Phytoplankton in the waters around Antarctica are changing – and the shift could have big consequences for the climate and the entire Southern Ocean ecosystem.
Over the past 25 years, scientists have used satellite data to track changes in the makeup of these microscopic organisms.
Their findings point to a long-term, climate-driven transformation in the region’s marine environment – one that could weaken the ocean’s ability to capture and store carbon.
Detecting shifts in phytoplankton
The study was focused on data from the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative (ESA’s CCI) and more than 14,000 samples collected between 1997 and 2023. The goal was to analyze changes in phytoplankton populations.
Alexander Hayward, Earth System Scientist at the Danish Meteorological Institute and lead-author on the paper, explained how the research team used ESA’s CCI data in the study.
“We built machine-learning models using in-situ samples, which we then combined with data from the European Space Agency, such as sea surface temperature, ocean color and sea ice concentration, to track changes in different phytoplankton groups over time,” Hayward explained.
Decline in diatoms
The team identified key changes in the balance of phytoplankton types across the Southern Ocean.
“We observed major reductions in diatom populations between 1997-2016 – a period where sea ice increased,” noted Hayward.
“From 2016 onwards, the satellite record revealed a slight rebound in Antarctic diatom populations, and a related group of marine algae – cryptophytes – rapidly proliferated.”
The researchers found that diatoms – large, carbon-absorbing phytoplankton – fell sharply during the first two decades of the study.
After sea ice retreated in 2017, diatom numbers began to recover in some regions, while smaller phytoplankton such as cryptophytes and haptophytes continued to grow.
In West Antarctica, however, diatom populations have continued to decline.
Not all phytoplankton are equal
Phytoplankton are the foundation of the Antarctic marine food web. Diatoms, haptophytes, and cryptophytes make up the bulk of the microscopic life in these waters.
Diatoms alone account for nearly half of the phytoplankton here, with haptophytes close behind.
But these organisms don’t all play the same role. Diatoms are heavy hitters when it comes to carbon.
Their hard silica shells trap carbon dioxide, and when diatoms die and sink, they carry that carbon to the ocean floor. They also feed krill – the tiny crustaceans that feed whales, penguins, and seals.
The smaller types, like haptophytes and cryptophytes, don’t store carbon as effectively. So a long-term shift away from diatoms could weaken one of the ocean’s most important carbon storage systems.
“If we observe a decrease in the number of diatoms, it is likely that the biological carbon pump will weaken, resulting in less carbon dioxide being transported to the deep sea,” said Hayward.
“Now more than ever, we need more research and observation to monitor the changes in this sensitive ecosystem. What’s happening at the microscopic level could impact the climate itself and needs our attention.”
Satellites track phytoplankton shifts
You might wonder how a satellite flying 815 kilometers above Earth can tell anything about microscopic plankton. It doesn’t see the organisms directly. Instead, satellites like Copernicus Sentinel-3 measure the light reflected off the ocean’s surface.
Changes in that light – especially in the green and blue parts of the spectrum – signal the presence of chlorophyll and other pigments used in photosynthesis.
Different phytoplankton groups have distinct pigment profiles. When combined with data from water samples, these color signals help scientists map where different phytoplankton are and how their populations are changing over time.
Climate, carbon, and the ocean
Phytoplankton extract carbon from the air, fuel entire ecosystems, and are closely connected to climate change. But long-term records of how these creatures function exist in short supply.
That is why ESA is creating a new project known as Phyto-CCI. It will utilize advanced satellite methods for tracking phytoplankton changes from space, and make it possible for scientists to comprehend their contribution to ocean health and the global climate.
As this research illustrates, the Southern Ocean is already in transition due to climate pressures. What will follow depends not only on ice and temperature – but also on these invisible microorganisms that underpin the entire food chain.
The full study was published in the journal Nature.
Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
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SEOUL, Aug 20 (Yonhap/APP): Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Wednesday relations with Japan are “very important” with many opportunities for mutual cooperation.
Kim made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese delegates visiting Seoul to attend the Korea-Japan Forum, as President Lee Jae Myung was set to visit Tokyo later this week for summit talks with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
“With the launch of the new administration, South Korea and Japan are moving forward on a future-oriented path,” Kim said. “The two countries have a very important relationship with many areas of mutual cooperation, and the president’s decision to visit Japan was made in that context.”
The Japanese delegates expressed Tokyo’s commitment to continue efforts in building “a more mature, robust and future-oriented” bilateral relationship.
The delegation included former Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Yasumasa Nagamine, acting chair of the forum, and Japanese lawmakers.
The Korea-Japan Forum is an annual forum launched in 1993 to promote high-level talks between the two countries.
Lee was set to depart for Tokyo for a summit with Ishiba, before traveling to Washington for his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 25.
This exploratory qualitative design study is part of a sequential multi-methods research project developing and testing the feasibility of a multicomponent tailored intervention targeting sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity among nursing home residents at risk of, or with sarcopenia. The qualitative results were reported following the COREQ checklist [19] to ensure comprehensive standards and transparency, while drawing on Braun and Clark’s guidelines for thematic analysis reporting [20].
Setting
Two public-private partnership nursing homes with 85 beds and 120 beds, respectively located in cities in Hunan Province, China. The localities comprise high-aged populations, with in 2023, 22.2% of people aged 60 and older, above the national average of 21.1% [21]. The nursing homes were selected based on facility type (i.e., size, nursing home provision) and geographical location within Hunan province to reduce logistical challenges related to transportation, communication, and institutional policies.
Sample size and selection of participants
Criterion-based purposive sampling was applied to residents (i.e., by age, risk of sarcopenia) to include participants central to the study’s focus. Maximum variation purposive sampling was used for staff (i.e., by professional roles, work experiences) to reflect diverse perspectives on the study’s topic. The planned sample size comprises approximately 20 residents and 10 staff, guided by the concept of information power [22] and related studies [23, 24], continuously evaluating participant group size based on study relevance and quality of data. Inclusion criteria for residents were those aged 60 years and over, with mental capacity to give informed consent, and at risk of sarcopenia. Residents’ risk of sarcopenia was identified using sarcopenia case-finding criteria recommended for research and clinical care using the Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia. The criteria consist of: (1) Presence of any of the following clinical conditions: functional decline or limitation; unintentional weight loss; depressive mood; cognitive impairment; repeated falls; malnutrition; and/or chronic conditions (e.g., heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease). And (2), if no clinical conditions above are present: low calf circumference (male < 34 cm, female < 33 cm), or score of Strength, Assistance in walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire ≥ 4, or score of SARC-F combined with Calf circumference (SARC-CalF) questionnaire ≥ 11. Inclusion criteria for staff were individuals working at the selected sites with three months or more experience in long-term care, including managers, registered nurses, and healthcare assistants.
Finally, 26 participants (14 residents and 12 staff members) included in this study. A total of 20 interviews were conducted, with 17 individual interviews (14 residents and 3 staff) and 3 small group interviews with 9 staff (Table 1). Although the final numbers slightly differed from the initial plan, the achieved sample was sufficient. No new themes emerged in the final interviews, and given the study’s narrow focus, sample specificity, and high-quality data, the sample provided adequate information power to address the research aims. Of the 30 participants approached, 2 residents were unable to participate due to severe hearing impairment and lack of cognitive capacity, and 2 staff were excluded due to limited working experience. Most participants were female (residents 57% and staff 83%). Residents were mean age 78.7 years. Most residents had a primary education (n = 6), followed by junior high (n = 4) and high school (n = 3), with one resident being without formal education. Their duration of residence in nursing home was evenly distributed across short-term (≤ 1 year, n = 5), mid-term (1–3 years, n = 4), and long-term (≥ 3 years, n = 5). Professional roles of staff included managers, registered nurses, and healthcare assistants, with most (n = 7) having over three years of experience in nursing homes.
Table 1 Characteristics of participants (n = 26)
Recruitment
Residents and staff were separately identified, approached, and recruited face-to-face. For residents, study flyers were posted on bulletin boards in the nursing home sites. Researcher (YM) introduced the study to potential participants using an information sheet and, with staff assistance, gauged residents’ willingness to participate. Residents mental capacity to give informed consent was assessed according to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, focusing on understanding, retaining and weighing up relevant information, and communicating their decision [25]. Residents were asked to talk through detail in the information sheet to check understanding and recall, encouraged to discuss the pros and cons of participating with staff and/or family, and to express their choice clearly verbally or through other means [25]. Researcher (YM) made every effort to maximise residents’ autonomy, for example for those with impaired capacity, iterative communication methods (i.e., oral, and written information, body language) were used [26]. Any questions were addressed, and at least 24 h were provided for decision-making.
For staff, the study was introduced during informal meetings. They were given at least 24 h to decide on participation, and informed that their decision would not affect their work or rights. Separate individual or small group interviews were scheduled for managers, nurses, and healthcare assistants, following informed consent.
Participation in the study was entirely voluntary, and no financial or material incentives were offered to either residents or staff. Participants were informed that they would not receive any personal or financial benefit from taking part, and that their decision to participate or not would have no impact on their care, treatment, or employment status. Participants were assured that they could withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without any adverse impact on their accommodation or care (for residents), or their employment or working conditions (for staff).
The researcher (YM) was highly attentive to the potential vulnerability of nursing home residents due to advanced age and multimorbidity. All participants were also informed about the potential consequences of participation, including the minimal risks and possible fatigue and emotional discomfort during interviews.
Data collection
Data collection involved semi-structured interviews conducted between January and March 2023, carried out individually with residents and either individually or in small groups with staff members. All data collection was completed by YM, a local of the study area, fluent in the local dialect and customs, and a registered nurse and PhD candidate in nursing trained in qualitative research and supported by an experienced qualitative researcher (CE). Interviews were conducted face-to-face in Chinese and with the researcher’s fluency in the local dialect enabling rapport with participants and understanding of cultural cues and dynamics during interviews. Individual interviews with residents were conducted in their rooms or public areas based on their choices. The median interview length was 49 min (range: 23–106 min), with adjustment into shorter interviews according to the situation of the interviewee. Individual or small group interviews with staff were undertaken in the nursing home, in an office or meeting area. In small group interview, semi-structured interviews are conducted with several people at the same time. It sought to prioritise individual input within the group, with for example directing questions to each person to ensure each could contribute [27].
To minimise fatigue and distress during interviews, participants were offered the option of multiple shorter interview sessions, with breaks as needed. For example, one resident completed the interview in three sessions averaging 15 min each. During interviews, participants were regularly reminded that they could pause or stop the interview at any time. The interviewer monitored participants for signs of discomfort and responded by offering breaks or stopping the interview if requested. No participant reported distress or chose to withdraw during or after the interview.
The interview topic guides included sections for collecting demographic data, exploring participants’ experiences with sitting/lying/reclining time reduction and physical exercise, and identifying reasons for engaging in or avoiding sedentary reduction and exercise. The Behaviour Change Wheel, centred around Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model [28], informed the design of the interview topic guides. Questions were designed to assess residents’ physical abilities, residents’ and staff’s understanding, knowledge, and skills (Capability) related to reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity for nursing home residents (Behaviour). External factors that might facilitate or hinder physical activity, such as social support from staff or family, available resources, and the physical environment (Opportunity) were covered. Participants’ reflective (e.g., beliefs and intentions) and automatic (e.g., emotions and habits) responses (Motivation) were also considered. Interview topic guides were adjusted separately for residents, senior staff (managers and nurses), and healthcare assistants (Supplementary material). Pilot interview conducted by YM with a researcher (YZ) and a nursing home resident refined and confirmed the topic guide’s relevance and accessibility. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded with consent. Field notes recording interview process, contextual factors, participant responses and reflexive journaling recording personal reflections were completed after interviews and used in the data analysis.
Data analysis
Interviews were transcribed verbatim by YM and a bilingual (Chinese and English) postgraduate student with transcription experience and checked for accuracy by YM. Data underwent codebook thematic analysis (framework method, primarily inductive with supplemental deductive) [29, 30]. This was achieved by combining inductive data analysis with deductive theoretical interpretation to enhance the relevance and applicability of results. MAXQDA 2020 software was used for analysis. The analysis process started with transcription and data familiarisation. Inductive coding was then conducted line by line by two Chinese researchers (YM and LC) in Chinese, for half of the interviews (n = 10). Four bilingual (Chinese and English) researchers (YM, HC, YZ and LC) reviewed the coding and translated the codes, sub-themes/themes, and key quotes in English. An English working analytical framework was developed after initial coding, reviewed, discussed, and agreed upon by the wider team (CE, MM and AB) and bilingual researchers (HC, YZ and LC), with iterations continuing until no new codes were identified. This framework was then applied to subsequent transcripts, with some codes combined and no new codes developed. Data were summarised into a framework matrix using a spreadsheet, included references to illustrative quotations.
The Ecological Social Theory [31] was used post-coding to contextualise and organise emerging themes and codes within a multi-system perspective, covering microsystem (individual), mesosystem (organizational), exosystem (family), and macrosystem (societal factors), that influence sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity in nursing homes. This theory recognises the ecology of human growth and development, emphasising the complex interplay of individual, socio-cultural, and environmental factors [31]. We interpreted and discussed the results with consideration of field notes and reflexive journaling. Our findings were reported in a descriptive way.
In addition, a Theory of Change logic model, previously developed through a systematic review [32], provided a theoretical model for interventions addressing sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity in nursing homes. Theory of Change is a pragmatic framework used to plan, describe and evaluate the processes through which a desired change or outcome is expected to occur [33]. Theory of Change presented in a logic model visually illustrate the relationships between intervention activities and desired outcomes, outlining underlying assumptions and contextual factors. The findings of this study were applied afterward to update and contextualise the model, particularly for Chinese nursing homes.
Establishing rigour and trustworthiness
Credibility and auditability are crucial criteria for assessing the rigour and trustworthiness of qualitative data [34]. Three strategies were implemented to strengthen credibility and auditability: (a) audio-recording and verbatim transcription of the interviews, (b) investigator triangulation was applied during data analysis through independent coding followed by group meetings for data analysis and interpretation, (c) maintaining a detailed audit trail, which included comprehensive records of data collection methods, coding decisions, analysis procedures, and their rationales [34], and (d) data triangulation was achieved by including participants from diverse stakeholder groups, residents and staff in various roles (nurses, healthcare assistants, and managers), to ensure a broad range of perspectives on the phenomenon under study. Chinese transcripts were initially coded in their original language, then reviewed and translated by four bilingual team members, resulting in an English working analytical framework that was reviewed, discussed, and agreed upon by co-authors until no new codes emerged. In line with Braun and Clarke’s guideline on thematic analysis reporting [20], YM, as the lead researcher, used reflexive journaling to engage in critical reflections on how the position as a PhD student and registered nurse with limited clinical experience shaped interactions with participants and influenced the research process [35].
Ethical considerations
Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the King’s College London (KCL) Research Ethics Committee (Ref: HR/DP-22/23-33808). The researcher (YM) conducted fieldwork in China with the support of the China Scholarship Council. Although not affiliated with a Chinese institution, formal permission to conduct the study was granted by the management of the two participating nursing homes in Hunan province, who acknowledged the KCL ethical approval as sufficient.
To protect participants’ privacy, all transcripts were anonymised by removing any personally identifiable information and assigning unique ID number to each participant. The audio recordings were securely stored on a password-protected device accessible only to the research team. After transcription, the audio files were deleted to further ensure confidentiality. The anonymised transcripts are stored securely and will be destroyed within the specified time in accordance with the ethically approved data management plan.
All procedures adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki [36], including obtaining written informed consent from all participants, ensuring autonomy, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Thunderbird has revealed more about Thunderbird Pro, its optional paid subscription service, and the new productivity tools it currently has in development.
First announced in April, Thunderbird Pro includes three main services: Thundermail, Appointment, and Send. Each of these tool are open source, available for community review, and can be self-hosted for users who prefer to run their own infrastructure.
SEE ALSO: Thunderbird 141 delivers email stability, fixes, and smarter security reminders
The Mozilla brand stresses the goal is not to replace the core Thunderbird desktop or mobile apps, which remain free and supported by donations, but simply to provide extra functionality for users who need it.
Thundermail will be the center piece of the new offerings. It is Thunderbird’s first email hosting service and will support IMAP, SMTP, and JMAP from launch, ensuring compatibility with Thunderbird itself as well as other clients.
Users will be able to connect their own domains or choose an address ending in @thundermail.com or @tb.pro. Servers will initially be located in Germany, with more regions planned in the future.
Appointment, the scheduling tool, is also moving forward. Although it began life as a standalone web app, the roadmap now calls for direct integration with the Thunderbird compose window, making it easier to insert meeting links without leaving the email workflow.
Planned features include multiple meeting types and, in the future, group scheduling once standards evolve to fully support it. Thunderbird says it is taking part in discussions around protocols such as VPOLL to help with that.
Send rounds out the current trio of services. Built on the existing Filelink feature, it will offer end-to-end encrypted file sharing directly from Thunderbird.
Pro subscribers will start with 500GB of storage, with no individual file size limit beyond the quota. Planned updates include chunked uploads for reliability and improved encryption to maintain security. Send will receive updates outside of major Thunderbird releases.
Thunderbird Pro’s future
Looking ahead, Thunderbird says it is also exploring potential Pro services such as markdown-based notes or even collaborative tools, although these are still under consideration. Another project, called Assist, could be added to integrate privacy-focused AI features into email workflows, but that is also only being considered at the moment.
The team stresses that Thunderbird Pro is entirely optional. Core Thunderbird applications on desktop and mobile will continue to be free, with subscription revenue going towards offsetting the costs of storage and bandwidth rather than replacing donor support.
What do you think about Thunderbird Pro and its planned services? Let us know in the comments.
Ku’damm 77, the latest installment in the long-running hit German period drama series, will have its world premiere at this year’s international TV trade fair MIPCOM, which runs Oct. 13–16.
The three-part historical drama, created and written by Annette Hess (The Weissensee Saga, Interpreter of Silence) and directed by Maurice Hübner (Kitz, Family Braun), continues the story of the Schöllack family, centered around the “Galant” dance school on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm. Set in 1977, the series follows three generations living under one roof as they navigate themes of emancipation, self-discovery, and social change.
The returning cast includes Sonja Gerhardt, Maria Ehrich, Claudia Michelsen and Emilia Schüle, joined by new members Carlotta Bähre, Marie Louise Albertine Becker, Massiamy Diaby, Florian Stetter and Aziz Dyab.
The premiere will take place on Oct. 14 in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals, with a screening followed by a Q&A with the creative team and cast.
Ku’damm 77 follows the earlier series Ku’damm 56, Ku’damm 59 and Ku’damm 63, which were ratings successes in Germany and sold to more than 30 territories worldwide. The franchise was previously nominated for an International Emmy. ZDF Studios is handling worldwide sales of the series.
Produced by UFA Fiction for ZDF, the series is overseen by producers Marc Lepetit, Nico Hofmann and Markus Brunnemann, with Heike Hempel, Bastian Wagner and Beate Bramstedt serving as commissioning editors at ZDF.
Markus Schäfer, president and CEO of ZDF Studios, called the selection for a world premiere in Cannes “proof of the importance of German drama series in this top-class international arena,” adding that the company expects Ku’damm 77 to achieve similar success to earlier installments.
Lucy Smith, director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJunior, said the franchise’s “authentic, universal, and compelling storytelling has struck a chord with audiences,” and welcomed its return to the international stage.
Last year, MIPCOM Cannes drew more than 10,500 delegates from more than 100 countries, making it the largest global market for television and streaming content.
England are set to tour Sri Lanka ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tour will kick off with three ODIs from January 22 and would be followed by a three-match T20I series, starting January 30.
This will be England’s maiden limited-overs tour to the Island Nation in over seven years and is seen as crucial preparation for their third T20 World Cup title bid.
England’s last visit to Sri Lanka
England last toured Sri Lanka in 2018, winning the ODI series 3-1 and the lone T20I match.
The last T20I encounter between these two teams was during the 2022 T20 World Cup that England won.
In that group stage, England beat Sri Lanka by four wickets.
This upcoming tour will be a chance for both teams to renew their rivalry ahead of the global tournament.
Preparations for both teams
Before the England-Sri Lanka series, Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series away from home, as per the ICC.
Meanwhile, England will clash South Africa at home, starting September 10 in Cardiff.
These matches will serve as preparations for both teams ahead of their respective series and the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup in India, Sri Lanka
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March. India will enter as the defending champions as they lifted the trophy in 2024. England won the 2022 edition in Australia after beating Pakistan in the final.
