The still expanding phytoplankton blooms turned the waters of the Bosphorus Strait turquoise.

Over the past few days, the waters of the Bosphorus Strait have sported quite an unusual color. More commonly known for their dark blue tint, these waters are now turquoise. The change, which brought wonder to residents, received an explanation from scientists that attributed it to phytoplankton.

The Brightest Bosphorus Strait since 2012

The Bosphorus Strait is the natural division between Europe and the Turkish city of Istanbul. Connected to the Black Sea, the area’s waters usually have a dark hue. However, every year, their colors darkens or lightens thanks to the spring phytoplankton blooms.

However, this year, the bloom period extended and become much brighter than usual at it is still peaking even in June. NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) captured some stunning images of the event.

“When conditions are right, phytoplankton populations can grow explosively, a phenomenon known as a bloom,” states NASA.

A statement from NASA also offered some further details on the most probable cause behind the water’s turning turquoise. Namely, the aerospace agency explained that phytoplankton are microscopic organisms capable of generating their own food. They can do so with help from dissolved nutrients and sunlight. Usually, these tiny organisms offer support for shellfish, fish, and other marine inhabitants.

NASA states that the observed milky coloration is most likely caused by a particular type of phytoplankton, the coccolithophore. The Emiliania huxleyi, one its species, can adapt and then thrive in any waters from the equator up to sub-Antarctic regions.

This particular type of coccolithophore is also white-calcium carbonate-platted. So a large quantity of its blooms can lead to the appearance of noted milky sheen. Ahmet Cemal Saydam, a professor at the Hacettepe University also points out to this being an ‘explosion’ of Emiliania huxleyi blooms.

He also points out that this could be beneficial for anchovies, which are a staple food in the city.

Image Source: Wikimedia

DRC health authorities are looking to try and stop a possible outspread of the Ebola virus.

Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC health authorities are stepping up their efforts in trying to prevent a possible outspread of the Ebola virus. They are doing so as the WHO declared that the country is facing an epidemic.

The latest reports from the organization show that the number of cases rose to 37 from the previous 29. Also, the WHO considers that a fourth person may have also died, besides the three suspected and/or confirmed cases.

DRC Health Authorities Will Expand their Epidemiological Surveillance

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the DRC was facing an outbreak on May 12^th, after the Congolese Ministry of Health confirmed the death of one of the confirmed Ebola patients.  Since April 22^nd, 37 suspected cases of an Ebola infection were reported.

Now, the local DRC health authorities will be extending their efforts in trying to stop a possible spreading. The first reported death occurred in the Likati health district, situated in the Aketi, Bas-Uélé province. This is a remote forested region, located about 1,400 kilometers to the N-E of Kinshasa, the capital city.

Families have been leaving the area in trying to escape an infection. But this is also raising concerns as they may be unknowingly and unwillingly carrying the Ebola virus.

So, DRC health authorities from North-Ubangi decided to expand their epidemiological surveillance. This will now include the Wapinda zone, situated some 2 kilometers from the Likati health district.

“The three health areas that constitute the epicentre of the disease are located within 2km of the Wapinda health district,” Davos Davene is quoted as saying.

The doctor is the head of the North Ubangi provincial division of health. Dr. Davene did confirm the finalization of a contingency plan at a provincial level. This will try and prevent the killer disease and its expansion.

The isolation of the Likati health district, as well as its low population density, have been contributing to the yet limited spread of the Ebola virus. The fact that the local population is almost entirely self-sufficient also influenced the outspread.

Still, health authorities have sent mobile laboratories in the region for quicker testing potentially affected people. They are also monitoring the 416 people to come into contact with the sufferers.

Image Source: Flickr

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower will peak this week on May 5 and 6.

Be sure to get up early and turn your gaze skyward this weekend. That’s when the annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower will be at its peak.
Usually visible to the human eye annually between April 19 and May 20, this year, the meteor shower started being visible on April 2o and will still be seen up until May 28. The best time to view the meteorites this year will be in the early morning hours of May 6, according to NASA.

This year, the best period to see the meteors will be in the early morning hours of May 6, according to NASA.
The Eta Aquariids are one of two meteor showers created by debris from Halley’s Comet. The source of this nighttime event come from the Aquarius constellation, from which they also take their name. The second meteor event produced by Halley’s pass is the Orionid Meteor Shower. This is expected to peak around Oct. 20 this year.

How to best view the Eta Aquariid

Meteor showers occur when dust grains passing through the Earth’s atmosphere are burned up. Where you live has a direct correlation on which way you should look to see the meteors.

Reside in the northern hemisphere? Look to the southern horizon. Those living in the southern hemisphere should look north. Folks living along the Gulf Coast of the United States and as far south as Miami will have the best view of this nighttime event.

To have the best perspective of the Eta Aquariids, head outside a couple of hours before dawn. Experts anticipate that viewers of this celestial show will be able to see as many as 30 meteors an hour streak in the sky.

For the best view, lie on the ground and look up at the sky. This will ensure a full panorama of the horizon and will also prevent you from having a sore neck.

This year’s Eta Aquariid event will not be marred by light from a bright moon. When the shower reaches its zenith, the moon should have already set. Still, take an hour or so off for watching the show. The human eye must first adapt before it can see and distinguish the meteorites against the sky.

Image Source: Flickr

According to the most recent reports, a mysterious illness continues claiming lives in Liberia.

According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), a mysterious illness continues claiming lives in Liberia. Since April 23^rd, there have been 12 deaths and 22 cases of the illness. These include an unmentioned number of children. Three of the reported cases are still hospitalized in Sinoe County’s Francis Grant Hospital. Four people have been discharged.

Tarik Jasarevic, a WHO spokesperson, offered details about the state of the hospitalized people. He said they have stabilized and their state seems to be improving. Jasarevic also offered details about the current investigation into this mysterious illness.

Health officials are trying to determine and track down any potential active cases as they are also tracing contacts. At the same time, an epidemiological investigation is already underway. Specialists will be looking to establish the exact cause and source of this disease.

The WHO is currently consulting with the leaders of the affected local communities. It is also trying to mobilize people via social networks. WHO is encouraging and advising any person that feels sick to get checked at a hospital.

This Mysterious Illness Requires Special Measures

Jasarevic stated that, as the cause of the illness is still unknown, extra protective measures has to be taken in the hospitals treating these patients. These resemble those taken during the Ebola crisis, as hospital staff has to wear personal protective equipment and the patients are kept in isolation.

Health officials already tested the affected people for Ebola as well as the Lassa and yellow fever. However, these were all ruled out. The mysterious illness symptoms include confusion, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.

Sorbor George, Liberia’s Ministry of Health Communication Director stated as follows.

“April 25, we got a call from the Sinoe County health team about a series of unexplained deaths. We are still not aware of what killed them.”

He then added that local authorities have sent samples to the Atlanta US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Liberian health care authorities are conducting new tests and will also be relying on the help of the international community in determining the nature of this mysterious illness.

According to reports, most of those affected attended a funeral before falling ill. Still, authorities “don’t want to be specific” and are still looking for the exact cause. Evidence suggests exposure or ingestion to a contaminant as a possible cause, but authorities will keep an eye open for other possible reasons.

Image Source: Wikimedia

April 22nd marks the height of the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower, one of the brightest such shows.

 

This week marks the height of the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower, one of the brightest shows in our cosmic neighborhood. The Earth will be passing through the trail of a comet discovered in 1861. This latter’s remaining pieces will come shooting through the sky in what always promises to be a good show. Considering the fact that the moon will be a crescent, there will likely be little interference in areas with clear skies and away from cities.

How Best To View the Lyrid Meteor Shower

“It would be best to face towards the northern half of the sky with the moon at your back.” At least according to an AMS recommendation.

The Great Barrier Reef seems to have reached a new critical point in its fight against coral bleaching

There has been much talk in the news about the Great Barrier Reef and the different attempts to save this ecosystem from the damages brought on by coral bleaching.

The Great Barrier Reef is considered the biggest living structure on our planet. However, the latest analysis shows that it seems to be nearing its end. Scientists just announced that many reef portions are dying and that they have now reached the point of no recovery. This is likely to lead to more negative effects than initially believed.

The Mass Coral Bleaching May Lead To Seemingly Unavoidable Problems In The Ecosystem

The Great Barrier Reef hosts a great variety of species, from mollusks to sharks and, of course, corals. All of the above and below sea creatures depend and rely on these structures. Over the past 20 years, the Great Barrier Reef has gone through 3 massive coral bleaching events and is currently in the middle of its fourth.

This latest one is also seen as the gravest one yet, as it directly followed the third such event, which took place just a year ago. Although specialists, as well as nature lovers, have been trying to save it, the coral bleaching degradation has reportedly reached a point of no return.

If the water will start cooling down, at least some of the coral reefs will have a chance at recovery. But if the temperatures continue to rise, they will most likely continue to bleach and fade away for good. This event is expected to continue as the global temperatures are increasing as well.

The latest survey showed that 932 miles out of the total 5,000 miles of the Great Barrier Reef are now completely bleached. Presently, the corals are still alive, but they will most likely start fading if left unpopulated.

Coral bleaching takes place as the waters start warming. As they do so, the corals start ejecting a symbiotic alga that is essential for their survival and which live in their tissues.

Image Source: Pixabay

The United States and China are ready to join the Paris Climate Accord

The United States and China signed the Paris Climate Accord

President Barack  Obama said on Saturday that the United States and China joined Paris Climate Accord. The agreement these two countries signed is  an important step in motivating other nations to join the Accord. They want to make reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions and reduce global warming. Things are going for the better, but there has to be more investment in eco-friendly technologies if we want things to change.

Unfortunately, there are Republican members of the United States Congress who do not agree with this actions to reduce the greenhouse emissions. This makes things difficult for the President, as he wants this country to be an example of how to deal with global warming.

The Republicans are against Barack Obama’s plans

The Republicans did not threat to take down the law. They just released states arguing that the global agreement will not have any results. Moreover, they said that Barack Obama just wants to give the impression he can achieve its climate agenda, although the Congress did not agree with his plans.

The United States promised to cut emissions and make more actions to protect the world from climate change. President Barack Obama things that they can achieve their goal with the Congress, but the future president should be involved in this issue. However, there are people who think this would mean bad news for the United States economy and they are not ready to do these changes in the future.

The United States and China joined the Paris Climate Accord on Saturday after they met in Paris with leaders of the most important countries in the world. They are all trying to cut the emissions and develop plans against climate change.

The world tries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Republicans are not expected to do something about the President’s decision, especially when they are focused on the elections. We will see who will be the future President and if he/she will continue to support the Paris Climate Accord. The fact that the United States joined this agreement is important for the world. There are countries that will follow its example and will try to reduce the greenhouse emissions.

The Paris Climate Accord is one of the most important agreements. Global warming is a threat and even there are people who do not want to see it, our world is changing and will be more dangerous for us to live in some areas and enjoy our life.

Image source: Wikipedia

Tragedy stroke again among the migrants who try to cross the Mediterranean Sea while fleeing from Libya, with 40 deaths confirmed on Saturday. According to the Italian navy commander of the rescue ship, the people travelling on the overcrowded smuggling boat apparently died because of fuel fumes.

This year alone, tens of thousands of migrants have been putting their lives in danger by starting a perilous journey over the Mediterranean. Most of them are in search of asylum in Europe, and smugglers have taken grave advantage of their poor situation.

Whether they were fleeing from poverty, war or persecution, the 320 migrants were thankfully saved by Cmdr. Massimo Tozzi. Even though a formal investigation has yet to take place, first responders reported that “from inhaling exhaust fumes” seems to be the chief cause of death.

Reports from the navy ship Cigala Fulgosi describe a dreadful situation of what was happening on board of the smuggling boat; the bodies of the dead were found in the hold, “lying in water, fuel, human excrement.”

A final death toll of the tragedy is yet to be released, but Tozzi said children and women were among the survivors, who were crying for the tragic death of their husbands and children who didn’t make it in the crossing.

Survivors were eventually brought to an Italian port, after being transferred to a ship working with the Frontex mission, a European initiative that aims to save the lives of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

Unfortunately, this event is not singular, as desperate people all over the Mediterranean are trying to reach safety by all means, even if it comes in the shape of an inflatable dinghy that can be sunk so easily. A group of Turkish migrants spent a dramatic night this way, trying to stay alive, in an attempt that paints a picture of desperation for the safety of Europe.

According to a report released by the International Organization for Migration, more than 2,300 migrants have perished at sea this year alone during a crossing. Most of them turn to smugglers for help, which often proves to be a matter of misplaced trust.

Rescue organizations might never be able to report all the casualties, as many smuggling boats are believed to have sunk without rescuers knowing. With the number of migrants attempting to reach Europe hitting a record this year, a universal call is being issued to all European countries to come together and lend a hand of hope.
Image Source: Star FM Online