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The Earth’s freshwater reserves experienced a sudden decline starting in May 2014 and have remained persistently low, according to findings by an international team of scientists utilising NASA-German satellites. Observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission revealed a significant reduction in freshwater stored on land, including lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers. The study, published in Surveys in Geophysics, suggests this shift may indicate a transition to drier conditions across the continents.

Freshwater Reduction Quantified

Between 2015 and 2023, terrestrial freshwater levels were found to be 290 cubic miles below the average recorded from 2002 to 2014, according to Matthew Rodell, a hydrologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. This equates to over twice the volume of Lake Erie. Contributing factors include droughts and increased reliance on groundwater for agriculture and urban needs, which depletes reserves faster than they can be replenished. A 2024 United Nations report on water stress highlighted the societal risks of diminished water supplies, including famine, poverty, and reliance on unsafe water sources.

Impact of Global Warming on Water Cycles

Research indicates that rising global temperatures may be exacerbating freshwater loss. Michael Bosilovich, a meteorologist at NASA Goddard, explained that warming intensifies evaporation and increases the atmosphere’s capacity to retain moisture, leading to extreme rainfall events. While total annual precipitation remains steady, prolonged dry spells between these events reduce soil absorption, worsening drought conditions.

Satellite data showed that global freshwater did not recover after a significant El Niño event between 2014 and 2016, which had caused shifts in atmospheric patterns and widespread droughts. Rodell noted that 13 of the 30 most severe droughts since 2002 occurred after 2015. Although the link to climate change is not definitive, the concurrent timing with record-high global temperatures has raised concerns about the future stability of freshwater resources.

Hydrologist Susanna Werth from Virginia Tech, unaffiliated with the study, emphasised the challenges in predicting long-term outcomes due to uncertainties in climate models. However, the current trends are being closely monitored for further implications.

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Saber-Toothed Kitten Preserved for 37,000 Years Found in Siberian Ice

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November 18, 2024

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Saber-Toothed Kitten Preserved for 37,000 Years Found in Siberian Ice

A 37,000-year-old saber-toothed kitten, preserved in near-perfect condition, has been unearthed in the Siberian permafrost, shedding light on an extinct predator. The discovery was made in 2020 near the Badyarikha River, north of the Arctic Circle. The frozen remains, which include the head, forelimbs, and upper body, belong to the species Homotherium latidens. This late Pleistocene creature, estimated to have lived 35,500–37,000 years ago, offers an unprecedented glimpse into its anatomy and appearance.

Radiocarbon dating and dental analysis conducted by researchers indicate that the cub was around three weeks old at the time of its death. The baby incisors emerging in its jaw served as a key clue. Scientists believe its life was cut short by an abrupt event that left its body frozen in pristine condition.

Detailed Preservation Reveals Unique Features

The kitten’s body, covered with soft brown fur, retains intact whiskers on its lips and well-preserved footpads, alongside sharp claws. Researchers have emphasised the significance of these soft tissues in understanding the anatomy of saber-toothed cats, details that fossilised skeletons have long failed to reveal.

Dr Andrey Lopatin, a palaeontologist from the Russian Academy of Sciences and lead author of the study published in Scientific Reports, noted that the cub’s stout neck is double the thickness of that seen in modern lions. Its muscular build and broad feet suggest adaptations for snowy environments, offering evidence of behavioural traits similar to today’s big cats.

Insights into Evolutionary Distinctiveness

Although Homotherium shared similarities with modern lions, its shorter body, longer legs, and unique proportions were observed even in this juvenile specimen. Dr Lopatin highlighted that this anatomical structure hints at the predator’s ability to hunt in cold, harsh climates.

This discovery broadens our knowledge about Homotherium and also provides a rare, tangible connection to prehistoric ecosystems.

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NASA’s Supercomputing Boosts Space Missions and Climate Studies

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November 18, 2024

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NASA’s Supercomputing Boosts Space Missions and Climate Studies

Supercomputing is transforming scientific research at NASA, aiding discoveries that span from our planet to the farthest reaches of space. At the International Conference for High Performance Computing (SC24), NASA is showcasing how this technology supports critical missions, including the Artemis programme, sustainable aviation, and studies of cosmic phenomena. Dr Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, is set to highlight these advances in her keynote, “NASA’s Vision for High Impact Science and Exploration,” on 19 November.

Redesigning Artemis Launch Systems

Supercomputers at NASA Ames have been pivotal in refining the Artemis II launch environment. The report from NASA revealed that simulations of the rocket plume interacting with the sound suppression system revealed how pressure waves from exhaust gases contributed to damage during Artemis I. These findings have informed redesigns of the flame deflector and mobile launcher to ensure astronaut safety for Artemis II, slated for 2025.

Optimising Aircraft for Fuel Efficiency

Efforts at NASA Ames are also addressing the future of aviation. By using computational models to refine aircraft wing and fuselage designs, researchers aim to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. These simulations demonstrated a potential 4% reduction in drag on existing designs, contributing to greener aviation goals.

Artificial Intelligence Enhancing Weather Forecasting

AI is playing a key role in weather and climate predictions. A model called Prithvi WxC, developed by NASA and IBM, uses vast datasets to create accurate forecasts. With 2.3 billion parameters, it can simulate complex phenomena like hurricane paths and climate shifts, providing valuable insights into extreme weather events.

Unravelling Neutron Star Mysteries

Simulations at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center are advancing the understanding of neutron stars. By combining supercomputing with data from observatories like NICER, researchers have gained insights into phenomena such as pulsars’ magnetic structures and extreme gravitational environments.

Modelling the Sun’s Activity

Detailed 3D models of solar plasma are helping scientists at NASA Ames study the Sun’s turbulent activity. These simulations explore processes driving solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which impact technologies on Earth.

Visualising Scientific Data for Clarity

NASA’s visualisation tools make complex data accessible. Recent projects include simulations of carbon dioxide emissions and solar events, turning raw data into clear, actionable insights for researchers and the public.

Through high-performance computing, NASA continues to unlock mysteries of the universe and develop solutions to challenges on Earth.

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2,200-Year-Old Egyptian Vase Reveals Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals

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November 18, 2024

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2,200-Year-Old Egyptian Vase Reveals Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals

Researchers have uncovered traces of a hallucinogenic beverage in a 2,200-year-old Egyptian vase depicting Bes, a dwarf deity associated with childbirth and merriment. The findings, detailed in Scientific Reports on November 13, suggest the vessel was used during rituals to recreate a mythical tale involving the calming of a sky goddess. The vase, held at the Tampa Museum of Art, was analysed using advanced chemical techniques, including ancient DNA extraction and infrared spectroscopy.

Chemical Composition Indicates Ritual Use

Traces of wild rue, Egyptian lotus, and Cleome plant were detected in the vase, all known for their psychotropic properties, as per a report by University of South Florida. Ingredients like sesame seeds, pine nuts, and grapes were also found, which researchers believe may have been used to mimic the appearance of blood. Human bodily fluids, including saliva and blood, were identified, hinting at ritualistic consumption or deliberate inclusion in the concoction. These findings point towards the use of the drink in reenactments of the “Myth of the Solar Eye,” where Bes pacifies the bloodthirsty goddess Hathor with a spiked, blood-like drink.

The vase may also have been linked to prophetic rituals. Researchers suggest the drink could have been consumed in practices related to the cult of Bes, especially in the Bes-Chambers at Saqqara, where individuals sought dream-induced prophecies. According to Branko van Oppen, curator at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study, the combination of ingredients might have been used during childbirth-related rituals to predict pregnancy outcomes.

Provenance and Future Studies

The vase, acquired by the museum in 1984, came from a private collection but lacks precise archaeological context. The researchers believe the analysis provides critical insights into ancient Egyptian mythological and ritual practices, potentially shedding light on broader cultural beliefs surrounding childbirth and divination. Further studies are expected to explore the significance of such rituals in Greco-Roman Egypt.

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