths of the female body: Why women outlive men
In a compelling new exploration of human biology, scientists are uncovering the hidden physical powers that help women consistently outlive men, even in the face of adversity and fewer resources. This longevity advantage, long observed in global demographics, is now being linked to surprising anatomical, genetic, and behavioral factors that set the female body apart. Despite having more complex reproductive systems and often receiving less medical attention, female bodies are engineered for resilience. A recent landmark study by researchers at North Carolina State University, including microbiologist Erinenney and forensic anthropologist Amanda Hale, revealed that women have significantly longer small intestines than men. This anatomical difference allows women to absorb more nutrients from the same amount of food, a trait that may have evolved to meet the intense demands of pregnancy and nursing. 'The vast majority of the nutrients you need to nourish your system—especially during reproduction and nursing, such as protein and fat—are absorbed by your small intestine,' explained Hale. This finding supports the "Female Buffering Hypothesis," which suggests that female biology has adapted to better withstand environmental and physiological stresses. Genetics also play a crucial role. Research indicates that the second X chromosome in women provides a protective effect, potentially acting as a "sprinkle of the fountain of youth." Even animal studies have shown that even with male reproductive organs, having two X chromosomes extends lifespan, a phenomenon believed to translate to humans as well. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, is another major player. It not only supports reproductive health but also strengthens the immune system, helping women fend off infections more effectively than men, particularly before menopause. A 2017 study from the Women's Health Initiative found that women who experience menopause later in life (over age 50) tend to live longer than those who enter menopause earlier. While biology sets the stage, behavioral patterns further widen the longevity gap. Data shows that women are less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as heavy drinking and smoking than their male counterparts. They also tend to seek out social connections, which protect against the negative health effects of isolation and loneliness. A 2023 analysis in JAMA Network found that women are less likely to die from drug overdose or suicide compared to men. Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research, with most clinical trials favoring male subjects. This has led to a lack of understanding and sometimes inadequate care for female-specific health issues. However, 2025 marks a turning point, with increased advocacy for inclusion and the emergence of peer support groups and health hubs focused on women's hormonal wellness.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The secret strengths of the female body: Why women outlive men
In a compelling new exploration of human biology, scientists are uncovering the hidden physical powers that help women consistently outlive men, even in the face of adversity and fewer resources. This longevity advantage, long observed in global demographics, is now being linked to surprising anatomical, genetic, and behavioral factors that set the female body apart. Despite having more complex reproductive systems and often receiving less medical attention, female bodies are engineered for resilience. A recent landmark study by researchers at North Carolina State University , including microbiologist Erinenney and forensic anthropologist Amanda Hale, revealed that women have significantly longer small intestines than men. This anatomical difference allows women to absorb more nutrients from the same amount of food, a trait that may have evolved to meet the intense demands of pregnancy and nursing. 'The vast majority of the nutrients you need to nourish your system—especially during reproduction and nursing, such as protein and fat—are absorbed by your small intestine,' explained Hale. This finding supports the " Female Buffering Hypothesis ," which suggests that female biology has adapted to better withstand environmental and physiological stresses. The power of the X chromosome Genetics also play a crucial role. Research indicates that the second X chromosome in women provides a protective effect, potentially acting as a "sprinkle of the fountain of youth." Even animal studies have shown that even with male reproductive organs, having two X chromosomes extends lifespan, a phenomenon believed to translate to humans as well. Estrogen , the primary female hormone, is another major player. It not only supports reproductive health but also strengthens the immune system, helping women fend off infections more effectively than men, particularly before menopause. A 2017 study from the Women's Health Initiative found that women who experience menopause later in life (over age 50) tend to live longer than those who enter menopause earlier. Lifestyle, behavior, and social networks While biology sets the stage, behavioral patterns further widen the longevity gap. Data shows that women are less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as heavy drinking and smoking than their male counterparts. They also tend to seek out social connections, which protect against the negative health effects of isolation and loneliness. A 2023 analysis in JAMA Network found that women are less likely to die from drug overdose or suicide compared to men. Live Events Overcoming medical neglect Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research, with most clinical trials favoring male subjects. This has led to a lack of understanding and sometimes inadequate care for female-specific health issues. However, 2025 marks a turning point, with increased advocacy for inclusion and the emergence of peer support groups and health hubs focused on women's hormonal wellness.
