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Mysterious haze on Mars puzzles scientists
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A curious plume-like feature was observed on Mars on 17 May 1997 by the Hubble Space Telescope. It is similar to the features detected by amateur astronomers in 2012, although appeared in a different location. - photo by Natalie Crofts
Natalie Crofts
KSL
Published: Feb 19, 2015, 6:47 PM
The discovery of an unusually large, hazy plume on Mars by amateur astronomers is now puzzling the experts.

The plumes appeared on two separate occasions during March and April of 2012 and reached altitudes of 250 km, compared to previous known highs of 100 km, according to the European Space Agency. Scientists published a report that validated the amateurs' findings but only offered theories of what could have created the plumes in the journal Nature on Monday.

"It raises more questions than answers," one of the studys authors, ESA planetary scientist Antonio Garcia Munoz, told BBC News.

The plumes are very unexpected because the division between the planets atmosphere and outer space is very thin at 250 km, according to lead researcher Agustin Sanchez-Lavega. Both times it appeared, the high-altitude plumes changed shape over 10 days before vanishing.

One of the two theories presented in the report is that the plume is caused by a reflective cloud of water-ice, carbon dioxide or dust particles. The second theory is that the plumes were created by an auroral emission similar to Earths aurora borealis.

However, Munoz told BBC News that if either of the theories presented in the report are correct, that means scientists current understanding of Mars atmosphere is wrong.

"I've heard of about four or five different possible explanations," NASA planetary scientist Bruce Jakosky, who did not participate in the research, told Popular Mechanics. "And honestly? I don't like any of them."

The plumes have not yet returned, but the ESA reported that scientists found a set of Hubble images from May 1997 that show an abnormally high plume, similar to that spotted by the amateur astronomers in 2012. The ESA is planning to launch its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in 2016.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.