A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> reveals what is going on inside of your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-brain-interactions-have-an-influence-on-diseases/">brain</a> when you get lost in a fictional fantasy. The experts discovered that the more immersed we become in the lives of our favorite characters of fiction, the more our brain activity reflects how much we identify with them.
&#8220;When they think about a favorite fictional character, it appears similar in one part of the brain as when they are thinking about themselves,&#8221; said study lead author Timothy Broom.
The research was focused on self-described fans of the HBO series &#8220;Game of Thrones.&#8221; The individuals were instructed to think about themselves, nine of their friends, and nine characters from the drama series. The participants also reported on which character they felt closest to and liked the most.
According to Broom, Game of Thrones was ideal for this study because it attracted a devoted fan base and the large cast presented a variety of characters that people could become attached to.
One of the key findings involved participants who scored highest on &#8220;trait identification.&#8221; These individuals agreed most strongly with statements like &#8220;I really get involved in the feelings of the characters in a novel.&#8221;
&#8220;People who are high in trait identification not only get absorbed into a story, they also are really absorbed into a particular character,&#8221; said Broom. &#8220;They report matching the thoughts of the character, they are thinking what the character is thinking, they are feeling what the character is feeling. They are inhabiting the role of that character.&#8221;
The researchers used an fMRI machine to measure activity in various parts of the brain through small changes in blood flow. As the participants&#8217; brains were scanned, they were evaluating themselves, their friends, and Game of Thrones characters. 
A part of the brain called the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is known to show increased activity when people think about themselves and, to a lesser extent, when they think about close friends.
While in the fMRI, the individuals were shown a series of names &#8211; including themselves, friends, or characters &#8211; along with a trait, such as lonely, sad, trustworthy, or smart. The participants simply said &#8220;yes&#8221; or &#8220;no&#8221; to imply whether the trait fit the person.
As expected, the vMPFC was most active when people were evaluating themselves, less active when they evaluated friends, and least active when they evaluated characters from Game of Thrones.
However, among those who were high in trait identification, the vMPFC was more active when they thought about the fictional characters than it was for participants who identified less with the characters. This region of the brain was particularly active when the individuals evaluated the character they identified with the most.
Study co-author Dylan Wanger said the findings help explain how fiction can have such a big impact on some people.
&#8220;For some people, fiction is a chance to take on new identities, to see worlds though others&#8217; eyes and return from those experiences changed,&#8221; said Wagner.
&#8220;What previous studies have found is that when people experience stories as if they were one of the characters, a connection is made with that character, and the character becomes intwined with the self. In our study, we see evidence of that in their brains.&#8221;
The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/scan">Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience</a>.
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

What happens in your brain while you're lost in fiction

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin. Hands move, feet follow, and the world stays in front of their eyes. Yet a surprising slice of the population has reported slipping loose, hovering a few feet up, and seeing their own body from the outside. 



The phenomenon is called an out-of-body experience (OBE), and its meaning has long puzzled science.



Researchers estimate that anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of global adults have touched this odd territory at least once.



Such accounts crop up in emergency rooms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-deeply-enhances-meditation-insights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation retreats</a>, and even on living-room couches during an afternoon nap. 



Pilots under high G-forces have logged them, and neurologists have induced similar sensations in lab volunteers by tickling a small patch of brain behind the right ear. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-the-strangest-trip-of-all">OBEs: The strangest trip of all</h2>



OBEs share a common script: sight and touch split. People feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-human-brain-adapts-to-weightlessness-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weightless</a>, hear the room dimly, and watch themselves from above. 



Laboratory work links the effect to the temporoparietal junction, the brain’s traffic circle for balance, vision, and the sense of owning a body. 



When signals there clash - because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, epilepsy, lack of oxygen, or a virtual-reality headset - the mind may decide to leave its usual seat.



Historical texts show that monks, shamans, and soldiers have all written about brief departures. Modern imaging backs them up: the body stays put. 



Yet cardiology monitors sometimes register sudden drops in heart rate during an OBE, hinting at a reflex that calms the nervous system when things feel too intense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveying-the-floaters">Surveying the floaters</h2>



After years of scattered anecdotes, a fresh survey from the <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> School of Medicine takes stock. The team surveyed more than 500 adults who were certain they had floated. 



Four out of five said it happened between one and four times; the rest reported at least five departures. Most first left their body in childhood.



Nearly three-quarters called the event spontaneous. Nine percent linked it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabians-burned-harmal-plants-to-heal-and-protect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychoactive compounds</a>, while 8.2 percent said meditation, visualization, or similar practices did the trick. Only 0.7 percent pointed to hypnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-and-the-stress-connection">OBEs and the stress connection</h2>



The new data reveal a heavy shadow of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hardship</a>. Many participants recalled medical trauma or abusive homes. 



They also carried more mental-health diagnoses than peers who had never floated, and the likelihood of a diagnosis increased the longer it had been since that first OBE. 



Many people who’ve had out-of-body experiences (OBEs) worry there’s something wrong with them and keep quiet out of fear of being judged. 



“Unfortunately, many mental-health professionals still view these experiences in the same way,” said Weiler, a neuroscientist with UVA’s <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Division of Perceptual Studies</a>.



Weiler’s team found that individuals who’ve had OBEs often report poorer mental health than those who haven’t. 



However, the researchers believe OBEs may act as “a coping mechanism in response to past trauma,” rather than a sign of illness. 



They urge clinicians to reconsider how they view these experiences and to meet them with “greater openness and sensitivity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gains-from-leaving-the-body">Gains from leaving the body</h2>



The survey also tracked unexpected upsides. Fifty-five percent of participants said the experience changed their life; seventy-one percent felt a lasting benefit; and forty percent called it the greatest thing that had ever happened to them. 



Many described a lighter view of death, deeper calm, and a sharper sense of connection to other people. These reports match earlier studies in hospital patients, where OBEs sometimes eased anxiety after major surgery.



While stress can tip the brain into an OBE, curiosity clearly plays a role. Some volunteers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wim-hof-method-helps-fight-stress-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathing exercises</a> or sleep-onset tricks to nudge the event on purpose, chasing the mental clarity they felt hovering in the air. 



Scientists studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> note similar patterns of detachment during deep practice, though the body stays motionless on the cushion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-implications">Clinical implications</h2>



“This view,” the researchers write, “shifts the focus from causation to the possibility that OBEs may also emerge as a consequence - a coping strategy for navigating difficult or traumatic experiences.” 



Their argument moves attention away from the spectacle of floating and toward the stress that often hides underneath. 



“If OBEs are understood not as symptoms of pathology but as coping mechanisms - especially in response to trauma - this reframing can lead to several important shifts in clinical practice, research, and public understanding,” Weiler explained.



“Ultimately, we hope to reduce the stigma around this topic, encourage help-seeking, and build community and resilience among experiencers.”



Therapists who meet an OBE client might soon ask different questions: not “Why did you split from your body?” but “What weight were you carrying when you launched?” 



Workshops for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/witnessing-trauma-may-cause-ptsd-in-a-different-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> already teach grounding techniques, yet some clinicians now explore whether guided imagery that safely mimics an OBE can loosen painful memories without triggering panic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-obes-go-from-here">Where do OBEs go from here?</h2>



Portable brain scanners and motion-tracking beds promise sharper views of the moment liftoff begins. Researchers aim to map the split-second traffic between inner ear, skin sensors, and sight that lets the self drift. 



Others wonder whether the heart’s slowdown during OBEs could teach new ways to manage panic attacks or chronic pain.



For now, the lesson is plain: when the mind steps outside, it may be staging a clever retreat, buying time until life feels safe again. 



Listening to the story behind that retreat might help bring both mind and body back into easy conversation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0191886925002545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personality and Individual Differences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

When the mind leaves the body - scientists investigate the incredible phenomenon of OBEs

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin....

Bright,Red,Sea,Cucumber,(holothuroidea),,Bali,,Indonesia

Best known for their role in cleaning the ocean floor, sea cucumbers may also hold the key to slowing the progression of cancer.



A new study has found that a sugar compound derived from these marine creatures can block an enzyme linked to cancer growth - without the side effects of current treatments.



The findings come from a research team led by the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a> (UM) in collaboration with <a href="https://www.georgetown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgetown University</a>. 



By examining the biochemistry of a specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/">sea cucumber</a> species, scientists uncovered a natural compound that targets Sulf-2, an enzyme known to promote cancer development and spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sea-cucumbers-the-basics">Understanding sea cucumbers - the basics</h2>



Sea cucumbers are soft-bodied marine animals that inhabit ocean floors across the globe, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. 



Despite their name, they are not vegetables but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/starfish-are-apparently-one-big-head-crawling-on-seafloor-with-no-body-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echinoderms</a> - relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. 



Their elongated, leathery bodies help them navigate through sand and sediment, where they play a vital ecological role as bottom feeders. 



By ingesting organic matter from the sea floor and excreting cleaner sediment, sea cucumbers contribute significantly to nutrient cycling and the health of marine ecosystems.



In addition to their ecological importance, sea cucumbers have drawn attention for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-eating-sea-cucumbers-can-prevent-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicinal and culinary value</a>, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. 



Rich in collagen, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, they have long featured in traditional remedies and gourmet dishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-sugars-with-powerful-effects"><a></a>Unique sugars with powerful effects</h2>



Marwa Farrag is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the UM Department of BioMolecular Sciences.



“Marine life produces compounds with unique structures that are often rare or not found in terrestrial vertebrates,” Farrag explained.



“The sugar compounds in sea cucumbers are unique. They aren’t commonly seen in other organisms. That’s why they’re worth studying.”



Farrag led the cancer study, which focused on a molecule called fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, extracted from Holothuria floridana, a species of sea cucumber. 



Through lab testing and computer modeling, the team showed that this compound can successfully inhibit Sulf-2, the enzyme that cancer cells often manipulate to help them spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-the-progression-of-cancer">Slowing the progression of cancer</h2>



Our cells are coated in complex sugar structures called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/researchers-successfully-restore-sugar-in-the-brains-sweet-layer-and-recover-memory/">glycans,</a> which help regulate immunity, communication, and the detection of foreign threats. 



In cancer cells, Sulf-2 enzyme patterns change, creating glycan structures that aid disease progression.



“The cells in our body are essentially covered in ‘forests’ of glycans,” said senior author Vitor Pomin, an associate professor of pharmacognosy at UM. 



“Enzymes change the function of this forest - essentially prunes the leaves of that forest. If we can inhibit that enzyme, theoretically, we are fighting against the spread of cancer.”



The team’s experiments showed that the sea cucumber compound effectively blocks Sulf-2 activity. Notably, these results aligned with what their computer simulations had predicted.



“We were able to compare what we generated experimentally with what the simulation predicted, and they were consistent,” said co-author Robert Doerksen, a professor of medicinal chemistry at UM. “That gives us more confidence in the results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-cancer-therapy">Safer cancer therapy</h2>



One of the most promising aspects of the sea cucumber compound is its safety. Many existing treatments that inhibit Sulf-2 also interfere with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood clotting</a> - a serious risk for cancer patients.



“If you are treating a patient with a molecule that inhibits blood coagulation, then one of the adverse effects that can be pretty devastating is uncontrolled bleeding,” said co-author Joshua Sharp, a UM associate professor of pharmacology. 



“So, it’s very promising that this particular molecule that we’re working with doesn’t have that effect.”



The research suggests that a marine-based drug like this could be both safer and more feasible to produce than animal-based alternatives.



“Some of these drugs we have been using for 100 years, but we’re still isolating them from pigs because chemically synthesizing it would be very, very difficult and very expensive,” Sharp said. “That’s why a natural source is really a preferred way to get at these carbohydrate-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-efficient-drug-sources">Clean, efficient drug sources</h2>



Harvesting compounds from marine life also carries fewer health risks than obtaining them from land animals, especially when it comes to viral contamination.



“It’s a more beneficial and cleaner resource,” Pomin said. “The marine environment has many advantages compared to more traditional sources.”



Still, some people in parts of Asia consider sea cucumbers a delicacy, so they aren’t a limitless resource. Harvesting large numbers for pharmaceutical use would be impractical and environmentally damaging.



“One of the problems in developing this as a drug would be the low yield, because you can’t get tons and tons of sea cucumbers,” Pomin said. 



“We have to have a chemical route, and when we’ve developed that, we can begin applying this to animal models.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-research-collaboration">Cancer research collaboration</h2>



The study brought together specialists in chemistry, pharmacology, computational biology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/">marine science</a>. It highlights how tackling cancer demands expertise from many different fields.



“This research took multiple expertise - mass spectrometry, biochemistry, enzyme inhibition, computation,” Pomin said. “It’s the effort of the whole team.”



Though still in early stages, this research could pave the way for a new class of cancer therapies derived from the ocean.



These treatments may be both effective and safe. With further development, the strange-looking sea cucumber may soon play an unexpected role in cancer, one of medicine’s biggest battles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/glycob/article-abstract/35/6/cwaf025/8122264?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glycobiology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Sea cucumbers may help slow the spread of cancer, and without the side effects

Best known for their role in cleaning the ocean floor,...

Young,Man,Holding,His,Neck,In,Pain.,Medical,Concept.

When a throbbing knee or aching back refuses to quit, many of us head straight for the pantry. A scoop of ice cream or a fistful of chips can soothe more than the soul. 



Researchers have long noticed the same comfort-seeking reflex in lab animals, hinting that something in the very act of eating can turn down the volume on pain. 



The phenomenon, known as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3226930/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingestion analgesia</a>, crops up even when the “meal” is a single lick of sugar water.



The idea that food might blunt discomfort has usually centered on the brain’s reward circuits. 



Yet a growing body of work is pulling the spotlight toward the nerves that sit outside the skull. These peripheral messengers, it turns out, don’t just ferry pain - they can hush it, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enter-trpv1-and-d₂o">Enter TRPV1 and D₂O</h2>



Scientists have discovered a novel way to relieve pain by targeting TRPV1, a key ion channel involved in sensing heat and physical discomfort. 



Instead of using conventional painkillers, the approach uses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_water" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy water (D₂O)</a> to subtly alter the channel’s behavior, effectively reducing its overactivity. 



TRPV1 is best known for triggering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mild-chili-peppers-may-be-the-anti-spice-weve-been-looking-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burning sensation from chili peppers</a>, but it also plays a central role in many types of pain, with the added benefit of being non-addictive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort-food-s-secret-side-effect">Comfort food's secret side effect</h2>



For rodents, a nibble of chocolate during a mild heat test leads to fewer squeaks and squirms. Scientists traced the mellowing effect to hormones that surge as digestion kicks in. 



Chief among them is glucagon-like peptide-1, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-unexpectedly-help-people-drink-less-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GLP-1</a>, a gut signal that rises when nutrients hit the small intestine. 



In humans, GLP-1 keeps blood sugar in check by nudging the pancreas to release insulin, but its life in the bloodstream is fleeting - barely one or two minutes.



Drugmakers have stretched that clock by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-alternative-to-ozempic-glp-1-fgf21-may-soon-be-available-for-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crafting GLP-1</a> analogs that linger for hours. These longer-lasting versions already help people with type 2 diabetes and, more recently, individuals seeking weight loss. 



The same molecules have been shown to sap pain inside the brain and spinal cord, raising a simple, tantalizing question: could they also soothe pain at the nerve endings scattered through skin, joints, and organs?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trpv1-channel-the-gatekeeper">TRPV1 channel - the gatekeeper</h2>



Fresh experiments suggest the answer is yes. GLP-1 appears to shoulder past a notorious gatekeeper of pain, the TRPV1 channel. 



Think of TRPV1 as a molecular thermostat: when capsaicin from a pepper, a hot stove, or acidic conditions switches it on, ions rush through its pore, igniting a pain signal. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain disorders</a>, the channel can become hypersensitive, turning even a light touch into agony.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TRPV1_water-permeability_drug-free-pain-relief_credit-NBE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TRPV1_water-permeability_drug-free-pain-relief_credit-NBE_1s.webp" alt="Tracking the water permeability of TRPV1 using up-conversion nanoprobes in single live cells. Credit: Nature Biomedical Engineering" class="wp-image-1973637"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tracking the water permeability of TRPV1 using up-conversion nanoprobes in single live cells. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Biomedical Engineering</figcaption></figure>



Directly blocking TRPV1 has helped in animal tests, but the strategy often wreaks havoc with body temperature, leaving patients flushed or chilled.



GLP-1 seems to take a subtler route. Instead of wedging the channel shut, it tweaks TRPV1 just enough to stop the excess firing while sparing the body’s heat control. The result is a calmer signal with no feverish side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-down-a-hot-channel">Cooling down a hot channel</h2>



Details of that tweak came into sharper focus thanks to a collaboration that stretched from Singapore to Beijing. Professor Liu Xiaogang of the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Singapore</a> and colleagues had pivoted from hormones to water - specifically, heavy water, or D₂O. 



Their team fashioned a luminescent nanoprobe able to tell ordinary H₂O from its heftier cousin as the molecules darted through single TRPV1 pores.



When D₂O slipped through the channel, pain signals in nerve cells sputtered. In living models of both acute and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic inflammatory pain</a>, injections of D₂O eased sensitivity without muting other nerve reflexes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trpv1-pain-management-strategy">TRPV1 pain management strategy</h2>



This discovery deepens our understanding of TRPV1 function and lays the groundwork for new pain-management strategies. 



The research team now plans to investigate how D₂O influences additional ion channels, aiming to adapt this mechanism for treating neurological disorders and other clinical challenges.



The solvent-mediated pathway to analgesia stands out as a major advance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chronic-pain-is-harder-to-treat-in-women-but-a-new-target-offers-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain therapy</a> and could usher in safer, non-addictive options for patients.



Although calming an overactive channel with solvent molecules may sound unconventional, D₂O is already well known in nuclear reactors and biochemical laboratories. 



In small doses it poses little risk, making it an appealing complement - rather than a replacement - to existing drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Pair GLP-1 analogs with the solvent trick and a two-pronged strategy emerges: tamp down abnormal TRPV1 activity while letting the body keep its natural thermostat. 



That approach could offer relief to millions who live with neuropathic pain, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oregano-herb-helps-reduce-and-prevent-joint-pain-from-arthritis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoarthritis</a>, or lingering post-surgical aches.



These are all conditions where current options rely heavily on opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both of which are carry-overs from the last century and are not without drawbacks.



Clinical translation will demand careful dosing studies, long-term safety checks, and creative formulations. 



Yet the blueprint is simple: use a compound we already make after every meal, fortify it so it sticks around, and harness its knack for silencing wayward pain channels. 



Add a dash of heavy water for extra finesse, and the humble act of eating might inspire the next generation of pain relief - no prescription for comfort food required.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-024-01288-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biomedical Engineering</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Pain relief breakthrough as scientists discover a safer, non-addictive approach

When a throbbing knee or aching back refuses to quit,...

Gut-brain,Connection,Or,Gut,Brain,Axis.,Concept,Art,Showing,A

Scientists have uncovered a new link between gut bacteria and depression through a small contaminant‑modified lipid molecule. The finding suggests that environmental chemicals in the gut may fuel immune responses tied to mental health.



They set out to discover how one gut bacterium might play an active role in major depressive disorder.



Researchers from Harvard and the Broad Institute focused on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27421818/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morganella morganii</a>, a gut bacterium previously <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-021-00991-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to depression, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. 



Their aim was to pinpoint a specific molecule that connects the bacterium to inflammation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teens-with-problematic-smartphone-use-suffer-from-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



Using a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/bioassay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioassay</a> approach, they discovered unusual <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/phospholipid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phospholipids</a> made by M. morganii. These lipids mimic cardiolipins but include an environmental contaminant, diethanolamine (DEA), instead of the usual glycerol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contaminant-triggers-inflammation">Contaminant triggers inflammation</h2>



When M. morganii adds a chemical called DEA to its fats (lipids), it changes the molecule in a way that triggers the body’s immune system. 



Tests showed that this new molecule turns on special sensors in immune cells called <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2014.00461/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TLR1 and TLR2</a>.



Once these sensors are activated, the immune cells release a substance called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4176007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interleukin-6 (IL-6)</a>. IL-6 causes inflammation and has been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139933/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to depression in genetic studies, suggesting it plays a role in mental health.



“There is a story out there linking the gut microbiome with depression, and this study takes it one step further, toward a real understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the link,” said senior author Jon Clardy, the Christopher T. Walsh, PhD Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology in the <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/research/blavatnik-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blavatnik Institute</a> at HMS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-and-bacterial-lipids">Immune system and bacterial lipids</h2>



Researchers found that special lipids from M. morganii - called MmDEACLs - can kickstart the immune system by attaching to two receptors, TLR1 and TLR2, which are known for spotting bacterial molecules.



This set off the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a signaling protein linked to long-term inflammation and immune-related illnesses. 



But here’s the twist: only the versions of these lipids that contained DEA caused a strong IL-6 response.



It turns out that small changes in the shape of the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fatty-acids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acid chains</a> - like having a double bond instead of a ring - made a big difference in how strongly the immune system reacted. 



This shows that our immune system can pick up on very fine molecular details in bacterial chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters">Why this matters</h2>



This discovery offers strong molecular evidence that gut bacteria altered by environmental pollutants can influence immune pathways tied to depression. 



It suggests <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-depression-often-hold-tightly-to-self-doubt/">depression</a> may have an autoimmune or inflammatory component in some cases.



It also raises the possibility that DEA‑modified lipids could serve as biomarkers, helping to identify individuals whose depression may stem from this mechanism.



“We knew that micropollutants can be incorporated into fatty molecules in the body, but we didn’t know how this occurs or what happens next,” Clardy said. “DEA’s metabolism into an immune signal was completely unexpected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-gut-inflammation-and-depression">Chronic gut inflammation and depression</h2>



Long-term exposure to<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5805548/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> inflammatory signals</a> like IL-6 has been repeatedly linked to the development of depression. 



Elevated IL-6 levels are often found in people with major depressive disorder and can disrupt normal brain signaling, especially in mood-related areas like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.



This supports the idea that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic inflammation</a>, sparked by environmental contaminants processed by <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3983973/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a>, could act as a biological trigger for depression in some individuals. 



Rather than being purely psychological, these cases might respond better to treatments that target the immune system.



This work follows earlier <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8001875/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> where individual gut bacteria and their molecules were tied to inflammation, immune modulation, and disease outcomes. 



It also strengthens the gut‑immune‑brain concept by adding a contaminant‑mediated chemical twist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-and-mental-health">Environment and mental health</h2>



The role of diethanolamine (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/diethanolamine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DEA</a>) in this study highlights the broader impact of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11352651/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental micropollutants</a> on human biology. 



DEA is widely used in industrial processes and personal care products, and its presence in the environment means exposure is nearly unavoidable for most people in developed countries.



When a common bacterium like M. morganii transforms DEA into an immune-stimulating molecule, it creates a new layer of interaction between pollution, the microbiome, and the immune system. 



This connection raises public health concerns about how chemical exposures might shape disease risks in ways not previously considered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-depression-in-the-gut">Treating depression in the gut</h2>



Researchers note that while the mechanism is clear, further work is needed to determine how often this occurs in depressed individuals and whether blocking this pathway alleviates symptoms.



They plan to explore whether other gut microbes use similar chemical substitutions and what portion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-salt-may-contribute-to-depression/">depression</a> cases might involve this contaminant‑inflammation route.



“Now that we know what we’re looking for, I think we can start surveying other bacteria to see whether they do similar chemistry and begin to find other examples of how metabolites can affect us,” said Clardy.



By revealing how a gut bacterium turns a common contaminant into a pro‑inflammatory agent, the study offers new insight into the complex makeup of mental health disorders, and hints at novel ways to detect and treat them.



-----



<a href="https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/194993" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunghee Bang</a> and <a href="https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/196377" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yern‑Hyerk Shin</a> led this study at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> and the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Institute</a>, collaborating with <a href="https://bcmp.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/jon-clardy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Clardy</a>’s group. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c15158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Bacteria living in your gut may cause depression, not your brain, says a new study

Scientists have uncovered a new link between gut bacteria and...

Early data from NASA’s new PUNCH mission are already revealing how solar storms move through the solar system. The four-spacecraft constellation, now in its final commissioning phase, is giving scientists an unprecedented view of how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) form and travel. 



The data also shows how these massive bursts of solar plasma interact with the space environment surrounding Earth.



These insights were presented at the 246th meeting of the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Astronomical Society</a> by Dr. Craig DeForest of the Southwest Research Institute (<a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SwRI</a>).



The mission, known formally as the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PUNCH</a>), aims to map the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> and solar atmosphere as a continuous system from the Sun’s surface to interplanetary space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-view-across-the-solar-system">Single view across the solar system</h2>



“These preliminary movies show that PUNCH can actually track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electron-activity-in-auroras-will-help-us-understand-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> across the solar system and view the corona and solar wind as a single system,” said Dr. DeForest.



“This big-picture view is essential to helping scientists better understand and predict space weather driven by <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/nmp/st5/SCIENCE/cme.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>, which can disrupt communications, endanger satellites, and create auroras on Earth.”



The system’s four suitcase-sized satellites operate as one coordinated array, creating what is effectively an 8,000-mile-wide virtual telescope.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sun_CME_Punch-Mission_SWRI_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sun_CME_Punch-Mission_SWRI_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by SwRI, used its Narrow Field Imager to collect images of solar activity. By blocking the Sun’s bright face, NFI captures the Sun’s atmosphere in unprecedented detail. The June 3 CME shown at the top of the image grew to enormous size, 100 times that of the Sun, as it traveled across the solar system. Credit: NASA/SwRI" class="wp-image-1973627"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by SwRI, used its Narrow Field Imager to collect images of solar activity. By blocking the Sun’s bright face, NFI captures the Sun’s atmosphere in unprecedented detail. The June 3 CME shown at the top of the image grew to enormous size, 100 times that of the Sun, as it traveled across the solar system. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/SwRI</figcaption></figure>



By combining images from each satellite, the mission maps the Sun’s outer atmosphere transforming into the solar wind. 



This stream of charged particles constantly flows from the Sun and shapes conditions throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-camera-captures-solar-events">Camera captures solar events</h2>



Each of the <a href="https://punch.space.swri.edu/punch_about_mission.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four spacecraft</a> carries a specialized camera designed to detect faint, fast-moving solar structures.



Three satellites house Wide Field Imagers, which can see the entire sweep of a CME as it bursts from the Sun and expands outward. 



The fourth satellite features a Narrow Field Imager. Essentially a coronagraph, it blocks the Sun’s intense brightness to capture sharper views of the faint corona.



The first images already include a CME observed in June. These images give scientists detailed snapshots of the Sun’s outer layers during plasma ejections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-journey-in-3d">Tracking the journey in 3D</h2>



Until now, such events were only partly visible, often from fragmented ground-based or spacecraft perspectives. 



PUNCH now enables continuous tracking of a CME’s full journey from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/widest-high-resolution-photo-of-the-sun-ever-captured-solar-orbiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a>'s surface through interplanetary space.



“These first integrated images of our home in space are astonishing, but the best is yet to come,” noted Dr. DeForest.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/bOi8fDGtmZo
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Video credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</figcaption></figure>



“Once the spacecraft are in their final formation and the ground processing is fully sighted over the next few months, we’ll be able to track the solar wind and space weather in 3D throughout our neighborhood in space.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-space-weather">Predicting space weather</h2>



PUNCH launched into orbit on March 11, 2025 with a clear goal: to better understand how solar activity evolves from surface events into large-scale space weather. This weather affects both Earth and spacecraft.



The mission’s unique orbit and imaging capabilities allow it to deliver 3D data on solar material as it travels across the inner solar system.



Space weather caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-closer-to-predicting-the-timing-and-intensity-of-solar-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a> and CMEs can interfere with satellite operations, affect astronauts, and disrupt power grids on Earth.



By capturing these phenomena in real time, PUNCH reveals their origins and paths more clearly than ever before. This knowledge is essential for predicting their impacts.



The solar storm mission also marks a technological milestone. 



With its small, coordinated spacecraft and integrated imaging strategy, PUNCH represents a new kind of space observatory. It is compact, cost-effective, and capable of delivering continuous, wide-field observations over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-with-punch">Looking ahead with PUNCH</h2>



As the four spacecraft move into final positioning, mission scientists expect to refine their data even further.



Over the coming months, ground teams will complete processing pipelines that stitch together images from all four satellites. The result will be unprecedented 3D movies of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> and corona in motion.



The mission will also shed light on basic questions about how solar material and storms change as they leave the Sun.



Why do some bursts move faster than others? How do solar storms evolve as they pass planets and spacecraft? And what clues in their formation could help scientists issue earlier warnings?



With PUNCH, scientists are now seeing space weather as one continuous, connected process - from the moment it ignites at the Sun to the moment it reaches Earth.



The early data has already begun to change how researchers visualize the solar system’s dynamic environment - and in time, it may change how we respond to it.



Information for this article was obtained from a NASA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/punch/2025/06/10/nasas-punch-releases-its-first-images-of-huge-eruptions-from-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Huge 'coronal mass ejection' captured by NASA's new solar mission

Early data from NASA’s new PUNCH mission are already revealing...

Ghostly Stellar Tendrils of the Vela Supernova Remnant

Earth’s climate history may need to include a chapter addressing the ramifications of distant supernovae explosions. New research suggests that great bursts of radiation from nearby stellar death events could have nudged Earth into sudden atmospheric shifts, sparking cool spells, wildfires, and even selective extinctions.



The study was conducted by Robert Brakenridge, a senior research associate at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (<a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/">INSTAAR</a>).



Drawing on fresh telescope data and centuries-long natural archives, Brakenridge links at least eleven ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a> to sharp swings recorded in tree rings and other geological markers on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-supernovae-the-basics">Understanding supernovae - the basics</h2>



A supernova marks the explosive death of a star, releasing an extraordinary burst of light and energy into the cosmos. 



This phenomenon occurs when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and its core <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collapses under its own gravity</a>. 



In moments, the star's outer layers are blasted into space, outshining entire galaxies for weeks or even months.



Supernovae play a critical role in the universe’s evolution. These explosions forge and disperse heavy elements like iron, gold, and uranium, seeding future stars, planets, and even life. 



In fact, many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-cosmic-rays-from-supernova-sparked-rapid-earth-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements in your body</a> were born in a supernova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-and-earth-s-climate">Supernovae and Earth's climate</h2>



If a supernova explosion were to happen within roughly 150 light-years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-superstorm-caused-major-changes-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s upper atmosphere</a> may bear the brunt.



Brakenridge’s updated model shows that an intense pulse of radiation would erode <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ozone-day-2024-advancing-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stratospheric ozone</a> while simultaneously shredding methane, a potent greenhouse gas.



The combined hit would allow more ultraviolet sunlight to reach the surface and cool the planet by dialing down the greenhouse effect.



Running the numbers with telescope measurements of recent stellar blasts, Brakenridge found that even a brief exposure - perhaps lasting a few years - could thin the ozone layer by double-digit percentages.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methane</a> levels aloft would also tumble, dragging surface temperatures lower. 



Cascading impacts might include a spike in fire-prone lightning, stress on sun-sensitive species, and a chain of regional climate anomalies rippling outward for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-ray-fingerprints-in-tree-trunks">Cosmic ray fingerprints in tree trunks</h2>



Direct testing in the sky must wait for the next nearby supernova, so Brakenridge scoured earthly archives instead.



Trees lock atmospheric carbon into their rings, recording the pulse of radioactive carbon-14 created when cosmic rays strike nitrogen. His survey of 15,000 years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-tree-rings-help-predict-extreme-solar-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree-ring</a> data reveals eleven pronounced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-14 spikes</a>.



“The events that we know of, here on Earth, are at the right time and the right intensity,” Brakenridge said. Each spike aligns in timing and magnitude with a known stellar explosion cataloged by astronomers.



“We have abrupt environmental changes in Earth’s history. That’s solid; we see these changes,” Brakenridge said. “So, what caused them?”



Scientists first aired the supernova-climate idea in the 1980s. However, it lingered in theory until modern instruments began capturing the full spectra of nearby blasts.



By merging those space-based observations with tree rings, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-fossil-discovery-stuns-and-worries-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice cores</a>, and marine sediments, the new paper pushes the concept toward an empirical footing that scientists can assess across disciplines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-and-earth-s-climate-future">Supernovae and Earth's climate future</h2>



“When nearby supernovae occur in the future, the radiation could have a pretty dramatic effect on human society,” Brakenridge said. “We have to find out if indeed they caused environmental changes in the past.”



One obvious candidate is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergiant-star-betelgeuse-may-have-a-buddy-causing-it-to-flicker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Betelgeuse</a>, the red supergiant that glows on Orion’s shoulder and is expected to explode sometime in the next 100,000 years - possibly tomorrow.



Astronomers debate its exact distance, but its eventual demise will offer a real-time laboratory for the atmospheric effects Brakenridge models.



“As we learn more about our nearby neighboring stars, the capability for prediction is actually there,” Brakenridge said. “It will take more modeling and observation from astrophysicists to fully understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kilonova-explosion-light-years-away-would-devastate-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s exposure to such events</a>.”



That predictive power could feed into climate planning. By identifying nearby stars and their explosion rates, researchers may build a timetable of possible atmospheric jolts.



The outlook is probabilistic, not fatalistic. Most supernovae occur far away from Earth, and even a nearby one wouldn’t wipe out life. 



Knowing the odds could help societies prepare for UV spikes or sudden cooling decades before they occur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-faces-multiple-threats">Earth's climate faces multiple threats</h2>



Brakenridge’s synthesis adds a galactic layer to the jigsaw of forces shaping Earth’s climate. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-volcanic-eruptions-alter-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic eruptions</a>, orbital cycles, and greenhouse emissions remain dominant drivers, yet supernovae might act as rare but potent wildcards.



If his links between stellar death throes and Earth’s sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate shifts</a> withstand further scrutiny, the planet’s environmental story could expand beyond its atmosphere. It would extend to the luminous cataclysms of the Milky Way.



That wider view does more than satisfy curiosity. It reminds us that the planet’s thin shell of air is vulnerable to events both underfoot and far above. 



It also shows that the universe can leave fingerprints in the most familiar places. These include a slim tree ring, a patch of ancient soot, or a whisper of extra carbon-14 inside an icy core.



According to Brakenridge, each of those clues might point back to a night sky once brightened by a dying star - and forward to the next.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/539/4/3201/8106599" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Supernovae explosions seem to have altered Earth's climate in the past, and could do so again at any time

Earth’s climate history may need to include a chapter addressing...

Fungi,Aspergillus,,Black,Mold,,Which,Produce,Aflatoxins,And,Cause,Pulmonary

Imagine inhaling hundreds of invisible spores every day. Most float in and out without leaving a trace. Yet some belong molds that don't respect boundaries.



Some fungus species will infect lungs, spoil crops, and disrupt ecosystems all at the same time. In short, they can wreak massive havoc and leave death in their wake.



Most molds and fungi are helpful, but some fungus and mold will jump from hospital wards to honeybee hives, and the line between helpful recycler and harmful invader grows blurrier each year.



Most of the time, healthy immune systems swat away dangerous spores and fight off infection. Trouble arises when weakened defenses, rising temperatures, and heavy fungicide use tip the scales. 



Suddenly, the same fungus that quietly decomposes the fallen leaves in your yard can trigger relentless coughs, damage corn silos, and shrug off medicines that once kept it in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspergillus-fungus-easily-adapts">Aspergillus fungus easily adapts</h2>



After studying fungal threats for years, Dr. Norman van Rhijn and colleagues at <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Manchester</a> mapped how three notorious Aspergillus species - A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger - might spread through the end of the century. 



They fed climate change scenarios into global models and watched the virtual spores drift. One scenario (SSP585), which assumes a fossil-fuel-dependent future, paints an unsettling picture: habitats across Europe become markedly friendlier to these pathogens.



Aspergillus fungus thrives because its genome bends easily to new pressures. It lives on soil, grains, animal feathers, even coral skeletons. Out in the wild, it recycles nutrients, but on farms and in clinics, the story shifts. 



Farmers spray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-fungus-is-among-us-drug-resistant-fungi-is-thriving-in-every-corner-of-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">azole fungicides</a> to protect wheat and peanuts; doctors use nearly identical azole drugs to save patients with lung infections. That overlap nudges Aspergillus toward drug resistance - similar to bacteria evolving against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-rivers-are-highly-saturated-with-human-antibiotics-helping-bacteria-develop-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-reshapes-global-mold-map">Climate reshapes global mold map</h2>



Temperature, humidity, and extreme weather events dictate where spores settle. 



“Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,” said Dr. van Rhijn. 



“We’ve already seen the emergence of the fungus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-microbes-aerosols-can-travel-thousands-of-miles-through-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Candida auris</a> due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information on how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment.” 



He added that fungi remain “relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites,” yet the new maps show they will likely reach “most areas of the world in the future.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aspergillus_global-distributions_map_credit-MaxENT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aspergillus_global-distributions_map_credit-MaxENT_1s.webp" alt="MaxENT model accurate described Aspergillus global distributions. Credit: University of Manchester" class="wp-image-1973600"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MaxENT model accurate described Aspergillus global distributions. Click image to enlarge. Credit: University of Manchester</figcaption></figure>



Those maps point to striking numbers. Under the high-emissions pathway, the range of A. flavus in Europe could jump about 16 percent, potentially putting another one million people at risk of infection. 



A. fumigatus - the chief culprit behind invasive aspergillosis - could expand its European footprint by 77.5 percent, threatening up to nine million more residents. 



In Africa, paradoxically, parts of the continent may become too hot for some fungi to survive, hinting at complex regional trade-offs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-aspergillus-fungus-spread">Forecasting Aspergillus fungus spread</h2>



Forecasting pathogens decades ahead may sound speculative, but it builds on earlier warnings. Hospitals already grapple with Aspergillus fungus outbreaks after building renovations or severe dust storms. 



Meanwhile, intensive-care units report stubborn cases in patients recovering from influenza or COVID-19. 



Rising outdoor spore loads could translate to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-deadly-molds-attack-the-immune-system-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospital admissions</a> and costlier treatments, especially because diagnostics for fungal infections lag far behind those for bacteria or viruses.



Mycotoxin contamination adds another layer. A single year of heavy Aspergillus growth can saddle the U.S. corn industry with losses topping $1 billion. 



Increased heat and humidity extend the window for mold growth in silos and fields, forcing farmers to discard grain or blend batches to dilute toxins - strategies that still carry economic and health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-drugs-don-t-work">Current drugs don't work</h2>



Azole resistance has climbed steadily in Europe and Asia. Patients with resistant Aspergillus fungus infections face mortality rates exceeding 50 percent, partly because alternative drugs can damage the kidneys or liver. 



Each hectare treated with agricultural azoles raises the odds that environmental spores will carry resistance genes into hospitals. 



Public-health agencies now track these genes in soil and compost piles, hoping to spot trouble before it reaches intensive care.



Fungicide demand is also changing. As some African regions exceed the thermal limits for certain molds, farmers elsewhere may spray more to protect lengthening growing seasons.



That feedback loop - more fungicide, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stronger resistance</a> - complicates food security and patient care alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farms-food-and-rising-bills">Farms, food, and rising bills</h2>



Aspergillus isn’t the lone shapeshifter. Fusarium, which devastates wheat and oat fields, and Cryptococcus, an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients, also respond to warming climates. 



“Fungal pathogens pose a serious threat to human health by causing infections and disrupting food systems. Climate change will make these risks worse," explains Viv Goosens of <a href="https://wellcome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellcome</a>.



"To address these challenges, we must fill important research gaps. By using models and maps to track the spread of fungi, we can better direct resources and prepare for the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspergillus-fungus-and-human-health">Aspergillus fungus and human health</h2>



Fungi account for an estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million species, yet fewer than 10 percent carry official descriptions, and only a sliver have sequenced genomes. 



The scarcity of basic data hinders vaccine development and slows the hunt for safer drug targets. 



Recognizing this blind spot, the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> added Aspergillus fungus and Candida species to its priority list for emerging threats in 2022.



Researchers now call for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-of-food-safety-ai-can-detect-contamination-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coordinated monitoring</a> - combining air quality sensors, agricultural sampling, and hospital surveillance - to trace spore movement in near-real time. 



Such efforts could flag hotspots, guide fungicide regulations, and spark investment in rapid diagnostics. Without them, today’s manageable mold may evolve into tomorrow’s silent pandemic.



No single fix will erase the risk. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions limits the environmental changes that favor Aspergillus fungus. 



Smarter fungicide policies slow resistance on farms. Better ventilation in buildings reduces indoor spore counts, while new antifungal classes extend doctors’ toolkits. 



Piece by piece, these steps can keep an ancient decomposer from becoming an outsized menace in a warming world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6545782/v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Square</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Deadly fungus that can 'eat you from the inside out' is now in the U.S. and quickly spreading around the world

Imagine inhaling hundreds of invisible spores every day. Most float...

A year-long experiment on a Central Valley dairy farm has confirmed that sealing manure lagoons under gas-tight tarps can trap roughly 80 percent of the methane they would otherwise release.



By capturing the gas and sending it to fuel markets, the system turns a potent climate threat into a usable resource.



Led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> (UCR), the study gives the first independent, year-over-year check on dairy “digesters” that California regulators have counted on to meet aggressive methane-cutting goals.



More than 130 such systems already dot the state’s milk belt. Until now, officials had relied mainly on engineering models to judge their effectiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-methane-gas-on-a-dairy-farm">Capturing methane gas on a dairy farm</h2>



The test site sits in Tulare County, the nation’s top milk-producing region. Hot summers keep open manure ponds bubbling like low-grade cauldrons, releasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-can-help-reduce-methane-emissions-from-cows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> that warms the planet more than 80 times faster than carbon dioxide over two decades.



Engineers solved the problem by floating a heavy, flexible cover across the lagoon and piping the captured gas through scrubbers before sending it to truck fleets as a low-carbon diesel replacement.



“The digesters can leak, and they sometimes do,” said Francesca Hopkins, the UCR climate scientist who led the work. “But when the system is built well and managed carefully, the emissions really drop. That’s what we saw here.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-invisible"><a></a>Measuring the invisible</h2>



Hopkins’ team set up mobile gas analyzers inside a white research van. For 12 months before construction and twelve months after, they drove grid patterns around the dairy, logging hundreds of methane readings under different winds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-fuels-dangerous-methane-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>.



The before-and-after comparison showed an 80 percent decline in methane drifting off the property once the cover and piping were in place.



That figure lines up closely with the reduction assumed in California’s official climate inventory.



Most earlier studies had relied on short snapshots or on-site sensors. The new roaming approach captured seasonal swings, day-night cycles, and operational hiccups, providing a more realistic picture of performance over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaks-fixes-and-fast-improvements"><a></a>Leaks, fixes, and fast improvements</h2>



During early tests the team picked up sudden methane spikes. They alerted <a href="https://calbioenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Bioenergy</a>, the company that built and operates the digester. Technicians located torn seams and loose joints, repaired them, and the plumes vanished on subsequent drives.



“This was a textbook case of adaptive management,” Hopkins said. “The partnership between scientists, the company, and the farmer really made a huge difference.”



The episode underlines a broader lesson: digesters work best when operators monitor them closely and move quickly to plug leaks.



California’s new fleet of methane-tracking satellites could help, flagging large plumes so ground crews can respond in days instead of months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-pollutants-remain-untouched">Other pollutants remain untouched</h2>



Digesters leave other pollution untouched. They do not curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-green-tech-ammonia-fertilizer-production-using-earths-natural-forces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ammonia</a>, a lung-irritating gas, or tiny airborne particles that can hang over dairy counties on still summer days. 



The hardware is also expensive. Farmers need permits, financing, and maintenance contracts to keep covers inflated and engines running.



“They’re not for every farm,” Hopkins said. “But for dairies that can make it work, this is one of the most cost-effective ways we have to cut these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.”



California’s climate program helps in this regard by awarding low-carbon fuel credits for each ton of methane kept out of the air. Those credits, sold to oil companies that need to hit clean-fuel targets, can repay installation costs in a few years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slashing-methane-emissions-from-dairy-farms">Slashing methane emissions from dairy farms</h2>



State agencies plan to slash dairy methane 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. The new study suggests that target remains within reach if existing digesters keep performing and more come online. 



The research also shows that rigorous, transparent monitoring can build confidence among regulators, industry, and local communities.



“There’s so much division in the climate space,” Hopkins said. “But this is a real example of cooperation that leads to measurable results.”



Digesters will not solve every problem tied to large-scale dairying, yet the Tulare County project proves they can deliver the climate benefit promised on their labels.



With careful design, vigilant upkeep, and open data, farms can turn what was once a methane plume into fuel for trucks, revenue for operators, and progress toward a lower-carbon future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcbb.70047">Global Change Biology Bioenergy</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dairy farms can join the climate fight by trapping methane

A year-long experiment on a Central Valley dairy farm has...

Researchers have launched a database that tracks the maximum body size of over 85,000 marine animal species. This resource spans creatures from tiny zooplankton to massive whales.



“Put simply, biologists have tended to focus on bigger organisms. And as a result, a lot of our understanding of how marine food webs and ecosystems work is based on knowledge of these larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ocean-animals-connect-countries-and-continents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>,” said study co-author Dr. Tom Webb from the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a>.



For decades, marine science has placed the most emphasis on large species. Now, smaller species are getting some attention. Including them matters because they make up most of marine biodiversity and play vital ecosystem roles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-size-matters-in-marine-species">Why size matters in marine species</h2>



Body size shapes how ocean creatures live and interact. It influences where they feed, how they move, and their chances of surviving environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-oceans-day-2025-sustaining-what-sustains-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a>.



Research confirms that size patterns help predict the ecological impact of marine species. Studies show ecosystems are organized by size, with bigger animals eating smaller ones.



Missing size data has hindered climate and conservation models. With 40% of marine species now included, scientists can make stronger predictions. They expect coverage to rise to 75% in the next two years.



The project is led by Dr. Craig R. McClain at the <a href="https://louisiana.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Louisiana</a>, working with experts from Sheffield, Tufts, Stanford, Hawaiʻi, and Virginia Tech.



“Body size isn’t just a number - it’s a key to how life works,” said Professor McClain. "This database fills a critical information gap and offers a fresh perspective on ocean biodiversity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tech-helped-gather-size-data">How tech helped gather size data</h2>



The creation of MOBS relied on automated data mining tools that pulled species measurements from thousands of publications and records.



Advances in machine learning helped standardize inconsistent formats and reduce manual entry time.



The researchers also used global taxonomy systems like <a href="https://www.marinespecies.org/about.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WoRMS</a> to verify species names and classifications. This integration ensured that their data could be reliably linked with other major marine datasets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-marine-dataset">A massive marine dataset</h2>



Known as <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.70062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MOBS</a> (Marine Organismal Body Size Database), it records maximum measures like length, width, and height - standardized across 30 marine animal phyla. The initial release includes 85,204 species and over 181,000 size entries.



The data draws from scientific literature, museum records, and online repositories. It’s open source and freely available through <a href="https://github.com/crmcclain/MOBS_OPEN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GitHub</a>.



With size data spanning tens of thousands of species, scientists can now explore how body size evolved across different lineages. 



They can test long-standing theories about how environmental pressures, such as ocean depth or temperature, shaped the evolution of size in marine animals.



The database also enables comparisons between extinct and living species. By integrating fossil records, researchers can trace size shifts over time and investigate extinction patterns related to body size across evolutionary history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-species-bigger-blind-spots">Smaller species, bigger blind spots</h2>



Scientists are already using MOBS to explore biases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> documentation. Smaller marine species often get overlooked in biodiversity surveys, raising questions about conservation priorities.



Researchers are also analyzing how body size changes with climate shifts. Since size affects metabolism and vulnerability, this insight is critical for forecasting ecosystem responses.



This database has real-world implications. Fishing large species disrupts food webs, and those effects ripple down to smaller prey.



Now models can account for these interactions accurately. Insights from birds show larger species face higher extinction risk. A robust marine size dataset may reveal similar trends, improving risk assessment and policy interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-small-vulnerable-species">Protecting small, vulnerable species</h2>



Policymakers and fisheries managers can use size data from MOBS to better regulate marine harvests. Knowing the size structure of species helps design catch limits that maintain ecological balance and prevent overexploitation.



The database also supports marine spatial planning. Regions with high concentrations of small or vulnerable species can be prioritized for conservation zones, improving how resources are allocated for ocean protection.



The project aims to integrate with <a href="https://obis.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OBIS</a> (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and other marine data platforms, enabling spatial and ecological mapping.



With open-source access, the database invites global contributions. Scientists worldwide can suggest updates, correct errors, and share measurements, promoting a community-based science model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-education-and-citizen-science">Marine education and citizen science</h2>



The open-access nature of the MOBS database also opens doors for educators and citizen scientists. Teachers can use real species data in classrooms to introduce students to marine biology, ecology, and data science.



Citizen science groups can incorporate the database into biodiversity monitoring projects. Having access to maximum body size info helps with field identification, ecosystem modeling, and community-led marine conservation initiatives.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-extraction-is-an-overlooked-threat-to-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean ecosystems</a> face mounting stress. Climate change, overfishing, and habitat damage threaten marine life.



This dataset gives conservationists better tools to understand and protect ocean biodiversity. By grounding strategies in data that span tiny plankton to whales, MOBS bridges ecological gaps and supports stronger conservation efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.70062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Biogeography</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Body size of 85,000 marine species mapped in new database

Researchers have launched a database that tracks the maximum body...

Astronomers expected to see radiation-blasted scars on the sides of Uranus’ biggest moons that trail one after the other in orbit. Instead, they found darker patches on the moon faces that plow forward. 



The mismatch hints at unseen dust streams and a surprisingly quiet magnetosphere around the tipped-over planet.



Working with NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> examined the moons Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon.



The results, which were presented at the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">246th American Astronomical Society meeting</a>, overturn decades of predictions and add another twist to the solar system’s strangest giant.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/">Hu</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">b</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/">ble</a>’s ultraviolet vision made the discovery possible. Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope will help clarify what is happening on and around these icy worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uranus-moons-show-strange-patterns">Uranus' moons show strange patterns</h2>



The four moons are tidally locked. Each always shows the same face to Uranus as it circles the planet once every few Earth days.



Scientists assumed that charged particles trapped in Uranus’ magnetic field would slam into the trailing hemispheres, darkening those regions through radiation chemistry.



Instead, the new images revealed almost no difference on Ariel and Umbriel and a clear leading-side darkening on Titania and Oberon.



“Uranus is weird, so it's always been uncertain how much the magnetic field actually interacts with its satellites,” explained principal investigator Richard Cartwright, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins. “For starters, it is tilted by 98 degrees relative to the ecliptic.”



The planet rolls around the Sun on its side, and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-has-a-dent-and-nasa-is-watching-closely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> tilts a further 59 degrees from the plane in which the moons orbit.



“At the time of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> flyby, the magnetosphere of Uranus was tilted by about 59 degrees from the orbital plane of the satellites. So, there's an additional tilt to the magnetic field,” Cartwright said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tilted-magnetic-puzzle">Tilted magnetic puzzle</h2>



Because the magnetic field spins faster than the moons move, it was reasonable to think that the trapped particles would sandblast the trailing faces. 



The fresh data show otherwise, suggesting the field either misses the moons or interacts in ways that leave little surface trace.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/uranus-moons_strange-surfaces_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/uranus-moons_strange-surfaces_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The five largest moons of Uranus – sometimes called the “classical moons” -- appear in a jagged, roughly diagonal line from top right to bottom left. These are labeled Titania, Oberon, Umbriel, Miranda and Ariel. Also visible is Ariel’s shadow, which is superimposed on Uranus. Faint, ghostly, Saturn-like rings encircle the blue ice giant. Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, Christian Soto (STScI)" class="wp-image-1973605"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The five largest moons of Uranus – sometimes called the “classical moons” -- appear in a jagged, roughly diagonal line from top right to bottom left. These are labeled Titania, Oberon, Umbriel, Miranda and Ariel. Also visible is Ariel’s shadow, which is superimposed on Uranus. Faint, ghostly, Saturn-like rings encircle the blue ice giant. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, Christian Soto (STScI)</figcaption></figure>



Charged particles and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-cosmic-rays-from-supernova-sparked-rapid-earth-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> should still strike the moons from time to time. They can turn surface ice reddish and manufacture carbon dioxide that near-infrared telescopes detect.



Yet Ariel and Umbriel display nearly identical brightness on both hemispheres, while Titania and Oberon show the opposite of what the magnetospheric model predicted. Something else must be reshaping their leading sides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uranus-moons-hit-by-dust">Uranus' moons hit by dust</h2>



The research team points to drifting debris as the likely culprit. Uranus has a collection of small, irregular satellites on wide, inclined paths. 



Tiny meteoroids constantly pelt those bodies, ejecting plumes of dust that spiral slowly toward the planet.



Over millions of years the grains drift inward and intersect the orbits of Titania and Oberon. Like a car windshield gathering insects on a highway, the moons around Uranus scoop up the drifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-young-stars-jet-colliding-with-space-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> on their forward-facing hemispheres.



“We see the same thing happening in the Saturn system and probably the Jupiter system as well,” said co-investigator Bryan Holler, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>.



“So that supports a different explanation,” Cartwright added. “That's dust collection. I didn't even expect to get into that hypothesis, but you know, data always surprise you.”



Because Titania and Oberon orbit farther out, they sweep through the dust cloud first and act as shields. Ariel and Umbriel, tucked closer to Uranus, remain largely untouched, explaining their nearly uniform surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-spots-icy-details">Hubble spots icy details</h2>



All of the brightness measurements came from Hubble’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, which can isolate faint ultraviolet signatures that are invisible to ground-based observatories.



“Hubble, with its ultraviolet capabilities, is the only facility that could test our hypothesis,” said team member Christian Soto, who performed much of the data extraction and analysis at the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home">Space Te</a><a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a><a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home">escope Science Institute</a>.



The results suggest that Uranus’ magnetic bubble may be calmer - or more complex - than scientists believed. 



Interactions could still occur without leaving distinct dark-to-bright contrasts, perhaps because the magnetic field lines skim past the moons in unexpected ways.



Untangling that puzzle will require more data, including infrared spectra from Webb that can identify surface ices and any dust coatings in detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-uranus-year-round">Studying Uranus year-round</h2>



The findings force researchers to rethink how magnetospheres shape the surfaces of icy satellites. The study also shows that even well-trodden theories can fail when fresh observations arrive.



Future campaigns will target Uranus’ irregular moons to map the dust source and will watch the giant planet through different seasons to track changes in its tilted field.



For now, the moons around Uranus carry the dusty fingerprints of a slow but relentless process that Hubble was uniquely poised to see.



In a system famous for breaking the rules, another cosmic curveball has landed - one that turns leading faces into bug-splattered windshields and leaves trailing sides curiously unscathed.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Strange surface patterns found on Uranus' moons surprise astronomers

Astronomers expected to see radiation-blasted scars on the sides of...

That sea of manicured green grass stretching across parks, backyards, golf courses, and cemeteries may be doing more than just pleasing the eye.



A new study led by scientists at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> shows that turfgrass - typically overlooked in urban greenhouse gas models - plays a small but crucial role in shaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> levels. And in winter, when most vegetation is thought to go dormant, these lawns are still quietly at work.



The findings stem from research conducted as part of the <a href="https://sites.psu.edu/influx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indianapolis Flux Experiment</a> (INFLUX). By adding turfgrass-specific data to carbon models, the team has improved how scientists account for the biological activity of vegetation, leading to more accurate estimates of human-caused emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lawns-role-in-carbon-emissions">Lawns' role in carbon emissions</h2>



The study could help reduce uncertainty in estimating human-caused emissions and guide more effective greenhouse gas policies.



Jason Horne is the lead author and a doctoral candidate in meteorology and atmospheric science at Penn State. “There has been a push to better understand the processes that are going on in these areas, because it’s really complex,” he said.



Urban greenhouse gas emissions mainly come from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-warnings-fossil-fuels-are-causing-climate-health-and-biodiversity-crises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> combustion - cars, heating systems, industrial activity - but vegetation complicates the picture. 



Plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release it through respiration and decay. 



Accurately separating these processes is essential when trying to isolate the human fingerprint on emissions. "And for that, we need to have a good idea of what the biology is doing,” Horne added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grass-is-active-in-winter">Grass is active in winter</h2>



To get that biological snapshot, the team placed eddy covariance flux towers - sensors that track gas exchanges between the land and air - above two distinct turfgrass sites in Indianapolis: a golf course and a cemetery.



These measurements ran for a full year before and after grass was added to the simulation models.



The difference was clear. Existing vegetation types in the models couldn’t match the real seasonal behavior observed at these sites. One key moment stood out: winter.



“Our models were not able to capture the carbon dioxide being removed from the atmosphere by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-foundation-of-life-is-at-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> in the middle of winter,” Horne said. “The model showed vegetation was a net source of carbon dioxide during the middle of the day.”



But field data showed that even during freezing temperatures, turfgrass was still performing photosynthesis, albeit at lower levels. That quiet activity matters more than it seems, especially in cities where lawn coverage is extensive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grass-improves-city-models">Grass improves city models</h2>



Armed with these observations, the researchers created a new turfgrass vegetation type within their simulation. This tweak allowed the model to better reflect actual winter photosynthesis rates and adjust for the role lawns in removing carbon dioxide from the air.



“Turfgrass photosynthesis is not highly active during the winter, but it’s active enough to make a difference in the models - and that could make a difference in how we understand every emission source,” Horne said.



Misrepresenting vegetation as emitting carbon can lead to inaccurate estimates of total human-caused emissions. For cities like Indianapolis, where 20% to 30% of the land area is covered in turfgrass, even subtle changes add up.



“Even if we see a small drawdown of carbon dioxide in the middle of winter, it’s not insignificant,” Horne emphasized. “If you are not considering that, you may be underestimating anthropogenic emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lawn-care-affects-emissions">Lawn care affects emissions</h2>



The two study sites revealed additional insights. The golf course’s grass was irrigated, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fertilized-soil-pollution-california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilized</a>, and mowed regularly, while the cemetery’s lawn was less intensely managed.



This difference likely affects both carbon uptake and release. It highlights the need for future research on maintenance practices and environmental factors.



“But it’s clear from our work that turfgrass lawns are worthy of dedicated study,” Horne said. “This could help reduce the amount of uncertainty when we're trying to estimate anthropogenic emissions to guide policy decisions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-urban-green-spaces"><a></a>Rethinking urban green spaces</h2>



The work highlights the subtle but real influence of managed lawn grass on carbon dynamics. It also strengthens the case for refining urban emission models to include a broader, more accurate picture of vegetation activity.



By incorporating turfgrass into simulations, scientists are improving their grasp on how cities breathe - and how human behavior, through lawn care and landscaping, may shape that process.



As urban areas expand and climate policy sharpens, even the quietest blades of grass could help write the next chapter of emissions accounting.



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JG008477">Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Your lawn plays a key role in absorbing urban carbon emissions

That sea of manicured green grass stretching across parks, backyards,...

Measuring around 1 inch in length with a wingspan of approximately 2.7 inches, an ancient cicada <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-pushes-back-reptile-evolution-by-40-million-years/">fossil</a> has captured attention for preserving detailed wing veins. Researchers suggest it was part of a family of “true” singing <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/animals-we-protect/what-to-know-about-brood-x-cicadas/">cicadas</a> that are still common across many warm regions today.



Experts were intrigued by the fossil’s nearly complete form. Its wings, pressed against stone, showed patterns seldom seen in insects so old. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-cicada-fossil-was-found">How the cicada fossil was found</h2>



The study was led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Hui-Jiang-2134327699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Hui Jiang</a> at the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a> in Germany.



Their team examined layers of rock at the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/720/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messel Pit</a> in Germany. This site is famous for producing remarkable fossils of birds, mammals, and insects.



Scientists say the rocks where the insect was found date to about 47 million years ago. They report that the cicada’s wings and body were flattened in the sediment, leaving behind fine details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-to-an-older-lineage">Connecting to an older lineage</h2>



Researchers identified this fossil as part of the tribe <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/335506-Platypleurini" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Platypleurini</a>, which usually thrives in tropical and subtropical regions across Africa and Asia. 



The presence of this group in ancient Europe challenges previous ideas about how these insects were distributed.



Some investigators think this newly described species, Eoplatypleura messelensis, shared characteristics with modern relatives that sing loudly during summer. That links its lineage to cicadas found in similar climates where humidity and warmth are typical.



“We can’t know the exact song,” said Dr. Hui Jiang. His team proposes the ancient cicada likely produced sounds using <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/tymbal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tymbals</a>, structures that vibrate to create loud calls.



Because the fossil’s body appears a bit broader than most living cicadas, the males (though not found in these particular specimens) might have produced especially powerful tones. It is possible they reached volumes as high as today’s species or even beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cicada-fossil-was-in-a-volcanic-lake">Cicada fossil was in a volcanic lake</h2>



Scientists explain that an ancient volcanic lake once covered the Messel Pit. Its lower layers had very low oxygen levels, which helped preserve organic material without rapid decay.



Sediments in the lake bed were so fine that delicate features, including wing veins, could fossilize. Research teams have uncovered many insects here, yet this cicada stands out for its intact body and wings.



Prior to this find, the earliest recognized members of this singing-cicada family were traced to other regions tens of millions of years ago. 



This fossil’s age adjusts the timeline for when these creatures established themselves outside Africa and Asia.



“Such discoveries would assist in providing better calibrations for determining a more realistic evolutionary rate,” said <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/staff/conrad-labandeira" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Conrad Labandeira</a> from the <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Museum of Natural History</a>. That might reshape estimates of when and where these insects roamed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filling-evolutionary-gaps">Filling evolutionary gaps</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tooth-enamel-analysis-suggests-early-eurasians-were-multiple-species-paranthropus-robustus/">fossil</a> record for cicadas is surprisingly limited considering how widespread and noisy they are today. 



Only 44 confirmed Cicadidae fossils have been documented, making each new discovery a valuable puzzle piece for tracing their origins.



Fossils like Eoplatypleura messelensis serve as time markers for refining evolutionary trees. They help researchers test models built from molecular data and revise estimates about when key traits (like singing) first appeared.



Modern cicadas in the Platypleurini tribe often dwell in lush forests and shrubby regions with abundant moisture. The Messel region during the Eocene likely had a warm, humid climate, making it a suitable home for this insect.



By comparing wing structure and overall morphology, researchers suggest Eoplatypleura messelensis belonged to a group that probably relied on strong flight. 



This flight, combined with its potential for loud calls, would have helped it find mates and avoid predators in a dense forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-cicada-cousins">Modern cicada cousins</h2>



One modern relative, the African cicada <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_24.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brevisana brevis</a>, reaches almost 107 decibels. That is close to a jet taking off. In eastern North America, periodical cicadas often reach 90 to 100 decibels, which is about the roar of a subway.



Next year, <a href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/broods/brood_14/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brood XIV</a> will emerge in the eastern United States. Its members appear every 17 years in billions, stirring excitement among enthusiasts who gather to witness the spectacle. 



Whether Eoplatypleura messelensis made a similar commotion remains unknown, but the findings hint at a shared ancestry for ear-splitting calls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-climates-shrinking-ranges">Shifting climates, shrinking ranges</h2>



This Messel Pit cicada might inspire deeper questions about cicada movements across continents. Scientists are eager to find more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeopteryx-fossil-soft-tissue-flight-evolution-proves-darwin-right/">fossil</a> material that could reveal how these insects adapted through changing climates.



They also hope that additional specimens from Messel will confirm how early European populations compared to their modern kin in Africa and Asia. That information might illuminate how cyclical Earth events influenced cicada journeys over time.



As Earth cooled after the Eocene, the once-humid regions that supported insects like Eoplatypleura messelensis began to dry and cool. 



This shift likely forced many species southward or into extinction, helping explain why today’s Platypleurini are mostly found in tropical zones.



Evidence suggests that ancient Europe supported a much richer variety of Cicadidae species than it does today. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/romers-gap-in-the-fossil-record-now-filled-in-with-tetrapod-discovery-westlothiana-lizziae/">fossil</a> record, especially from Messel and other European sites, shows a stark contrast to the low cicada diversity now seen in regions like Germany.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94099-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Scientists find a 47-million-year-old cicada fossil that has even preserved the details of its wings

Measuring around 1 inch in length with a wingspan of...

Life almost ended 252 million years ago. The end-Permian mass extinction wiped out 81% of marine life and over half of land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-lizards-help-keep-madagascars-forests-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. But not everything perished. Among the survivors were the archosauromorphs, small early reptiles that would later give rise to crocodiles, dinosaurs, and birds.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-found-to-have-a-sixth-sense-gecko-hearing-vibrations-changing-science-view-of-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> were not supposed to survive the intense heat of the early Triassic tropics. Scientists considered this zone nearly lifeless. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-reptiles-crossed-deadly-zones">Ancient reptiles crossed deadly zones</h2>



New research published in the journal Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution&nbsp;reveals that archosauromorphs did more than endure the deadly zone. They moved through it.



Using a modeling system called TARDIS, which maps dispersal across time and space, researchers estimated the migration routes of 392 archosauromorph species. 



The model linked fossils with landscape data and climate reconstructions, exposing hidden paths through so-called inhospitable regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-adaptability-and-niche-expansion">Climate adaptability and niche expansion</h2>



The study showed that these reptiles had much wider climate tolerances than fossil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reptile-ancestors-appeared-40-million-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> alone suggested. They adapted to extreme environments, including hot and dry zones with high temperature seasonality and low rainfall.



This ability to cross geographic and climatic barriers helped them enter new ecological niches. These movements likely shaped the evolutionary path that led to the rise of dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ancient-reptiles-outlived-extinction">How ancient reptiles outlived extinction</h2>



“Amid the worst climatic event in Earth’s history, where more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-pushes-back-reptile-evolution-by-40-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> died than at any period since, life still survived," said Dr. Joseph Flannery-Sutherland from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, who led the study.



"We know that archosauromorphs as a group managed to come out of this event and over the Triassic period became one of the main players in shaping life thereafter."



“Gaps in their fossil record have increasingly begun to tell us something about what we weren’t seeing when it comes to these reptiles. Using our modeling system, we have been able to build a picture of what was happening to the archosauromorphs in these gaps and how they dispersed across the ancient world."



According to Dr. Flannery-Sutherland, the results of the study suggest that these reptiles were much hardier to the extreme climate of the Pangaean tropical dead zone, able to endure these hellish conditions to reach the other side of the world. 



"It’s likely that this ability to survive the inhospitable tropics may have conferred an advantage that saw them thrive in the Triassic world," he noted. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-evolutionary-radiation">Tracking evolutionary radiation</h2>



The paper describes how the reptiles’ dispersal began in the northern supercontinent Laurasia. Over time, they crossed Central Pangaean mountains and entered southern Gondwana. 



By the Wordian stage, long-distance movements had begun. These ancient reptiles not only traveled across land but also ventured into regions that lacked any fossil record. These regions were once thought off-limits.



The team found that climate conditions during these travels included both very high temperatures and arid environments. Their movement wasn’t random. It often followed low-elevation coastal routes, sometimes aided by monsoon-like humidity along ancient seashores.



“The evolution of life has been controlled at times by the environment, but it is difficult to integrate our limited and uncertain knowledge about the ancient landscape with our limited and uncertain knowledge about the ecology of extinct organisms," noted Professor Michael Benton, senior author of the study.



"But by combining the fossils with reconstructed maps of the ancient world, in the context of evolutionary trees, we provide a way of overcoming these challenges.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-the-full-story-of-reptiles">Capturing the full story of reptiles</h2>



The oldest fossils were found in Europe, but that may reflect better sampling rather than true origins. The study's models show that archosauromorphs could have existed elsewhere long before they appeared in the fossil record. 



In fact, dispersal paths into South America and North America predate the oldest known fossils there by up to 15 million years.



By measuring climate variables along these ancient migration routes, the researchers captured broader ecological diversity than fossils alone could show. This reveals how species adapted as they moved through different environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-other-ancient-animals">Tracking other ancient animals</h2>



The authors suggest that similar modeling approaches could apply to other ancient lineages with poor fossil records. By coupling evolutionary trees with climate and terrain data, scientists can rebuild missing chapters of evolutionary history.



These early reptiles didn’t just bounce back from catastrophe. They reshaped their world through resilience and movement. Their journey laid the groundwork for the age of dinosaurs and ultimately modern birds and crocodiles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02739-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Reptiles survived 'hellish' conditions during Earth's worst climate crisis

Life almost ended 252 million years ago. The end-Permian mass...

Forests, mountains, and deserts are home to a quiet and elusive animal: the cougar. Often overlooked and frequently misunderstood, this powerful predator plays a vital role in North America’s ecosystems. 



On National Cougar Day, June 12, 2025, we take a closer look at the importance of this remarkable species - and the challenges it faces.



National Cougar Day isn’t just about appreciation - it’s a reminder that coexistence matters. It calls on us to learn, adapt, and do our part to protect the wild places and species that still survive alongside us.



As habitat loss and biodiversity decline continue, cougars have become a symbol of resilience. Their ability to survive in changing landscapes highlights the delicate balance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cougars-hunt-smaller-prey-to-avoid-conflict-with-other-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> - and the critical role top predators play in keeping that balance intact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cougar-s-place-in-nature">The cougar’s place in nature</h2>



Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, are the most widely distributed wild cats in the Western Hemisphere. From the Canadian Yukon to the Andes Mountains of South America, these animals traverse grasslands, deserts, forests, and mountains. 



Despite their wide range, they remain elusive, mostly avoiding humans while maintaining an essential role in local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-cougar-day-the-crucial-ecological-role-of-cougars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



As apex predators, cougars help control prey populations, especially deer. This influences vegetation growth and benefits many other species. A balanced food chain reduces overgrazing, supports plant diversity, and stabilizes the broader environment. 



Cougars act as nature’s regulators, making sure that no species overwhelms the rest. Their role is subtle but foundational.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-national-cougar-day-was-created">Why National Cougar Day was created</h2>



National Cougar Day was established in 2019 to celebrate the ecological importance of cougars and draw attention to the threats they face.



Despite their broad range, cougars face habitat loss, human encroachment, road mortality, and lethal management policies in several states. These pressures grow stronger each year.



National Cougar Day seeks to change perceptions. It replaces fear with understanding, myth with science, and confrontation with coexistence. 



Conservation groups use the occasion to spread awareness, share research, and advocate for laws that protect cougars and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apex-predators-can-help-restore-ecosystems-but-not-immediately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> they support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-clear-focus-in-2025">A clear focus in 2025</h2>



National Cougar Day 2025 echoes a clear message across conservation <a href="https://mountainlion.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a>: coexistence. 



This year, many wildlife groups are focusing on practical ways to help humans and cougars share space safely. Instead of pushing them out or hunting them down, experts are encouraging informed policies and education.



This focus matters. Urban expansion enters cougar territory more each year, increasing the chance of conflict. Without education, these encounters often lead to tragic outcomes. Most often, it is the cougar that pays the price. 



Understanding how to prevent conflict can change this trend. Learning to interpret cougar behavior and create safe environments helps both humans and animals.



Coexistence includes wildlife corridors, community education, and responsible livestock management. These strategies already show positive results in some regions. They could provide the foundation for broader, lasting harmony between people and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threats-to-cougars">Growing threats to cougars</h2>



Cougars are not globally endangered, but their numbers decline in certain regions. Expanding human development slices through their migration paths. Roads, fences, and housing projects isolate populations. This leads to genetic bottlenecks and weakens long-term survival.



Some U.S. states continue to allow cougar hunting under wildlife management plans. While intended to regulate populations, studies show that this often creates instability. When dominant adult cougars are killed, young males take over, leading to more unpredictable behavior and increased human conflict.



The cougar’s greatest threat is human misunderstanding. For decades, stories and media shaped a fearful image. National Cougar Day invites us to look again. Science-based policies can ensure a future where cougars and people thrive together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-intention">Moving forward with intention</h2>



National Cougar Day 2025 comes during a time of growing environmental awareness. Climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline dominate global conversations. 



In that context, the cougar’s story offers something different. It offers hope. Unlike many species in crisis, cougars still roam across vast areas. We still have time to act wisely.



This day invites thoughtful action. Watching a documentary, reading wildlife science, or supporting a <a href="https://cougarconservancy.org/save-la-cougars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation campaign</a> can all help. Better awareness leads to smarter policies. Informed communities become protectors, not opponents.



By standing up for cougars, we stand up for healthy landscapes. Their survival means the ecosystem is still working. Their absence would show a system in collapse. 



When we protect cougars, we also protect every creature that depends on the balance they maintain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-national-cougar-day">Significance of National Cougar Day </h2>



National Cougar Day is an opportunity to recognize an animal that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role in the natural world. 



Cougars don’t demand attention - they survive quietly, shaping ecosystems simply by being part of them. But today, they face growing threats, and their future depends on our awareness and action. 



June 12 is a chance to learn, to speak up, and to support efforts that keep wild places wild - with cougars still a part of them.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

National Cougar Day 2025: Peacefully coexisting with wildlife

Forests, mountains, and deserts are home to a quiet and...

The Karoo stretches across more than 150,000 square miles of semi-arid South Africa, a place where sun-bleached soil keeps secrets older than dinosaurs. Wander its stony flats and you’ll see ridges of exposed rock that look like the pages of a giant book. 



The “chapters” span hundreds of millions of years, each one packed with fossilized bone and impressions of vanished forests. For anyone fascinated by life’s backstory, the Karoo is irresistible.



Long before geology students arrived with measuring tapes and plaster, Indigenous families lived among those same outcrops. 



The San, sometimes called the /Xam, camped at waterholes, painted hunting scenes on sandstone walls, and passed down tales of shape-shifting serpents that brewed thunderstorms. 



Their art survives in shallow caves and overhangs, capturing the everyday and the uncanny with equal care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dicynodont-art-painted-in-caves">Dicynodont art painted in caves</h2>



The Karoo’s fossil fame rests on creatures named dicynodonts - chunky plant-eaters about the size of pigs, sporting a beak and two downward-pointing tusks. 



They ruled the Permian Period more than 250 million years ago, well before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first dinosaur hatched</a>. 



Because the region is dry and wind-scoured, dicynodont skulls often erode straight out of hillsides; a passerby can spot the ivory-colored bone from yards away. 



It’s not hard to imagine early herders stumbling upon those skulls and weaving them into local lore.



<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The San</a> also left thousands of charcoal and ochre paintings. Some show antelope and giraffes, others depict trance dances where healers slip into the spirit world. 



Among the most intriguing images appears on a wall known as the Horned Serpent panel, created between 1821 and 1835. 



One painted figure stretches like a slender <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-evolution-was-influenced-by-environmental-factors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodile</a> but displays a pair of tusks that bend toward the ground - no living African animal matches that appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tusks-on-the-rock-wall">Tusks on the rock wall</h2>



When researchers first cataloged the panel, they guessed the creature might be a rain-making spirit. That interpretation fit San cosmology, where serpents often control clouds. 



Yet even a mythic animal usually borrows details from reality: hoof shapes, horn curls, or in this case, tusks. The puzzle lingered for decades.



A fresh investigation recently took a different angle. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cave-art_south-africa_1800s_dicynodont-extinct_credit-Julien-Benoit_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cave-art_south-africa_1800s_dicynodont-extinct_credit-Julien-Benoit_1s.webp" alt="Painting of the dicynodont made by the San in the early 1800s. Credit: Julien Benoit" class="wp-image-1973469"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Painting of the dicynodont made by the San in the early 1800s. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Julien Benoit</figcaption></figure>



After carefully comparing the painted outline with dozens of Karoo fossils, a paleontologist noticed striking overlap - head shape, tusk angle, and body proportions mirrored those of a typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gordonia-traquairi-pig-like-creature-discovered-roamed-earth-250-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dicynodont skeleton</a>. 



The artist seems to have sketched what looks like a fossil skull still embedded in rock, then fused it with a serpent’s sinuous torso.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-answers">Searching for answers</h2>



The idea gains strength from archaeology. Dig sites near San shelters have yielded chipped stone tools alongside fossil fragments carried from distant outcrops. 



That means people collected ancient bones, perhaps as curios or ritual objects. 



Oral traditions recorded in the late 1800s even speak of colossal beasts that once walked the land before “the ground dried and cracked.” Those tales echo the fossil record’s story of extinction during the end-Permian mass die-off.



If the cave art painting really captures a dicynodont, it predates formal paleontology. Western science first named a species in 1845, yet the Horned Serpent panel was finished no later than 1835. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cave-art_south-africa_1800s_dicynodont_horned-serpent-panel_credit-Julien-Benoit_1s.webp" alt="The Horned Serpent panel. A, general view of the Horned Serpent panel photographed in 2024 by the author. B, close up of the section figured in Stow and Bleek's plate 39. C, close up of the tusked animal. D, close up of the warriors painted below the Horned Serpent panel. E, close up of the warriors painted to the right of the panel. Credit: Julien Benoit, 2024, PLOS ONE" class="wp-image-1973466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Horned Serpent panel. A, general view of the Horned Serpent panel photographed in 2024 by the author. B, close up of the section figured in Stow and Bleek's plate 39. C, close up of the tusked animal. D, close up of the warriors painted below the Horned Serpent panel. E, close up of the warriors painted to the right of the panel. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Julien Benoit, 2024, PLOS ONE</figcaption></figure>



“The painting was made in 1835 at the latest, which means this dicynodont was depicted at least ten years before the western scientific discovery and naming of the first dicynodont by Richard Owen in 1845," noted Julien Benoit of the <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Witwatersrand</a>, author of this study. 



"This work supports [the fact] that the first inhabitants of southern Africa, the San hunter-gatherers, discovered fossils, interpreted them and integrated them in their rock art and belief system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-dicynodont-art">Deciphering the dicynodont art</h2>



Benoit and colleagues photographed the panel under varying light, traced outlines digitally, and matched them with museum specimens. 



The correlation, they argue, is too tight to be chance. Their work joins a handful of cases worldwide - China, Australia, North America - where Indigenous art may double as the earliest depiction of extinct animals.



The research also nudges scientists to widen their lens. Fossil discovery stories often center on explorers in pith helmets, but communities living alongside outcrops have noticed, collected, and wondered about old bones for millennia. 



Recognizing that legacy broadens the history of paleontology and honors knowledge systems that predate universities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Beyond scholarly credit, the find invites fresh partnerships. Rock art sites need protection from erosion, vandalism, and mining. 



By linking paintings to fossils, heritage managers can argue for preserving whole landscapes rather than isolated walls. That approach safeguards both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-played-a-spiritual-role-in-prehistoric-cave-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural memory</a> and the deep-time record locked in nearby strata.



The study also sparks questions for educators. Imagine guiding school groups to a shelter where a dicynodont skull rests at the foot of a painted serpent. 



Students could trace a line from 250-million-year-old mud to a 19th-century brushstroke, then to modern CT scans revealing bone microstructure. 



Such encounters make earth science tangible and show that curiosity about ancient life is a shared human trait, not an imported discipline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-this-dicynodont-art-possible">How is this dicynodont art possible?</h2>



Evidence that the San looked at fossils and painted what they saw does more than solve an art mystery. It stitches together culture, geology, and memory across staggering spans of time. 



In the Karoo, one can touch Triassic bone, read a 19th-century pigment trail, and hear present-day scholars debating both. Each element enriches the others. 



The Horned Serpent panel stands as a quiet reminder that the urge to understand our planet’s past didn’t begin in lecture halls - it began wherever someone knelt beside a curious rock and started to wonder.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0309908" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Cave art discovery depicts an animal that went extinct 280-million-years ago, baffling researchers

The Karoo stretches across more than 150,000 square miles of...

Pigs stand out among domestic animals for their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to adapt to various environments. But their historical journey from wild creatures to companions in early agricultural societies is just as compelling.



Across centuries, they have played vital roles in food systems, cultural traditions, and even scientific research. Their domestication marks not only a biological transformation but also a deepening relationship between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.



A new study, led by researchers from <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth</a>, offers fresh insight into that transformation. The findings trace the origins of pig domestication back nearly 8,000 years, placing the earliest known human-pig interactions in South China. 



This discovery does more than date an evolutionary milestone. It adds depth to our understanding of how early agricultural communities shaped - and were shaped by - the animals around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-first-domesticated-pigs">Tracing the first domesticated pigs</h2>



For years, scholars believed China might be one of the centers where pigs were first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated</a>. However, evidence remained scattered and incomplete. This new research bridges that gap. 



The study shows that pigs living near humans began to eat leftover cooked food and scavenge waste during the early Neolithic period, around 8,000 years ago. 



This was the time in which humans shifted from foraging to farming and made their earliest attempts at domestication. Among the species they tried to domesticate were wild boars - large, fierce creatures with big heads and strong teeth.



"While most wild boars are naturally aggressive, some are more friendly and less afraid of people, which are the ones that may live alongside humans," explained lead author Jiajing Wang. 



"Living with humans gave them easy access to food, so they no longer needed to maintain their robust physiques."



As a consequence, their characteristics underwent changes. "Over time, their bodies became smaller, and their brains also became smaller by about one-third," Wang said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-teeth-reveal-early-signs-of-domestication">Pig teeth reveal early signs of domestication</h2>



Traditionally, archaeologists examine bones to detect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sheep-have-been-intertwined-with-humans-for-over-11000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestication</a>. But this method can miss early behavioral changes. "What probably came first were behavioral changes, like becoming less aggressive and more tolerant of humans," noted Wang.



So the team used a different approach. They analyzed dental calculus - plaque buildup - on 32 pig teeth. These came from ancient sites in the Lower Yangtze River region: Jingtoushan and Kuahuqiao.



Waterlogged conditions helped preserve the organic material. Researchers recovered 240 starch granules from the plaque deposits. These showed that the pigs had eaten cooked rice, yams, an unknown tuber, acorns, and grasses.



"These are plants that were present in the environment at that time and were found in human settlements," said Wang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pigs-lived-closely-with-humans">Pigs lived closely with humans</h2>



The researchers found another sign of pig-human intimacy: parasite eggs. Specifically, whipworm eggs. These eggs can grow inside human intestines. They showed up in 16 pig specimens and represent the earliest archaeological evidence of human whipworm in East Asia.



"Pigs are known for their habit of eating human waste, so that is additional evidence that these pigs were probably living with humans or having a very close relationship with them," noted Wang.



Wang also added that pigs do not cook food for themselves, so were probably being fed scraps from human food, or possibly scavenging the scraps from waste sites. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-domestication-and-scavenging">Pig domestication and scavenging</h2>



The team also studied tooth sizes. Some pigs had teeth like today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-domestication-humans-timeline-silk-road-evidence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic</a> pigs. This supports the idea that some were already under human care .



"Wild boars were probably attracted to human settlements as people started settling down and began growing their own food," said Wang. 



"These settlements created a large amount of waste, and that waste attracts scavengers for food, which in turn fosters selection mechanisms that favored animals willing to live alongside humans."



This supports the “commensal pathway” theory - animals first came for food, not because humans wanted to tame them. But Wang’s team also saw signs of the “prey pathway,” where people began managing pigs directly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-today">Why this matters today</h2>



"Our study shows that some wild boars took the first step towards domestication by scavenging human waste," concluded Wang.



This study also highlights a key issue: living close to animals can spread diseases. Parasite transfer likely began early in human settlements.



The research involved several scholars: Yiyi Tang, Yunfei Zheng, Leping Jiang, Guoping Sun, Xiaolin Ma, and Yanfeng Hou. Their work brings us closer to understanding the long, messy, and fascinating journey of pig domestication.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2507123122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Biologists finally unravel the surprising story of how humans domesticated pigs

Pigs stand out among domestic animals for their intelligence, social...

Each year on June 11, the world turns its attention to a quiet predator. International Lynx Day celebrates the mysterious and solitary lynx, one of the forest’s most skilled hunters. 



In 2025, the event serves as both a tribute and a call to action. The lynx may seem invisible in the wild, but their presence shapes entire ecosystems.



This day reminds us of the delicate balance between nature and human development. It invites reflection, education, and renewed commitment to preserving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-lynx-habitat-in-a-shifting-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. As pressures on forests intensify, the lynx remains a symbol of resilience, solitude, and environmental health. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-the-lynx-family">A closer look at the lynx family</h2>



The lynx belongs to a small but mighty group within the cat family. There are four distinct species: the Eurasian lynx, the Canada lynx, the Iberian lynx, and the bobcat. 



All share tufted ears, large paws, and a taste for stealth. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-the-iberian-lynx-how-humans-rescued-this-rare-feline-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> live across varied landscapes, from snowy boreal forests to rugged Mediterranean terrain.



The Eurasian lynx is the largest, thriving in pockets across Europe and Asia. The Canada lynx, adapted for deep snow, follows the snowshoe hare's cycle. 



The Iberian lynx, once the most endangered feline in the world, roams the Iberian Peninsula. The bobcat, North America’s smallest lynx species, is widespread but often misunderstood.



Each lynx plays a vital ecological role. They keep prey populations in check, maintain healthy forests, and support biodiversity. However, despite their adaptability, these animals face rising threats that challenge their survival across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-recovery-of-the-iberian-lynx">Dramatic recovery of the Iberian lynx</h2>



Of all the lynx <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynxs-historic-range-points-to-a-promising-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, the Iberian lynx’s comeback is the most dramatic. In the early 2000s, fewer than 100 individuals remained in the wild. Conservationists feared extinction. Then came a surge of action: breeding programs, habitat protection, and public awareness campaigns.



Today, there are over 2,000 Iberian lynx roaming free. The species has moved from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered" on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>. “This is one of the greatest conservation success stories of the 21st century,” said Miguel Ángel Simón, a leading lynx conservationist in Spain.



Despite this progress, dangers persist. Lynx often fall victim to vehicle collisions. Encroaching development fragments their habitat. 



Conservation groups warn that if momentum slows, the population could stall or reverse. Continued protection, monitoring, and expansion of territory remain critical for the Iberian lynx to thrive long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-fragmentation-a-shared-threat">Habitat fragmentation: A shared threat</h2>



All lynx <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-survival-linked-to-life-cycle-of-snowshoe-hares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> depend on large, connected forests. When these habitats become isolated, their survival grows uncertain. Roads, farms, and fences block their natural movement. This not only leads to accidents but also weakens genetic diversity through inbreeding.



In Europe, rewilding efforts have reintroduced lynx to places like the Alps, Jura Mountains, and parts of the Balkans. These animals show strong adaptability when given the space. Yet gaps remain. Connectivity between territories is often poor.



In North America, especially Canada, logging and climate change impact the snowshoe hare. With their main prey in decline, lynx populations also suffer. Meanwhile, bobcats, though more resilient, struggle with suburban expansion and reduced prey.



Conservationists argue that saving lynx means more than protecting forest patches. It requires landscape-scale planning and collaboration across borders and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honoring-international-lynx-day">Honoring International Lynx Day </h2>



This year’s International Lynx Day pushes for deeper thinking about conservation. It emphasizes both physical and emotional ties. Forests must be reconnected through wildlife corridors. But people also need to reconnect with nature and with each other.



Wildlife crossings such as green bridges and tunnels are gaining popularity. These help lynx cross busy roads without risk. Forest buffers between farms and wild zones also create safe paths. Some regions in Germany and Switzerland have already seen benefits from such solutions.



Public engagement forms the heart of these efforts. Many communities hold nature walks, host talks, and run school programs during International Lynx Day. Young people, in particular, are seen as crucial allies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-and-coexistence">Public perception and coexistence </h2>



Living alongside lynx is not always easy. In some regions, livestock predation fuels resentment. Hunters sometimes see lynx as competition. But research shows that these conflicts often come from misunderstanding.



Lynx are shy and rarely seen. They prefer deer or hares to sheep or goats. Many attacks on livestock are wrongly blamed on them. 



Education and compensation schemes have helped reduce these tensions. In Portugal and Spain, coexistence training has made local farmers more willing to support lynx programs.



Art, film, and storytelling also help reshape public perception. The cultural approaches, when combined with scientific ones, create lasting change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-action-on-international-lynx-day">Take action on International Lynx Day </h2>



The lynx does not demand loud attention. It walks quietly, blends in, and keeps to itself. But its survival depends on our willingness to act. International Lynx Day challenges individuals and governments alike.



You do not need to see a lynx in the wild to help. By protecting forests, supporting conservation groups, and spreading awareness, you contribute to their survival. Every tree preserved, every corridor built, and every child educated brings the lynx closer to safety



Let this year’s celebration be more than symbolic. Let it be a turning point where connection becomes action and the silent footsteps of the lynx continue to echo through the forests for generations to come.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

International Lynx Day 2025: Protecting the silent hunters of the forest

Each year on June 11, the world turns its attention...

Each year, more than two trillion wild and farmed fish are killed to feed humanity. Their deaths often go unnoticed. Yet beneath the surface is a simple biological fact: fish can suffer.



Rainbow trout, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-provide-climate-resilient-nutrition-for-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> farmed and consumed across the globe, experience not just death - but a prolonged and intense form of distress when killed by air asphyxiation. 



A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports shines a light on this pain and offers a pathway to reduce it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-pain-needs-better-measurement">Fish pain needs better measurement</h2>



Unlike environmental impact or public health, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crabs-lobsters-crustaceans-feel-pain-calls-for-immediate-ban-on-boiling-them-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal suffering lacks a universal metric</a>. There are no equivalents to carbon footprints or life years lost. To address this, scientists developed the Welfare Footprint Framework (WFF).



This tool measures pain in minutes, allowing researchers to compare welfare outcomes across species and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-oceans-day-2025-sustaining-what-sustains-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. The research team applied this method to trout slaughter, where air exposure is still a widely used technique.



Fish, when pulled from water, begin a slow and stressful decline. Their gills collapse. They gasp in panic. Their blood chemistry spirals. Oxygen disappears while carbon dioxide builds. 



These biological reactions unfold as the fish continues to move, gasp, and suffer - sometimes for as long as 25 minutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-suffer-up-to-25-minutes">Fish suffer up to 25 minutes </h2>



The researchers divided the trout's suffering into four time segments. These range from alarm at removal to the final depression of brain activity before unconsciousness. 



Through behavioral, neurological, and pharmacological evidence, the team estimated that the average trout endures about ten minutes of pain that qualifies as hurtful, disabling, or excruciating. 



In some conditions, this could stretch beyond 20 minutes. When adjusted by weight, that translates to 24 minutes of such pain per kilogram (about 11 minutes per pound) of fish killed.



The team used neurophysiological data like EEG signals and reflex loss to identify unconsciousness. They reviewed how fish respond to CO₂, pH imbalance, muscle exhaustion, and fear-inducing stimuli. Each pain level had specific criteria, ranging from annoyance to total disruption of basic functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-methods-cause-painful-deaths">Current methods cause painful deaths</h2>



Air asphyxiation is still legal and common in many parts of the world. But it is neither quick nor painless. Chilling in ice or using ice slurry might sound gentler, yet for cold-adapted species like trout, this method just slows down metabolism. 



This can delay loss of consciousness even further, compounding the suffering. Ice exposure also risks tissue damage, thermal shock, and prolonged fear.



The research shows that suffering does not always begin at the point of slaughter. It often starts well before. 



Crowding, transport, and handling all add to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-thought-extinct-for-85-years-reappears-in-himalayan-river-chel-snakehead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>’s cumulative pain. These pre-slaughter stressors can cause physical injury and hours of distress. Yet, regulations usually overlook them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-can-help-fish-suffer-less">Stunning can help fish suffer less </h2>



The study evaluated two types of stunning: electrical and percussive. Electrical stunning, if properly used, could spare 60 to 1,200 minutes of suffering for every dollar spent. This makes it one of the most cost-effective welfare interventions known. 



But implementation remains inconsistent. In many commercial settings, electrical stunning fails to reliably render fish unconscious. Poor placement of electrodes, inadequate voltage, or faulty machines may undermine the potential benefits.



Percussive stunning - a physical blow to the head - has shown better consistency in lab settings. But it's difficult to scale. Fish vary in size. Equipment must be precisely calibrated. Worker fatigue also reduces effectiveness. Any slip means the fish remains conscious while bleeding out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-language-for-animal-pain">A new language for animal pain</h2>



What makes the Welfare Footprint Framework powerful is its transparency. Instead of assigning a fixed label to pain, it works with probabilities. If scientists believe there's a 40% chance the pain is disabling and a 40% chance it is excruciating, the framework includes both.



This makes the model flexible and more reflective of real-world uncertainty. Pain, like emotion, varies between individuals. Some fish may suffer more than others, even under identical conditions.



"The Welfare Footprint Framework provides a rigorous and transparent evidence-based approach to measuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> welfare, and enables informed decisions about where to allocate resources for the greatest impact," noted Dr. Wladimir Alonso from <a href="https://welfarefootprint.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welfare Footprint Institute</a>.



This approach mirrors models used in public health or environmental science. Just like life years lost to disease, we can now talk about minutes of suffering saved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-policies-and-people">Implications for policies and people</h2>



Fish slaughter occupies only minutes in an animal’s life - but these minutes can be extremely painful. Compared to long-term reforms on farms, slaughter improvements are easier to implement and affect billions of lives. 



The study's authors argue that investing in better stunning tools and training workers can provide enormous welfare gains.



For policy makers, this research offers a scientific foundation to reform outdated practices. Certification schemes can set minimum stunning effectiveness based on real pain data. 



Governments can use this to guide humane slaughter laws. For consumers, it gives a new way to think about what ends up on their plate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-fish-suffer-too">Other fish suffer too</h2>



Though this study focused on rainbow trout, the underlying stress pathways - oxygen deprivation, acidosis, metabolic failure - are common across fish species. That means the Welfare Footprint Framework can be adapted. 



Salmon, catfish, seabass, tilapia - they all may suffer in similar ways during air exposure. However, each species will need specific data. 



Some tolerate low oxygen better. Others may react more strongly to ice. Future research must expand to include this diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-turning-point-for-aquatic-welfare">A turning point for aquatic welfare</h2>



The world is just beginning to reckon with the sentience of fish. For decades, their pain was denied or ignored. But science no longer allows that. 



With trillions of fish slaughtered every year, even small improvements can have vast impact.



The WFF doesn’t just measure pain. It opens a language of empathy grounded in evidence. It lets regulators, producers, and consumers weigh the cost of change. 



And perhaps, most importantly, the framework acknowledges what fish have felt all along - suffering that deserves to be seen and reduced.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04272-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Scientists prove fish suffer "intense pain" for at least 10 minutes after catch, calls made for reforms

Each year, more than two trillion wild and farmed fish...

Beautiful,Black-browed,Albatross,,Falkland,Islands,,South,Atlantic,Ocean

Marion Island, a speck of volcanic rock about 1,243 miles southeast of Cape Town, hardly looks like the setting for a horror story. Yet on this windy, treeless outpost, an invasion of house mice is turning a haven for seabirds into a crime scene. 



Night after night, the rodents swarm across the nests of wandering albatrosses and other ocean-roaming birds, gnawing at eggs - and, more recently, at the birds themselves.



The attacks are easy to miss if you picture mice as timid scavengers. On Marion, milder winters have stretched their breeding season, ballooning their numbers. 



With plants and insects picked clean, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modern-day-plague-rodents-fleas-and-their-impact-on-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rodents</a> have discovered an easier, protein-rich target that can’t flee: birds that never evolved defenses against land predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-mice-wreaking-havoc">Invasive mice wreaking havoc</h2>



House mice first arrived on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/205064b0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marion Island</a> in the early 1800s, stowed away on sealing vessels. For most of the next century, they nibbled seeds and invertebrates. 



Warming temperatures, though, gave them extra breeding cycles each year. The population boom pushed the mice to experiment, and birds - stationary, trusting, and plentiful - proved irresistible.



Visitors now report grisly scenes at dawn. Adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-winds-make-it-difficult-for-albatrosses-to-feed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatrosses</a> sit tight on nests, unblinking, while scores of mice chew away at feathers, skin, and muscle. 



Lacking any instinct to fight back, the birds endure the assault until sheer blood loss or infection finishes the job.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mice-can-displace-seabirds">How mice can displace seabirds</h2>



Marion shelters roughly one-quarter of the world’s wandering albatrosses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/albatrosses-use-infrasound-for-long-distance-navigation-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legendary fliers</a> whose wings can stretch 11 feet tip to tip. In all, 29 seabird species breed on the island, yet 19 now face local extinction. 



Climate change adds another layer of trouble: warmer seas push fish farther south or deeper, forcing parent birds to travel longer for food and return to nests depleted.



Chicks miss meals; adults miss breeding windows. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-different-strategies-to-survive-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme storms</a>, whipped up by hotter oceans, wash away nest sites perched on exposed tussock slopes. Combined with the mouse attacks, these pressures make every breeding season a roll of the dice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kill-the-mice-save-the-seabirds">Kill the mice, save the seabirds</h2>



“These mice, for the first time last year, were found to be feeding on adult Wandering Albatrosses,” stated Anderson, who also serves as the CEO of <a href="https://www.birdlife.org.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BirdLife South Africa</a>. His team’s camera traps record the slow-motion assaults in heartbreaking detail.



“Mice just climb onto them and slowly eat them until they succumb,” said Anderson. The sad, slow process of dying can take days for a bird. “We are losing hundreds of thousands of seabirds every year through the mice.”



Enter the <a href="https://mousefreemarion.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mouse-Free Marion Project</a>, an operation every bit as ambitious as it sounds. 



The blueprint involves loading helicopters with 600 tons of cereal pellets laced with rodenticide and spreading them across the island’s 15.5-mile length and 10.6-mile width. 



Of the $29 million price tag, about a quarter is already in the bank.



“We have to get rid of every last mouse,” emphasized Anderson. “If there were a male and female remaining, they could breed and eventually get back to where we are now.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-a-previous-fiasco">Lessons from a previous fiasco</h2>



Conservationists have tried drastic fixes here before. In the 1940s, cats were introduced to curb the rodents; instead, the felines multiplied and devoured roughly 450,000 birds each year. 



A massive trapping campaign finally removed the last cat in 1991, but the mice inherited an island free of natural enemies.



That cautionary tale hangs over today’s planning sessions. Project leaders stress that baiting must be swift and island-wide - no gaps, no second chances. 



Precision GPS flight lines and winter timing, when most summer-nesting birds are offshore, aim to protect non-target wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



Winter 2027 is the chosen window, when food is scarce for mice yet most seabirds have migrated north. Helicopters, weather permitting, will crisscross Marion in overlapping swaths to rain down pellets. 



Comparable missions on <a href="https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/south-georgia-mainland-islands-islets-and-stacks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Georgia</a> and New Zealand’s <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/subantarctic-islands/antipodes-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antipodes Islands</a> wiped out rats and mice in recent years, showing the blueprint can work even in harsh sub-Antarctic weather.



Logisticians still face headaches: sudden katabatic winds, hidden lava domes, and thick coastal fog that can ground aircraft for days. Even so, a successful first pass is cheaper and kinder than chasing survivors for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabirds-mice-and-invasive-species">Seabirds, mice, and invasive species</h2>



The Marion saga isn’t an isolated oddity. Islands make up barely two percent of Earth’s land, yet they hold an outsize share of endangered species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-become-one-of-the-worlds-most-invasive-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive predators</a> - rats, cats, pigs, and now even mice - have driven 75 percent of recorded bird, mammal, and reptile extinctions on islands worldwide. 



Climate change intensifies that pressure, allowing hardy generalists to outcompete specialists already living on the edge.



Protecting seabird strongholds pays off far beyond the shoreline. Albatrosses and petrels fertilize oceans with guano rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-plankton-are-key-players-in-carbon-cycle-regulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosting plankton</a> and fish that feed coastal communities. 



Lose the birds, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-hijack-ocean-plants-to-control-marine-food-webs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a> feel the pinch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Funding gaps still loom, and the clock keeps ticking. Yet every dollar pledged brings the Mouse-Free Marion Project closer to takeoff. 



If helicopters lift off in 2027 and every pellet lands where it should, Marion could echo with healthy albatross calls again within a decade. That would free the conservationists to tackle other invaded islands before more birds vanish.



For now, researchers keep watch through wind-lashed winters, counting nests and documenting each fresh wound. 



The task is grim, but the payoff - restoring one of the world’s greatest seabird nurseries - would be well worth the sleepless nights. 



Should the plan succeed, Marion Island might one day be known not for its tragedy, but for showing how persistence, good science, and a bit of grit can tip the balance back in favor of the wild.



<a href="https://www.birdlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit BirdLife International</a> for more information on this and other topics.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Officials plan to literally “bomb” invasive mice that are eating seabirds alive

Marion Island, a speck of volcanic rock about 1,243 miles...

When ships travel to the ends of the Earth, their anchors leave more than temporary marks - they create lasting scars on fragile marine life and ecosystems. 



From tourism vessels to research ships, maritime traffic is growing even in the far reaches of Antarctica. And with every anchor dropped, the seafloor is at risk.



Undersea cables, pipelines, and sensitive wildlife habitats can all be damaged by this simple act. Yet, anchoring remains almost completely unregulated in polar waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anchors-leave-their-mark-in-antarctica">Anchors leave their mark in Antarctica</h2>



Scientists have recorded new underwater footage that reveals the impact of ship anchoring in Antarctica’s remote marine environments. Their findings offer a rare look into an underreported environmental issue that’s hidden from view.



“This is the first time the impacts of ship anchoring and chain damage are documented in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-antarctic-waters-are-cooling-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic waters</a>," explained Matthew Mulrennan, a marine scientist and founder of KOLOSSAL, an ocean exploration and conservation nonprofit in California.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_undisturbed_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_undisturbed_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1s.webp" alt="Directly adjacent to the anchoring sites, marine life flourished. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL." class="wp-image-1973330"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Directly adjacent to the anchoring sites, marine life flourished. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL.</figcaption></figure>



"Activities in Antarctica have a lot of strict rules around conservation, yet ship anchoring is almost completely unregulated."



Study co-author Dr. Sally Watson, a marine geophysicist from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, emphasized the urgency of the situation.



"Documentation is way overdue, given the importance of these ecosystems and the protections we place on them. Anchoring impacts are understudied and underestimated globally. It’s so important to recognize and mitigate the impacts across all industries and limit planned anchoring,” said Dr. Watson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-cameras-revealed">What the cameras revealed</h2>



During the austral summer of 2022-23, researchers recorded underwater footage across 36 sites near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-in-tasman-sea-is-melting-the-antarctic-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Peninsula</a> and South Georgia Island. 



Cameras were positioned at various depths - close to the surface, midwater, and just one meter above the seabed. What they captured was alarming.



In areas where ships had dropped anchor, the ocean floor was visibly disturbed. Grooves and striations crisscrossed the seabed, and patches of mud covered the habitat. 



At these sites, marine life was sparse or entirely absent. Sponge colonies were crushed, and overall benthic biomass was nearly nonexistent. Yet, just meters away, life thrived - showing that the destruction was highly localized and recent.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_crushed-stars-sponges_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_crushed-stars-sponges_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1s.webp" alt="Striations, grooves, and mud deposits from anchor retrieval were visible in the substrate of the ocean floor. The researchers observed crushed sponge colonies. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL" class="wp-image-1973333"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Striations, grooves, and mud deposits from anchor retrieval were visible in the substrate of the ocean floor. The researchers observed crushed sponge colonies. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL</figcaption></figure>



“The observed damage was a near miss to three giant volcano <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sponges-are-mysteriously-moving-across-the-arctic-seafloor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sponges</a>, believed to be the oldest animals on the planet, which may live up to 15,000 years,” said Mulrennan.



The team also observed other species at risk, including Antarctic sun stars, giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-cold-adaptations-in-nervous-system-of-antarctic-octopus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic octopuses</a>, sea spiders, and various fish, all of which dwell at depths that make them vulnerable to anchoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chain-reaction-across-ecosystems">Chain reaction across ecosystems</h2>



According to the researchers, the impacts of ship anchors to marine life extend beyond individual species.



“The weird and wonderful animals that are impacted, like sponges, are important for filtering water, carbon sequestration, and providing shelter, food, and complex habitats which benefit the whole marine ecosystem, including penguins and seals - the animals tourists come to see,” noted Mulrennan.



This ripple effect could alter the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-is-transforming-the-marine-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food web</a>, and affect iconic Antarctic wildlife that draws attention and resources for conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-recovery-in-cold-waters">Slow recovery in cold waters</h2>



Life in Antarctica is tough, slow, and highly adapted. That makes it especially vulnerable to disruption. Many organisms in anchor zones are slow-growing and can’t relocate. Recovery could take decades - or more.



“We know that anchor impacts in tropical reefs can last a decade. In muddy sediment the scours can still be visible over a decade later,” said Dr. Watson.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_Antarctic-sun-stars_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Antarctic-seabed_Antarctic-sun-stars_anchor-damage-ships_credit-KOLOSSAL_1s.webp" alt="The researchers recorded giant volcano sponges, Antarctic sun stars, giant Antarctic octopus, sea spiders, and a variety of fish at anchorable depths. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL" class="wp-image-1973328"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The researchers recorded giant volcano sponges, Antarctic sun stars, giant Antarctic octopus, sea spiders, and a variety of fish at anchorable depths. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Matt Mulrennan / KOLOSSAL</figcaption></figure>



“Ecological recovery is really site specific. Things in cold waters are much slower growing than in warmer temperatures so I expect that recovery would take longer the higher the latitude.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anchor-impacts-on-marine-life">Anchor impacts on marine life</h2>



The researchers say more work is needed. Studies should examine both short- and long-term effects of anchoring, recovery timelines, and how broader ecological functions are disrupted. 



But a major hurdle remains: there is no global database tracking where and how often ships anchor in polar regions.



“Anchoring is likely the most overlooked ocean conservation issue in terms of global seafloor disruption; it is on par with the damages from bottom trawling,” Mulrennan concluded. “It’s a pressing environmental issue, but it’s out of sight, out of mind.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2025.1500652/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ship anchors are doing great harm to protected ocean life on the Antarctic seafloor

When ships travel to the ends of the Earth, their...

Fossilized plant fragments preserved inside the belly of an Australian sauropod dinosaur have given researchers the first complete snapshot of what these long-necked giants actually ate. The evidence firmly backs the long-held view that they were voracious herbivores.



The findings are based on a subadult specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae that roamed what is now Queensland between 94 and 101 million years ago. Its last meals reveal a mixed, unchewed salad of conifer foliage, seed-fern fruiting bodies, and flowering-plant leaves.



The dinosaur broke off these plant fragments instead of chewing them, leaving the gut microbes to do the hard work of digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-dinosaur-discovery">Unique dinosaur discovery</h2>



“No genuine sauropod gut contents had ever been found anywhere before, despite sauropods being known from fossils found on every continent” said lead author Stephen Poropat, a paleontologist at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>.



Until now, scientists pieced together sauropod menus indirectly - examining tooth scratches, jaw mechanics, and neck reach. 



The new discovery provides something more definitive: a preserved cololite, or fossil gut content. Scientists can analyze this down to the species of plant it contains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-discovery-in-australia">Big discovery in Australia</h2>



The breakthrough came during the 2017 field season at the <a href="https://www.australianageofdinosaurs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum</a>. Volunteers preparing the Diamantinasaurus skeleton noticed a fractured, oddly packed slab of sediment lodged among the ribs.



Careful extraction revealed dozens of delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant fossils</a>: scales from conifer needles, seed-fern pods. The researchers also found tender angiosperm leaves and even tiny shoots and bracts.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sauropod-guts_fossilized_australia_credit-Stephen-Poropat_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sauropod-guts_fossilized_australia_credit-Stephen-Poropat_1s.webp" alt="Australian Age of Dinosaurs Collection Manager Mackenzie Enchelmaier holds up sauropod gut content fossil. Credit: Stephen Poropat" class="wp-image-1973337"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Australian Age of Dinosaurs Collection Manager Mackenzie Enchelmaier holds up sauropod gut content fossil. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Stephen Poropat</figcaption></figure>



Chemical analyses later detected biomarkers of both angiosperms and gymnosperms, confirming the findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-sauropod-feeding">New insights into sauropod feeding</h2>



Microscopic inspection revealed that the sauropod had snapped, not shredded, most plant fragments.



“The plants within show evidence of having been severed, possibly bitten, but have not been chewed, supporting the hypothesis of bulk feeding in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sauropods</a>,” noted Poropat.



The conclusion matches anatomical expectations: sauropod teeth evolved for nipping vegetation rather than grinding it. 



Instead, these dinosaurs likely swallowed mouthfuls whole, letting fermentation chambers and resident microbes break down the cellulose.



Chemical signatures in the cololite point to an “eat what’s within reach” strategy rather than selective browsing.



“This implies that at least some sauropods were not selective feeders, instead eating whatever plants they could reach and safely process,” Poropat explained.



That indiscriminate appetite would have amplified the ecological influence of sauropods. It allowed their vast bodies to recycle nutrients across entire landscapes during the Jurassic and Cretaceous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprise-serving-of-flowers">A surprise serving of flowers</h2>



The team expected to find conifer and seed-fern remains, but the presence of flowering-plant foliage caught them off-guard.



“Angiosperms became approximately as diverse as conifers in Australia around 100 to 95 million years ago, when this sauropod was alive,” Poropat said.



“This suggests that sauropods had successfully adapted to eat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowering-plants-appeared-two-million-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a> within 40 million years of the first evidence of the presence of these plants in the fossil record.”



The finding suggests these dinosaurs quickly incorporated new plant types as they emerged in Mesozoic ecosystems.



Because the specimen was a subadult, the researchers infer it could graze both low and mid-story vegetation. Hatchlings grazed only on groundcover, while fully-grown adults could strip branches from treetops.



The abundance of soft shoots and seed pods suggests that younger Diamantinasaurus individuals targeted nutrient-rich new growth, which ferments more easily than woody tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-stomach-many-questions"><a></a>One stomach, many questions</h2>



Poropat stresses that the study offers “a single data point.” The snapshot captures only the last few meals of one individual and may not represent typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-poop-reveals-the-diet-of-dinosaurs-200-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>, seasonal shifts, or adult feeding habits.



Even a single case shows that gut-content fossils, though rare, can confirm hypotheses and refine our view of dinosaur ecology.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sauropod-dinosaur_Diamantinasaurus-matildae_illustration_credit-Travis-Tischler_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sauropod-dinosaur_Diamantinasaurus-matildae_illustration_credit-Travis-Tischler_1s.webp" alt="Artist impression of Diamantinasaurus matildae feeding. Credit: Travis Tischler" class="wp-image-1973335"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artist impression of Diamantinasaurus matildae feeding. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Travis Tischler</figcaption></figure>



The team hopes further excavations in the Winton Formation and other Cretaceous sites will yield additional cololites to broaden the picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-for-giants">Feeding for giants</h2>



Taken together, the findings bolster the idea that “indiscriminate bulk feeding” underpinned sauropod dominance for roughly 130 million years.



By gulping vast quantities of whatever greenery was available and outsourcing digestion to microbial partners, these giants could fuel bodies the size of whales on land.



As Poropat and colleagues point out, understanding that strategy not only illuminates dinosaur biology but also helps reconstruct the plant communities and nutrient cycles of ancient Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982225005500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Fossilized guts reveal the eating habits of sauropod dinosaurs

Fossilized plant fragments preserved inside the belly of an Australian...

Springtime in the Arctic is a spectacular show of life, as millions of birds gather to nest and raise their young under the midnight sun. Remarkably, this annual ritual traces its roots back much further than previously believed - 73 million years ago. 



That’s the conclusion of a recently published study that identifies the oldest known evidence of birds nesting in the polar regions.



The discovery was made in northern Alaska’s Prince Creek Formation. It reveals that several types of birds were already breeding in the Arctic during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/late-cretaceous-dinosaur-was-sluggish-and-nearly-deaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Cretaceous</a> period, when dinosaurs still ruled the land.



These findings challenge previous assumptions about where and when ancient birds reproduced - and expand the timeline of avian life in Earth’s most extreme environments by more than 25 million years.



“For half of the time they have existed, they have been nesting in the Arctic,” said Lauren Wilson, the study’s lead author and a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a>. Wilson completed her master’s degree at the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a> (UAF), where the research began.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-fossils-rewrite-history">Bird fossils rewrite history</h2>



Using a collection of over 50 fossilized bird bones and teeth excavated from Alaska’s North Slope, Wilson and her team made an important discovery. They identified several species of birds that appear to have nested in the region.



These included diving birds similar to modern loons, gull-like species, and various duck- and goose-like waterfowl. 



The bones representing juveniles - some likely still nest-bound - offer strong evidence that these birds were not merely passing through but breeding in the Arctic.



“Finding bird bones from the Cretaceous is already a very rare thing,” Wilson said. “To find baby bird bones is almost unheard of. That is why these fossils are significant.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-fragile-fossil-evidence">Saving fragile fossil evidence</h2>



The mere existence of such delicate remains is extraordinary. Bird bones are lightweight and fragile by design, and juvenile bones are even more prone to destruction over time.



Yet, thanks to meticulous excavation efforts, researchers were able to recover and identify these fossilized traces of ancient avian life.



The fossils were found in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031018218306667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prince Creek Formation</a>, a remote site along the Colville River renowned for its Cretaceous dinosaur remains.



Until recently, the area was not known for yielding fossil birds. This changed recently, thanks in part to the excavation strategy used by the UAF Museum of the North’s research team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-bones-from-arctic-bird-fossils">Tiny bones from Arctic bird fossils</h2>



Traditional vertebrate paleontology often focuses on recovering large, visible bones - those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-molecules-collagen-discovered-in-66-million-year-old-dinosaur-bones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, for example. But the team working at Prince Creek takes a more comprehensive approach.



Alongside the big finds, they also gather large volumes of sediment and screen them for microscopic remains. Researchers then carefully examine these samples under microscopes back at the lab, revealing a world of small, often-overlooked fossils.



“We put Alaska on the map for fossil birds,” said Pat Druckenmiller, the paper’s senior author and director of the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Museum of the North</a>. “It wasn’t on anyone’s radar.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/birds_arctic-nesting_bird-beak-fossil_credit-Pat-Druckenmiller_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/birds_arctic-nesting_bird-beak-fossil_credit-Pat-Druckenmiller_1s.webp" alt="The tip of a hatchling bird beak sits on the end of a finger. Credit: Pat Druckenmiller" class="wp-image-1973308"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tip of a hatchling bird beak sits on the end of a finger. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Pat Druckenmiller</figcaption></figure>



Druckenmiller credits the fine-grained approach with revealing new insights into Cretaceous Arctic ecosystems. The same methods have also led to the discovery of new dinosaur and mammal species in the region.



“In terms of information content, these little bones and teeth are fascinating and provide an incredible depth of understanding of the animals of this time,” Druckenmiller said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-arctic-bird-nursery">Ancient Arctic bird nursery</h2>



The findings show that birds have been using the Arctic as a breeding ground far longer than previously thought.



Earlier evidence of polar bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tangled-twigs-the-secrets-of-sturdy-bird-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nesting</a> dated to around 47 million years ago - well after the mass extinction event that wiped out most of Earth’s species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. 



The new discovery pushes that timeline back by 25 to 30 million years, deep into the age of dinosaurs.



“The Arctic is considered the nursery for modern birds,” Druckenmiller said. “It’s kind of cool when you go to Creamer’s Field [a well-known stopover for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> in Fairbanks], to know that they have been doing this for 73 million years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origins-of-modern-birds">The origins of modern birds</h2>



Beyond expanding the record of avian life in the polar regions, the fossils raise intriguing questions about the origins of modern birds.



Some of the bones appear to belong to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-tropical-birds-are-so-strikingly-colorful-and-iridescent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neornithes</a> - the group that includes all living birds. These fossils show skeletal traits exclusive to modern birds. Some even lacked teeth, a feature seen in today’s avian species.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/birds_arctic-nesting_with-dinosaurs_illustration_credit-Gabriel-Ugueto_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/birds_arctic-nesting_with-dinosaurs_illustration_credit-Gabriel-Ugueto_1s.webp" alt="An illustration of Cretaceous Period birds with other dinosaurs from the same time period in the background. A paper in the journal Science documents the earliest-known example of birds nesting in the polar regions. Credit: Gabriel Ugueto" class="wp-image-1973310"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An illustration of Cretaceous Period birds with other dinosaurs from the same time period in the background. A paper in the journal Science documents the earliest-known example of birds nesting in the polar regions. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Gabriel Ugueto</figcaption></figure>



“If they are part of the modern bird group, they would be the oldest such fossils ever found,” Druckenmiller said. 



At present, the oldest known Neornithes fossils date to around 69 million years ago. “But it would take us finding a partial or full skeleton to say for sure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The implications of the study go beyond the Arctic. They suggest that ancient birds - despite their small size and delicate physiology - were able to thrive in high-latitude environments long before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/">polar climates</a> we know today fully developed.



During the Cretaceous, the Arctic was warmer but still experienced seasonal extremes of light and darkness, posing significant challenges for any nesting animals.



That these birds not only survived but reproduced successfully hints at a more complex evolutionary history than previously assumed. It also suggests modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory waterfowl</a> echo ancient patterns by returning to northern wetlands each spring to raise their young.



As researchers continue to study the Colville River fossils, they hope to uncover additional material that can confirm the identity and relationships of these Arctic avian pioneers.



For now, the Prince Creek Formation stands as one of the world’s most important sites for understanding the early history of birds. It shows what can be found when scientists search for both big and small bones.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt5189" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



Image Credit: &nbsp;Gabriel Ugueto



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Scientists find proof that birds nested in the Arctic alongside dinosaurs

Springtime in the Arctic is a spectacular show of life,...

Two notorious hybrid termite species have found a surprising way to become even more destructive. Researchers in Florida report that these wood-eating insects are forming hybrids that might spread into many parts of the world.



Both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termites-play-an-unexpected-role-in-rainforest-revival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> are known for their ability to damage timber and invade new places with ease. The research was led by Thomas Chouvenc at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-termites-may-survive-in-more-places">Hybrid termites may survive in more places</h2>



Invasive termites have already caused massive economic losses, with <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-ento-120710-100634" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated</a> worldwide damage of $40 billion each year.



This figure covers structural repairs, preventive treatments, and other costs tied to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termites-are-natures-architects-building-well-ventilated-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. Experts worry that combining two invasive species might produce termites that thrive in more environments than either parent.



These interbreeding pests are believed to hail from <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN278" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coptotermes formosanus</a> (the Formosan subterranean termite) and <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coptotermes gestroi</a> (the Asian subterranean termite).



Hybrids could open doors to new areas if they tolerate different climates better than either <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enormous-desert-structure-termite-mound-built-by-insects-can-be-seen-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-traits-from-both-parent-termites">Hybrid traits from both parent termites</h2>



Some hybrid termites have been found to carry traits from both parent species, including the ability to tolerate a wider range of temperatures.



Edouard Duquesne at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium, who was not involved with the research, elaborated on the significance of the study.



“The findings are interesting and alarming. Viable hybrids of these two species would likely lead to a super-invasive termite that could potentially have a huge suitable range worldwide, and that could do important damages,” said Duquesne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-termites-could-spread-through-boats">Hybrid termites could spread through boats</h2>



Hybrid termites are not just concerning because of what they are, but because of how easily they could travel. With both parent species already established in southern Florida, opportunities for hybridization increase every year.



“It’s just a matter of time before they get a chance to hybridise,” said Chouvenc. Ships and leisure boats might carry them from infested areas to new coastal regions, making Florida’s global boat traffic a major risk factor for future outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-this-hybrid-unique">What makes this hybrid unique</h2>



The hybrid termites don't just survive - they reproduce. The researchers confirmed that hybrid females can mate with either parent species, forming second-generation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-select-the-best-materials-for-termite-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colonies</a>.



This genetic flexibility may allow the hybrids to evolve quickly and adapt to new challenges. Early studies show that while some of these colonies struggle, others can grow and mature over time.



In one case, a second-generation colony reached over a thousand workers in under three years, showing surprising resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-florida-the-perfect-launchpad">Florida: The perfect launchpad</h2>



Florida isn’t just a mixing zone for these two termite species, it’s a global hub for their spread. With nearly a million privately owned leisure boats <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1155988/us-recreational-boating-vessels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">registered</a> in the state, the potential for unnoticed transport is sky-high.



The first confirmed hybrid colony was found just over half a mile from a dense marina district. That proximity makes it likely that flying <a href="https://www.orkin.com/pests/termites/colony/termite-alates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alates</a> could settle onto boats and travel to distant coastlines without ever being detected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problems-for-pest-control">Problems for pest control</h2>



Most termite treatments are tailored to specific species. Pest management companies often adjust their methods depending on whether they’re dealing with C. formosanus or C. gestroi.



But hybrids could blur that line. Their mixed traits might respond unpredictably to current treatments, making control efforts more complicated and potentially less effective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-early-detection-matters">Why early detection matters</h2>



Spotting these hybrids early could prevent bigger problems later. The longer they go unnoticed, the more likely they are to spread through infested wood, soil, or boats.



Unfortunately, identification isn’t always straightforward. Some hybrid termites show features that fall between the two parent species, making them hard to classify without genetic testing or detailed knowledge of termite morphology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-ahead">Practical steps ahead</h2>



In some cases, local authorities try to prevent termite travel by inspecting cargo, but private vessels often escape such checks. Researchers advise owners of docked vessels to inspect wooden parts carefully and seek professional help if they find signs of infestation.



Public agencies might focus more resources on monitoring, because identifying hybrids early could be key to containment. Yet the process of telling these insects apart can be tricky, since their features can blend.



Early identification often involves a close inspection of alates (the winged caste) that appear in warmer months. Scientists note that hybrid alates can show subtle differences in body color or size.



By staying vigilant, communities may slow the spread of these insects to new regions. Many hope that targeted strategies will limit hybrid termite expansions before they become unstoppable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-risks-for-ecosystems">Long-term risks for ecosystems</h2>



The hybrid termites don’t just threaten buildings - they could also affect forests and natural habitats. Their ability to feed on a wide range of wood sources makes them a potential danger to native trees and vegetation.



As they spread, they may disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native decomposer species. Over time, this could affect nutrient cycles in the soil and alter the balance of natural communities.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0413" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Hybrid termites could spread worldwide from Florida boats

Two notorious hybrid termite species have found a surprising way...

In the forests of Madagascar, small lizards do more than sunbathe on rocks or snap at insects. In fact, they may be shaping the future of Madagascar’s forests, one seed at a time.



Madagascar has long fascinated scientists, naturalists, and explorers alike. This large Indian Ocean island is home to some of the world’s rarest species. More than 80% of its wildlife can’t be found anywhere else. Lemurs leap through treetops. Baobabs rise like ancient towers. Orchids bloom in forests untouched for centuries. The island is a living archive of evolution’s creativity.



Its uniqueness stems from a deep, ancient break. Around 88 million years ago, Madagascar drifted away from India. Once separated, its ecosystems evolved in isolation. As generations passed, this seclusion led to extraordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-provide-different-health-benefits-based-on-their-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. But amid all the celebrated species and stories, silent helpers have gone unnoticed for too long: the lizards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-lizards-spread-seeds-in-forests">How lizards spread seeds in forests</h2>



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-forests-that-benefit-people-also-shelter-endangered-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> don’t just drop seeds nearby. They depend on animals to move them across the land. This natural process, called endozoochory, involves an animal eating fruit or seeds. Later, those seeds get expelled in the animal’s droppings. Carried far from the parent plant, the seeds land in fresh ground, ready to sprout.



Most of what we know about endozoochory comes from studying mammals and birds. Lemurs, for example, are known for their role in this cycle in Madagascar. Birds also help, flying great distances and spreading seeds with every flight. But reptiles, particularly lizards, haven’t received the same attention.



That’s a mistake, say researchers at <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a>. They argue that lizards have an important part to play too. These animals may not be classic fruit-lovers, but a few species do consume fruits and other plant parts. Their habits, movement, and resilience may allow them to serve as crucial seed dispersers in ways we’ve only just begun to understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-lizards-matter-in-forest-ecosystems">Why lizards matter in forest ecosystems</h2>



Unlike lemurs or fruit bats, most lizards don’t depend on fruit. Less than 10% of lizard species are considered frugivores. Yet those that do eat fruit may influence plant life in ways researchers are only now beginning to measure. Some species even serve as primary seed dispersers for specific plants, especially in areas where larger animals have disappeared.



"Lizards are under-appreciated as seed dispersers in many forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>, but we hypothesized that they may play a more important role across a broader range of regions than previously recognized," said corresponding author Ryobu Fukuyama.



To test this idea, Fukuyama and his colleagues designed a study focused on three lizard species in Madagascar. These were the Malagasy Giant Chameleon, Cuvier's Madagascar Swift, and the Western Girdled Lizard. 



All three species are omnivorous and known to eat fruit occasionally. However, their potential as seed spreaders had never been seriously evaluated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-lizard-behavior">Observing lizard behavior</h2>



The team set up camp in a tropical dry <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-forests-helps-birds-and-humans-in-many-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> in Madagascar. They watched the lizards carefully, recorded their feeding behavior, and collected fecal samples. 



They also ran germination tests to see if the seeds could still grow after passing through a lizard’s gut. This detailed approach helped them track not just what lizards eat, but what they contribute to the ecosystem.



Their findings surprised them. The lizards consumed fruits from more than 20 different plant species. Even more interesting, these plants were often not the same ones favored by lemurs. This suggested that lizards might not just support the same trees as other animals. They might help expand the forest’s botanical diversity.



Fecal analyses confirmed that many seeds remained viable. The lizards were not just accidental consumers. They acted as functioning carriers in the seed cycle, allowing new plants to take root away from their original source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-lizards-help-forests-recover">How lizards help forests recover</h2>



Madagascar’s forests face serious threats. Logging, slash-and-burn farming, and habitat destruction have left scars across the landscape. As forests shrink, large fruit-eaters like lemurs lose their homes. When they vanish, the trees that rely on them struggle to reproduce.



But lizards are survivors. They adapt to disturbed environments. Where lemurs falter, these reptiles often continue to thrive. That adaptability may give them a vital role in the regrowth of damaged forests. As long as they keep consuming fruit and dispersing seeds, they could help heal the land.



Their contributions might not replace larger animals completely. But they offer hope for certain plant species that would otherwise vanish. In places where biodiversity is already under pressure, every small helper matters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-still-don-t-know">What we still don’t know</h2>



The Kyoto University team views this study as only the beginning. They’ve revealed that lizards do eat fruit and spread seeds. But many questions remain. How far do these lizards travel? Do they prefer certain plants over others? Can they truly support forest restoration over time?



"Although lizards in Madagascar consume fruits from many plant species, other aspects of their role as seed dispersers, such as dispersal distances, remain poorly understood," commented Fukuyama.



Future research will explore these unknowns. Understanding dispersal distance, for instance, will help determine how effective lizards really are in forest regeneration. Scientists also want to study whether lizard seed dispersal supports tree diversity, or whether it favors only a few resilient species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-to-look-at-old-forests">A new way to look at old forests</h2>



Madagascar’s ecological story is still unfolding. Its forests, once dense and vibrant, now face an uncertain future. Conservation efforts often focus on charismatic animals, the ones we notice first. Lemurs, chameleons, and rare orchids get headlines. But the lizards, often silent and unnoticed, may be doing more than we imagined.



They offer us a chance to rethink how forests work. Even in the most unexpected corners of nature, there are creatures playing vital roles. By understanding them better, we can protect not only individual species but the living systems that keep our planet healthy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/btp.70052" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biotropica</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How lizards help keep Madagascar's forests alive

In the forests of Madagascar, small lizards do more than...

Somewhere in what is now northern Cameroon, a single stride pressed into wet river mud - three clawed toes, each the length of a hand. Minutes later, the water receded, silt drifted over the mark, and the print was saved for posterity. 



Fast-forward 120 million years, and that fossilized step helps rewrite the map of an ancient world.



Back in the Early Cretaceous, Cameroon was stitched to the elbow of northeastern Brazil. There was no Atlantic Ocean, only a low, swampy plain linking the two landmasses. 



Long-necked plant-eaters lumbered through reed beds, sharp-toothed hunters trailed them, and every footfall wrote a record in clay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-tracks-pre-atlantic-ocean">Dinosaur tracks pre-Atlantic Ocean</h2>



Geologists call that vanished landscape <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/gondwana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana</a>, the southern supercontinent that had only recently split from Pangea. 



Around 140 million years ago, tectonic forces tugged at its seams, opening rifts that would become the South Atlantic. 



Even as magma welled up offshore, rivers still braided across the future ocean floor, allowing wildlife to wander freely between the continents. 



Those paths are now exposed in two places more than 3,700 miles apart: the Koum Basin of Cameroon and the Borborema region of Brazil.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_ornithopod_Passagem-das-Pedra_credit-SMU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_ornithopod_Passagem-das-Pedra_credit-SMU_1s.webp" alt="A long ornithopod trackway at Passagem das Pedra, Sousa Basin preserved in floodplain deposits of Lower Cretaceous. Credit: Ismar de Souza Carvalho." class="wp-image-1973174"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A long ornithopod trackway at Passagem das Pedra, Sousa Basin preserved in floodplain deposits of Lower Cretaceous. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Ismar de Souza Carvalho.</figcaption></figure>



The connection comes into sharp relief thanks to a study led by paleontologist <a href="https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/earth-sciences/people/emeriti/l-jacobs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis L. Jacobs</a> of Southern Methodist University (<a href="https://www.smu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMU</a>). 



His international team catalogued more than 260 dinosaur tracks in both basins across the Atlantic Ocean and showed that “in terms of age, these footprints were similar,” Jacobs said. 



“In their geological and plate tectonic contexts, they were also similar. In terms of their shapes, they are almost identical.” 



The twin sites, once side by side, preserve what researchers now call the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Late-Cretaceous-dispersal-of-dinosaurs-across-marine-barriers-1-Titanosauria-South_fig12_346582740" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Dispersal Corridor</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tracks-tell-pre-atlantic-dinosaur-tales">Stone tracks tell pre-Atlantic dinosaur tales</h2>



Most of the footprints belong to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three-toed theropods</a>, the fleet carnivores of their day. A handful of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sauropod</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/100-million-year-old-dinosaur-eggs-show-glimpses-of-life-in-jurassic-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ornithopod</a> impressions round out the roster, hinting at herds of plant-eaters trudging through the same wetlands. 



Sediments alongside the tracks contain pollen that also dates to about 120 million years ago, reinforcing the match between both sides of the Atlantic rift.



“One of the youngest and narrowest geological connections between Africa and South America was the elbow of northeastern Brazil nestled against what is now the coast of Cameroon along the Gulf of Guinea,” Jacobs explained. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_therapods_Sousa-Basin_credit-SMU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_therapods_Sousa-Basin_credit-SMU_1s.webp" alt="Theropod footprint from Sousa Basin, Lower Cretaceous of northeastern Brazil. Credit: Ismar de Souza Carvalho" class="wp-image-1973179"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Theropod footprint from Sousa Basin, Lower Cretaceous of northeastern Brazil. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Ismar de Souza Carvalho</figcaption></figure>



“The two continents were continuous along that narrow stretch, so that animals on either side of that connection could potentially move across it.” 



The footprints freeze that moment when the land bridge was still open yet fragile, a snapshot just before the continents drifted apart for good.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-along-the-dispersal-corridor">Life along the dispersal corridor</h2>



River valleys served as natural highways. Their floodplains offered water, sheltering vegetation, and soft ground ideal for capturing prints. 



“Rivers flowed and lakes formed in the basins. Plants fed the herbivores and supported a food chain," Jacobs continued. 



"Muddy sediments left by the rivers and lakes contain dinosaur footprints, including those of meat-eaters, documenting that these river valleys could provide specific avenues for life to travel across the continents 120 million years ago.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_gondwana_map-path-walked_credit-NMSU_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_gondwana_map-path-walked_credit-NMSU_1s.webp" alt="Paleogeographic reconstruction of the South Atlantic during the earliest Aptian (120 Ma). Red stars represent the Borborema region of Brazil (left red star) and Northern Cameroon footprint-bearing localities (right red star). The Borborema/ Benin-Nigeria Structural Provinces (as shown by Matos et al., 2021a, fig. 1) can be imagined as an ovoid shape with the narrower end just west of the left red star, and the wider end looped beyond the right red star. (Modified from Scotese, 2021)." class="wp-image-1973172"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paleogeographic reconstruction of the South Atlantic during the earliest Aptian (120 Ma). Red stars represent the Borborema region of Brazil (left red star) and Northern Cameroon footprint-bearing localities (right red star). The Borborema/ Benin-Nigeria Structural Provinces can be imagined as an ovoid shape with the narrower end just west of the left red star, and the wider end looped beyond the right red star. Click image to enlarge. Credit: SMU</figcaption></figure>



With every rainy season, new tracks overlapped the old, building a layered story of migration.



Beyond tracks, bones tell of a thriving ecosystem. 



Fossils from nearby basins include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis-new-triassic-crocodile-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodilians</a>, turtles, fish, and even early mammals such as Abelodon abeli, a curious tooth-shaped animal that hints at the deep roots of modern mammal lineages. 



Each discovery fills gaps in the puzzle of how life adapted while the ground beneath it slowly tore apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-footprints-meet-fossils">Footprints meet fossils</h2>



<a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024JAfES.20905129N/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Koum</a> and <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Location-of-the-Babouri-Figuil-Basin-as-well-as-the-main-hydrographic-network-of-the_fig1_357405559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Babouri-Figuil</a> basins are half-graben structures - troughs formed when crust stretches and drops along faults. Similar basins pepper both coasts of the South Atlantic, but few are as rich in terrestrial fossils. 



That makes northern Cameroon a focal point for anyone tracing dinosaur journeys across Gondwana. The first finds came to light in the 1980s during the multinational <a href="https://www.appluslaboratories.com/global/en/about-us/innovation/pireco-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIRCAOC project</a>, and newer digs still turn up surprise specimens despite the region’s remote location.



In Brazil, the matching tracks lie within red siltstones that once lined ancient lagoons. Their fine grain preserves claw imprints and skin traces in remarkable detail. 



Together, the African and South American sites confirm that dinosaurs strolled across a contiguous landmass long after <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pangea</a> began unraveling, using the same river corridors that would later drown beneath the Atlantic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-tracks-matter-today">Why these tracks matter today</h2>



Studying the dispersed footprints sharpens computer models that reconstruct continental drift, improving predictions of where oil, minerals, or groundwater might reside today. 



They also highlight how living routes shift as climates and coastlines change, offering lessons for wildlife facing modern habitat fragmentation.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_therapods_Koum-Basin_credit-SMU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dinosaur-footprints_therapods_Koum-Basin_credit-SMU_1s.webp" alt="Two representative theropod tracks from the Koum Basin in northern Cameroon. Credit: SMU" class="wp-image-1973177"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two representative theropod tracks from the Koum Basin in northern Cameroon. Click image to enlarge. Credit: SMU</figcaption></figure>



Visitors can now follow marked trails to view several of the Cameroonian prints, stepping where theropods once hunted. Local guides say the site feels like “a story written in stone.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-tracks-reunited-across-the-atlantic">Dinosaur tracks reunited across the Atlantic</h2>



That story is still unfolding as researchers scan, map, and compare each trackway. Future excavations may uncover additional corridors, showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-discovered-in-australia-rewrite-dinosaur-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric migration</a> was as complex and wide-ranging as journeys undertaken by animals in the present day.



The tracks remind us that continents move at a snail’s pace, yet over millions of years that pace is enough to reshape oceans, climates, and the paths available to life. 



By reading the mudstone diaries of Cameroon and Brazil, scientists glimpse how creatures responded to those changes - walking, feeding, and multiplying across a supercontinent that no longer exists, but whose memory endures beneath our feet.



The full study was <a href="https://smu.box.com/s/e2ghm8ycjb1zf6hu9pooypdl4sosylbn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in print by New Mexico Museum of Natural History &amp; Science



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How did dinosaurs migrate to live in every part of the world? Scientists think they know

Somewhere in what is now northern Cameroon, a single stride...

Bumble bees are among the planet’s most valuable pollinators. Their colonies power ecosystems and agriculture alike. But few people know how much pressure rests on a single queen during the earliest stage of colony life. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have found that bumble bee queens deliberately pause and take breaks from egg laying. These pauses are not random - they follow a rhythm, possibly tied to the future success of the colony.



This discovery challenges our understanding of eusocial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-affect-bumble-bee-health-in-complex-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect behavior</a>. It shows that even in nature’s most cooperative systems, rest and recovery have a place. The queen bee’s pause might be one of the most important strategies in her survival playbook.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-queen-starts-alone-then-takes-a-pause">Queen starts alone, then takes a pause</h2>



At the start, the queen does everything. She builds the nest, collects food, warms the brood using her wing muscles, and lays eggs. 



But researchers noticed a pattern: queens lay eggs in bursts, then pause for several days. This pause seems universal and isn’t caused by stress or lab conditions.



“I saw these pauses early on, just by taking daily photos of the nests,” said Blanca Peto, the study’s lead author. “It wasn’t something I expected. I wanted to know what was happening during those breaks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-queen-s-pause-supports-brood-timing">Queen’s pause supports brood timing</h2>



In a controlled experiment with 62 Bombus impatiens queens, every queen paused egg-laying after an initial burst. 



On average, the pause began around 4 days after the first eggs and lasted 7 to 8 days. These breaks were not random. They matched brood development stages.



Additional tests showed that when researchers added pupae or older larvae to nests, queens resumed egg-laying sooner. With no brood, queens took 12.5 days to restart. With pupae, they resumed in just 1.5 days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purpose-of-the-queen-pause">Purpose of the queen pause</h2>



“There’s something about the presence of pupae that signals it’s safe or necessary to start producing again,” Peto explained. 



This suggests that queens are responding to the developmental status of their brood. The pause may allow queens to avoid producing more eggs than they can support.



Older larvae and pupae in the brood act as signals that help is coming. Once these brood members mature, they become workers and take over care duties. This frees the queen to focus on egg-laying.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-and-social-cues">Biological and social cues</h2>



Ovarian resorption adds another layer. During the pause, queens not only stop laying eggs, they also resorb oocytes, redirecting resources away from reproduction. This likely helps the queen focus on caring for the existing brood.



After the pause, oocyte production increases again, especially when late-stage brood or workers are present.



Even when well-fed in lab conditions, queens paused. That suggests an internal biological or social cue, not environmental stress, drives the behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaks-seen-in-other-species-too">Breaks seen in other species too</h2>



The research did not stop at one species. Queens from three other bumble bee species (B. vosnesenskii, B. mckayi, and B. frigidus) also paused during early nest founding. That hints at a common strategy across solitary-founding eusocial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebee-queens-have-an-odd-preference-for-contaminated-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>.



The researchers propose that this pause represents a life history strategy. It allows queens to time egg-laying with the emergence of helpers. This helps them balance care for current brood with future colony expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workers-keep-the-momentum-going">Workers keep the momentum going</h2>



The study also found that workers are critical to keeping queens productive. In experiments where newly emerged workers were removed, queens laid fewer eggs than those with workers present. Egg cup numbers and total brood size dropped significantly in nests without workers.



This shows that queen egg-laying isn’t only internally controlled. It is also socially regulated. Once workers appear, they relieve the queen of caregiving, which enables her to focus on reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation">Implications for conservation</h2>



With bumble bee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> in decline due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change, understanding queen behavior becomes crucial. 



Conservation efforts that support queens during the vulnerable solo-founding phase may boost colony survival.



“Without queens, there’s no colony. And without colonies, we lose essential pollinators,” said Peto. “These breaks may be the very reason colonies succeed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colonies-depend-on-flexible-queen-pauses">Colonies depend on flexible queen pauses</h2>



This study challenges the long-standing belief that social insect queens are constantly reproductive. For bumble bees, at least, reproduction is more flexible. Queens adjust their output based on nest conditions, brood development, and social signals.



By focusing on the solitary nest founding stage, this work offers fresh insight into how social structures shape reproductive strategies. And it all starts with a queen bee taking a pause.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-025-02364-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Ecology and Evolution</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Bumble bee queens take strategic 'breaks' while forming their colonies

Bumble bees are among the planet’s most valuable pollinators. Their...

Two centuries ago, naturalists thought they had reptile hearing figured out. Animals like lizards and snakes, they said, relied mostly on their senses of sight and smell, while their inner ears handled balance and little else. 



That tidy picture just got a shake-up - literally. Fresh research finds that a gecko’s balance organ also acts as a sensitive microphone for ground-borne vibrations, giving the animal a stealthy extra sense.



That discovery matters because it rewrites part of the evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-hawks-evolved-super-hearing-abilities-to-locate-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">story of hearing</a>. It hints that an ancient vibration pathway never vanished when vertebrates crawled onto land; it merely slipped below the scientific radar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-tokay-gecko">Studying the tokay gecko</h2>



The new study zeroed in on the tokay gecko, a hardy lizard famous for its loud bark. Deep inside its skull sits the saccule, a fluid-filled pouch long tagged as a balance sensor. 



Researchers gently recorded nerve signals while delivering low-frequency shakes - think deep rumbles between 50 and 200 Hz. The saccule lit up. 



Those frequencies fall well below the range the gecko’s eardrum usually detects, showing that the animal runs two parallel sound channels: one for airborne squeaks, one for tremors underfoot.



“The ear, as we know it, hears airborne sound. But this ancient inner pathway, which is typically linked to balance, helps geckos detect vibrations that travel through media such as ground or water,” explained study co-author Catherine Carr, a Distinguished University Professor of Biology at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>. 



“This pathway exists in amphibians and fish, and now it has been proven to be preserved in lizards as well. Our findings shed light on how the auditory system evolved from what you see in fish to what you see in land animals including humans.”



Carr and her colleagues published their findings in Current Biology, under the title “Auditory pathway for detection of vibration in the tokay gecko.” Leading the bench work was postdoctoral researcher Dawei Han, who first explored the idea during his graduate studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-some-animals-sense-vibrations">How some animals sense vibrations</h2>



Electrical traces told only part of the story. The team also mapped the gecko brain and found a relay station called the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39368471/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nucleus vestibularis ovalis</a>. 



This pocket receives input solely from the saccule, then forwards the information to higher auditory centers. It behaves like a dedicated vibration highway, separate from the regular hearing roadbed. 



Similar brain nuclei turned up in snakes and the ancient New Zealand reptile Sphenodon, hinting at a shared blueprint across the reptile family tree.



“Many snakes and lizards were thought to be ‘mute’ or ‘deaf’ in the sense that they do not vocalize or hear sounds well,” Han explained. 



“But it turns out they could potentially be communicating via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/treehoppers-secretly-communicate-by-making-plants-vibrate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vibrational signals</a> using this sensory pathway instead, which really changes the way scientists have thought about animal perception overall.” 



Desert sand-diving snakes, burrowing skinks, and even turtle hatchlings thumping inside their nests may all trade information by shaking their surroundings rather than shouting through the air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-this-new-animal-sense">Evolution of this new animal sense</h2>



Fish rely on inner-ear organs to feel pressure waves in water, while amphibians straddle both water and land. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geckos-can-recognize-their-own-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gecko</a> work suggests that early tetrapods carried a vibration sense ashore and kept it alongside eardrum-based hearing. 



Over millions of years, some lineages dialed it down, but others - like the tokay - held on. That persistence reminds biologists that evolution often repurposes old tools instead of discarding them.



“Think about when you’re at a live rock concert. It’s so loud that you can feel your whole head and body vibrate in the sound field. You can feel the music, rather than just hearing it," Carr continued.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/animals_sixth-sense_auditory-saccule_illustration_credit-Cell_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/animals_sixth-sense_auditory-saccule_illustration_credit-Cell_1s.webp" alt="University of Maryland biologists have discovered that geckos use a part of their inner ear, the saccule, to detect low-frequency vibrations, offering a new understanding of reptilian hearing. This finding may extend to other reptiles and changes how scientists view animal communication and perception. It also hints at possible connections between hearing and balance in humans. A tokay gecko. Credit: Duncan Leitch" class="wp-image-1973168"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">University of Maryland biologists have discovered that geckos use a part of their inner ear, the saccule, to detect low-frequency vibrations, offering a new understanding of reptilian hearing. This finding may extend to other reptiles and changes how scientists view animal communication and perception. It also hints at possible connections between hearing and balance in humans. A tokay gecko. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Duncan Leitch</figcaption></figure>



"That feeling suggests that the human vestibular system may be stimulated during those loud concerts, meaning our senses of hearing and balance may also be closely linked.” 



Her point: our own balance organs might pitch in when sounds get strong enough, blurring the line between feeling and hearing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



“The implications of this research extend beyond the world of reptiles,” Han said. “As we uncover these hidden mechanisms, we’re also gaining a richer and more nuanced picture of how animals perceive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-has-its-own-internet-and-were-only-beginning-to-understand-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interact with their environments</a> - and potentially, new insights into our own sensory experiences.” 



If the vestibular system partners with the cochlea at extreme volumes, it could influence therapies for balance disorders or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cicadas-deafening-noise-can-cause-ear-ringing-worsen-tinnitus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tinnitus</a>. 



Engineers designing earthquake sensors or underwater microphones might also borrow tricks from the saccule’s elegant hair cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-never-ceases-to-amaze">Nature never ceases to amaze</h2>



Geckos clinging to cave walls are now known to sense the faint shiver of approaching footsteps. Snakes gliding through leaf litter likely feel the scurry of prey. And humans, rocking out in packed arenas, might engage an ancient inner circuit we rarely acknowledge. 



The new research opens a wider conversation about how vertebrates keep tabs on their world - through both ears and bones.



By tuning into the quiet language of vibrations, scientists are uncovering a sensory mosaic that stretches back hundreds of millions of years.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01227-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Animals found to have a 'sixth sense,' changing some evolutionary theories

Two centuries ago, naturalists thought they had reptile hearing figured...

Power is not just about strength. Sometimes, it’s about who dares to act fast. In New Zealand’s coastal waters, the spotty wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus) demonstrates this with an almost cinematic twist. This small fish, capable of rapid sex change, has become the center of a remarkable scientific discovery.



New research from <a href="https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/our-identity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka</a> has revealed that when social order among these fish collapses, biology and behavior shift almost instantly. 



The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, examines what happens when the top fish in the hierarchy disappears. What unfolds is a fascinating sequence of behavioral dominance and brain transformation that begins within minutes.



The findings offer fresh insight into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-provide-climate-resilient-nutrition-for-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living creatures</a> manage power, identity, and sex. And in the case of the spotty wrasse, these things are deeply connected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-size-drives-sex-change">Fish size drives sex change</h2>



The spotty wrasse is a protogynous species. This means that younger individuals are female and they become males as they grow larger. 



The study tracked how this transition is linked to changes in dominance rank. Larger fish quickly climbed to the top and began behaving more aggressively.



“In many of the tanks, second-ranked fish increased their aggression within just a few minutes after removal of the dominant fish,” noted lead author Haylee Quertermous.



The study confirmed a key prediction of the size-advantage model. Size and dominance are tightly linked. Bigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-fish-use-the-moon-cycle-to-manipulate-their-offsprings-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> showed more aggressive behaviors and had higher dominance scores. Smaller ones showed submissive behaviors and avoided confrontations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-in-line-fish-take-charge">Second-in-line fish take charge </h2>



The researchers formed 11 groups of five female-looking initial phase (IP) fish. They ranked them by watching behaviors like "rushing" (aggression) and "escaping" (submission). 



After 11 days, the experts removed the top-ranked fish from some groups and observed the fallout. The second-in-line often stepped up immediately. Their aggression spiked, while submission dropped. 



This shift took less than 30 minutes. The removed fish in control groups were reintroduced right away. In those tanks, behavior remained mostly stable, except for slight agitation in the dominant fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-sex-change-starts-internally">Fish sex change starts internally</h2>



In seven of the 11 experimental tanks, the researchers found that the dominant fish had already begun the internal process of changing sex from female to male.



Although these individuals still appeared female on the outside, closer examination through histological analysis revealed that their gonads were undergoing masculinization. 



This internal shift in reproductive tissue occurred even before any visible signs of sex change had emerged.



The findings strongly suggest that the fish’s behavior and brain activity begin transforming well before the body outwardly reflects the transition. 



In other words, the social and neurological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-corals-have-sex-new-secrets-of-spawning-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a> that initiate sex change are set in motion early, preceding the physical transformation that follows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-reacts-fast">The brain reacts fast</h2>



The researchers studied brain activity using pS6 immunostaining. This technique highlights recent neural activity. 



The experts found that 9 out of 10 brain regions involved in social behavior were more active in the newly dominant fish (rank 2) compared to lower-ranked ones.



These brain areas included the preoptic area (POA), periaqueductal gray (PAG), and parts of the telencephalon. 



The only region that showed reduced activity in dominant fish was the anterior tuberal nucleus (aTn). This could reflect reduced defensive behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-signals-and-power-shift">Brain signals and power shift</h2>



Principal component analysis showed a strong link between behavioral changes and neural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>. 



Aggression increased in tandem with higher brain activation, especially in the social behavior network. The aTn, in contrast, had strong negative correlations with most other brain areas.



Rank 2 fish formed a distinct group in brain-behavior plots. This cluster separated them from both lower-ranked fish and their former selves before dominance. 



The researchers suggest this rapid shift in brain activity helps kick-start the complex process of sex change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-fish-sex-change-matters">Why fish sex change matters</h2>



This study offers rare insights into how social disruption influences sex and power. Quertermous and her colleagues demonstrate that the brain’s decision-making circuits adapt almost instantly to social change.



“They also highlight the importance of social context in shaping individual behavior… even humans,” noted Dr. Kaj Kamstra.



These insights may help manage fisheries with sex-changing species. In New Zealand, for instance, the blue cod fishery could benefit from understanding how fish social structures respond to environmental changes.



Spotty wrasse do not just switch sex over weeks. They start rewiring their brains and shifting behavior within minutes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2097" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Sex changing fish waste no time claiming top spot in hierarchy

Power is not just about strength. Sometimes, it’s about who...

Humpback whales are famous for their long migrations from icy Antarctic waters to warm tropical seas, where they are known to breed and give birth. But new findings suggest these epic journeys may not be as necessary as once thought - at least when it comes to calving.



It turns out that humpback whales are giving birth much farther south than previously documented, with sightings as far south as Tasmania and New Zealand.



The research team, based at the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>, studied sightings, strandings, and surveys to piece together a new picture of where young humpback whales are being born.



The findings challenge old assumptions and point to a need for broader conservation measures along the migration path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-humpback-whale-birthplaces">Surprising humpback whale birthplaces</h2>



"Hundreds of humpback calves were born well outside the established <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-sing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding grounds</a>," said Dr. Tracey Rogers of the University of New South Wales, senior author of the study.



These calves weren’t just found drifting a bit off course. Some were spotted in areas full of human activity. 



"In July 2023, during a whale-watching tour, I encountered a mom and calf at the mouth of Newcastle Harbor - the busiest shipping port in Eastern Australia," said Jane McPhee-Frew, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New South Wales. 



"The calf was tiny, obviously brand new. What were they doing there? But none of my tourism colleagues seemed surprised." This encounter sparked a deeper look into calving locations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-records-of-humpback-whale-births">Records of humpback whale births</h2>



The researchers compiled data from a wide range of sources, including citizen science sightings, government surveys, and whale stranding records dating back to 1991. 



The team also utilized data from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation Cook Strait Whale Project and Australian wildlife authorities.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/humpback-whale_baby_birth-insights_credit-Vanessa-Risku_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/humpback-whale_baby_birth-insights_credit-Vanessa-Risku_1s.webp" alt="A mother and baby whale swim at Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. Credit: Vanessa Risku - Instagram: droning_my_sorrows" class="wp-image-1973052"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A mother and baby whale swim at Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Vanessa Risku - Instagram: droning_my_sorrows</figcaption></figure>



In total, the team identified 209 records involving newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-struggles-of-pregnant-humpback-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback calves</a>. The records included 11 confirmed births, 41 strandings, and 168 sightings of live calves - at least 169 individuals in all.



For many of these humpback whales, the direction of travel was known, and 118 were continuing their journey north even after giving birth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-long-distance-migrations">Extensive long-distance migrations</h2>



"Humpback whale populations undertake extensive long-distance migrations from the Southern Ocean to breeding grounds in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropics</a>," said Dr. Adelaide Dedden of Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service. 



"They rely heavily on body reserves from an enormous amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-krill-keep-time-in-a-world-of-endless-days-or-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic krill</a> to support the physiological costs of the journey and reproduction."



One of the southernmost calves was recorded in Port Arthur, Tasmania - 1,500 kilometers farther south than scientists thought humpbacks could calve. Another was found slightly farther north in Kaikoura, New Zealand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-behavior-of-humpback-whales">Overlooked behavior of humpback whales </h2>



Interestingly, most of these observations are from recent years. About two-thirds occurred in 2023 or 2024. 



Still, this behavior may not be new. The researchers believe it may have gone unnoticed before due to the dramatic decrease in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gray-whale-populations-continue-to-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale populations</a> during the era of commercial whaling.



"I think it's very likely that this pattern has always existed, but the low number of whales obscured it from view," said McPhee-Frew. "The Eastern Australia humpback population narrowly escaped extinction, but now there are 30, 40, or 50,000 in this population alone."



"It doesn't happen overnight, but the recovery of humpback whales, and the return of their full range of behaviors and distribution, just goes to show that with good policies built on good science we can have excellent outcomes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-migrate-at-all">Why migrate at all?</h2>



If humpbacks can give birth so far south, why do they bother migrating at all? That question remains unanswered. 



One theory is that while births can happen anywhere along the migration route, the benefits of tropical calving grounds - warmer waters and lower risks from predators - still outweigh the risks of staying south.



In some areas, like Flinders Bay in Western Australia, the researchers found potential nursery zones. While most calves still seem to be born in the tropics, the new data shows that births outside of these regions are more common than once believed.



The team emphasized that this isn’t just a curiosity - it has real conservation implications. Some of the calves seen outside of the usual zones were injured. That suggests greater vulnerability, especially in areas with heavy human traffic, like shipping lanes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-calves-on-the-move">Protecting calves on the move</h2>



As whale numbers rise and sightings increase, the need for broader protection becomes clearer. Researchers are calling for more awareness of calving outside traditional breeding zones. That means rethinking how we define critical whale habitats.



"This study was based on opportunistic observations," noted McPhee-Frew. "This data is excellent for answering questions like, 'are there newborn whales here?' But we can't stretch the interpretations too far."



"It might appear that we see more calves the further north we go, or that we have seen more over time. But it could be that there are more people whale-watching in the north, or more cameras and social media sharing in recent years."



"We can only document what we see," added Dr. Vanessa Pirotta of Macquarie University. "Perhaps there are things happening in our ocean that we are yet to find out."



For now, this discovery expands our view of where humpback whales are giving birth. As populations of these gentle giants continue to recover, further research is needed to protect them wherever they go.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1545526/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Humpback whales are giving birth where we least expected

Humpback whales are famous for their long migrations from icy...

Whales are known to be intelligent. They use complex sounds, travel in social groups, and show strong memory. But what happens when they do something not tied to feeding or mating? Could they interact in a creative and playful way using bubble rings?



For the first time, researchers from the <a href="https://www.seti.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a> and the University of California at Davis (<a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>) have documented humpback whales producing bubble rings during friendly encounters with humans.



These bubble rings differ from the bubble nets used in hunting. They appear like spinning smoke donuts, rising gently from the deep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-insights-into-nonhuman-creativity">Rare insights into nonhuman creativity</h2>



The scientists from <a href="https://bmccowanlab.com/current-research/humpback-whale-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WhaleSETI</a> recorded 39 bubble rings from 11 whales across 12 episodes. These were observed in Hawai'i, the Dominican Republic, Mo’orea, and off the U.S. Atlantic coast.



The study offers rare insights into nonhuman creativity, and suggests that ring creation could reflect play, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a>, or curiosity.



At least one whale was seen making a ring using only one nostril. This detail, revealed through frame-by-frame analysis, hints at fine motor control in these large mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-whales-create-bubble-rings">Why do whales create bubble rings?</h2>



“Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrial intelligence and life will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers,” said <a href="https://www.seti.org/our-scientists/laurance-doyle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Laurance Doyle</a>, SETI Institute scientist and co-author on the paper.



“This important assumption is certainly supported by the independent evolution of curious behavior in humpback <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-whale-movements-to-reduce-deadly-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.”



Bubble rings were not released in the presence of prey or during fights. Instead, whales appeared relaxed and moved slowly. 



They often approached boats or swimmers before making a ring. In nine episodes labeled inquisitive, the whales ignored other whales and focused on nearby humans or vessels.



Seven of eight ring blowers swam close - within one body length - of boats or swimmers. In one case, a whale’s ring partially surrounded a swimmer at the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play-or-signal-the-debate-continues">Play or signal? The debate continues</h2>



“Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools and assist other species being harassed by predators,” said co-lead author Dr. Fred Sharpe. 



“Now, akin to a candidate signal, we show they are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication.”



While bubble rings have been seen in dolphins and beluga whales, this is the first well-documented case in baleen whales. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/humpback-whales_bubble-smoke-rings_human-communication_montage_WhaleSETI_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/humpback-whales_bubble-smoke-rings_human-communication_montage_WhaleSETI_1s.webp" alt="Composite image of at least one bubble ring from each episode. Photo attributions are as follows: (a) D. Knaub, (b) F. Nicklen, (c) D. Perrine, (d) W. Davis, (e) G. Flipse, (f) A. Henry, (g) M. Gaughan, (h) H. Romanchik, (i) D. Patton, (j) D. Perrine, (k) S. Istrup, (l) S. Hilbourne." class="wp-image-1973059"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Composite image of at least one bubble ring from each episode. Photo attributions are as follows: (a) D. Knaub, (b) F. Nicklen, (c) D. Perrine, (d) W. Davis, (e) G. Flipse, (f) A. Henry, (g) M. Gaughan, (h) H. Romanchik, (i) D. Patton, (j) D. Perrine, (k) S. Istrup, (l) S. Hilbourne. Click image to enlarge. Credit: WhaleSETI</figcaption></figure>



Earlier drone surveys covering thousands of hours in Hawai'i, Alaska, Antarctica, and Bermuda found no rings when humans were absent. This suggests <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-in-hot-water-will-climate-change-disrupt-their-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpbacks</a> may direct these displays at us, either playfully or communicatively.



According to the researchers, the bubble rings often came with slow rolling, head lifts, or spy-hopping. These playful actions support the idea that ring-blowing is not accidental. One whale even played with seaweed before producing a ring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-alien-intelligence">Searching for alien intelligence</h2>



“Humpback whales often exhibit inquisitive, friendly behavior towards boats and human swimmers,” said co-lead author Jodi Frediani. 



“We’ve now located a dozen whales from populations around the world, the majority of which have voluntarily approached boats and swimmers blowing bubble rings during these episodes of curious behavior.”



Most rings were generated using the blowhole, with no dramatic pre-ring gestures. Unlike dolphins that prepare visibly before blowing a ring, whales give no warning. The action appears smooth and sudden, with no body jerks or O-shaped naris.



The team suggests that humpbacks may be engaging in “play with a purpose.” Play could serve as a flexible behavior for testing environments, objects, and responses. It may also allow interspecies connection, much like a dolphin lifting a swimmer or a whale inspecting a human.



As with early efforts to classify alien signals, recognizing play and curiosity in other species teaches us how to listen. 



The WhaleSETI team believes behaviors like ring-blowing may serve as training data to improve algorithms for decoding unknown signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-whale-bubble-rings-nbsp">Significance of whale bubble rings&nbsp;</h2>



The whales showed no signs of fear, annoyance, or aggression during these events. Many lingered after producing the ring, possibly watching our reactions. One whale made 11 rings in a single episode, suggesting intentional repetition.



Patterns of bubbles - rings, plumes, bursts - may form a continuum. Some bubbles might be failed rings. Others may convey intent or social cues. Documenting these actions and their contexts can improve how we understand other minds.



The researchers urge whale watchers, swimmers, and boaters to report such sightings. Include location, behavior, and if possible, visual proof. These citizen reports help build a richer picture of whale behavior and potentially interspecies connection.



Karen Pryor, a renowned animal trainer, noted that patterns of bubble production in cetaceans constitute a mode of communication not available to terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-patterns-in-whale-songs-predict-ecosystem-shifts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>.



If whales try to communicate with us through bubble rings, even playfully, we should be listening.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Scientists photograph whales blowing 'bubble smoke rings' to communicate with humans

Whales are known to be intelligent. They use complex sounds,...

The world’s oceans are home to some of the most iconic marine megafauna, including sharks, whales, turtles, and seals. These ocean giants sit at the top of ocean food webs, playing critical roles in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. 



But they face mounting threats as human pressures reshape the oceans they call home.



A major new study has tracked the movements of over 100 marine megafaunal species to pinpoint the most important areas in our oceans for urgent conservation.



The research, conducted by a global team including scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>) and The Australian National University (<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a>), highlights where protective efforts must focus.



The study is part of the UN-endorsed MegaMove project, a massive collaboration involving nearly 400 scientists from more than 50 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-marine-megafauna-the-basics">Understanding marine megafauna - the basics</h2>



Marine megafauna are the giants of the ocean - large animals like whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/offshore-wind-farms-are-now-habitats-for-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant rays</a>. These creatures play critical roles in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. 



For example, whales help circulate nutrients by diving deep and then surfacing to breathe, effectively stirring the ocean layers. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-sea-turtles-swim-and-choose-their-paths-instead-of-drifting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea turtles</a> keep seagrass beds healthy by grazing, while sharks regulate the food web by preying on the sick and weak. 



These species aren't just beautiful and fascinating - they're essential. Their presence supports biodiversity and helps oceans function as stable, resilient systems.



Despite their importance, marine megafauna face mounting threats from human activity. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-face-severe-destruction-from-bottom-trawling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overfishing</a>, ship strikes, entanglement in plastic waste, noise pollution, and habitat loss all take a toll. 



Climate change compounds these challenges by warming waters and disrupting migration and breeding patterns. Many of these animals are long-lived and slow to reproduce, so their populations can't bounce back quickly once harmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-highways-of-marine-megafauna">Hidden highways of marine megafauna</h2>



Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> (MPAs) cover just eight percent of the world’s oceans. However, the UN High Seas Treaty aims to expand that coverage to 30 percent. This new study shows that while the 30 percent goal is important, it may not be enough.



“The impacts of a changing ocean on marine megafauna are already evident,” said Camrin Braun, assistant scientist and ocean ecologist at WHOI. 



“Our recent work tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predators</a>, including an earlier WHOI-led study, indicates changes in the ocean are expected to fundamentally alter the status quo for where these species are and how they live.”



The research team tracked animal movements to find areas critical for feeding, breeding, and migration.



“We found that the areas used by these animals overlap significantly with threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tuna-fishing-gear-is-harming-oceans-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a>, shipping, warming temperatures, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>,” said Ana Sequeira, marine ecologist at ANU and the study’s lead author. 



“The 30 percent protection goal is seen as helpful but insufficient to protect all important areas, meaning that additional mitigation strategies are needed to alleviate pressures beyond areas that will be protected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-effort-to-protect-marine-megafauna">Global effort to protect marine megafauna</h2>



The MegaMove project, launched by Sequeira in 2020, aims to unite the marine movement ecology community to confront the urgent challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cascading-oxygen-loss-could-endanger-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean life</a>.



“MegaMove brings together an international network of researchers to provide innovative research to advance the global conservation of marine megafauna,” Sequeira said.



The team emphasizes that while expanding protected areas is crucial, it’s equally important to tackle threats outside those zones.



“Our research shows that, in addition to protected areas, implementing mitigation strategies like changing fishing gear, using different lights in nets, and traffic schemes for ships will be key to alleviating current human pressure on these species,” Sequeira explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ranking-oceans-for-conservation">Ranking oceans for conservation</h2>



Study co-lead author Dr. Jorge Rodríguez, from Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar y Sistemas Complejos, shared new insights on how the team identified priority areas for marine megafaunal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-conservation-credit-system-could-reduce-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>.



“We’ve outlined the top areas for 30 percent protection, ranking them based on their use by marine megafaunal species,” Rodríguez said.



“Our analysis identifies which areas in the global ocean these species are using as residencies or migratory corridors. We specifically focused on ranking higher those areas used for these important behaviors by the largest number of species.”



According to Sequeira, even if the whole 30 percent protection were selected in key areas used by marine megafauna, it would still not be enough to conserve them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-a-changing-ocean">Preparing for a changing ocean</h2>



Braun emphasized the need for flexibility in conservation strategies as ocean conditions continue to evolve.



“Adaptive management approaches, and stronger mitigation strategies are critical components of the coordinated international approach necessary to conserve these species into the future,” Braun said. 



“We need all the tools we can get if we are going to successfully balance conservation goals with human uses in a changing ocean.”



The study connects closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.



By combining large-scale tracking data and coordinated international efforts, this research offers a clear path forward - a future where marine megafauna continue to thrive alongside a growing human presence on the seas.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl0239" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Marine megafauna face growing threats - despite global protections

The world’s oceans are home to some of the most...

Scientists and conservation groups are pushing for stronger safeguards for seamounts, which are underwater peaks that support sea life in astonishing ways. 



These submerged elevations can be pivotal feeding stations for marine animals, but they are at risk from a fishing practice known as bottom trawling, which involves scraping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-new-underwater-map-reveals-nearly-100000-hidden-ocean-mountains-seamounts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> floor with heavy nets.



Leading marine researchers have emphasized these concerns at the <a href="https://ocean-climate.org/en/unoc2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Third United Nations Ocean Conference</a> in Nice. 



Dr. Lissette Victorero of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) explained that the clock is ticking to protect these environments before irreparable harm is done.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-seamounts-support-sea-life">How seamounts support sea life</h2>



Seamounts play a role in supplying shelter and resources for everything from coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a> to whales. They also help certain fish species that rely on the gentle currents flowing around these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-are-gathering-hubs-for-ocean-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater</a> cliffs for breeding grounds and essential nutrients.



“These underwater mountains are biodiversity powerhouses, home to unique communities and vital habitats that are often older than our most ancient forests,” said Dr. Lance Morgan, president of the Marine Conservation Institute.



Scientists say losing these habitats would be a devastating blow, not only for <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> but for local economies that rely on sustainable fishing.&nbsp;



Seamounts are classified by the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> as part of vulnerable marine ecosystems (<a href="https://www.fao.org/in-action/vulnerable-marine-ecosystems/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VMEs</a>), which means special attention is needed. Their fragile coral and sponge populations do not recover quickly once damaged, and bottom trawling can crush them in an instant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-concerns-about-carbon-emissions">Urgent concerns about carbon emissions</h2>



A new <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1125137/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> published January 17, 2024, found that bottom trawling is responsible for releasing an estimated 370 million metric tons of <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/carbon-dioxide/?intent=121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> into the atmosphere each year. 



Carbon stored in sediments for hundreds of years can be disturbed by the plowing effect of the trawls, sending a portion into surface waters.



“Global warming is like death by a thousand cuts. It’s lots of different sources producing CO2 emissions,” said Enric Sala, following a 2021 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03371-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> he led.



The <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/15/5301/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Global Carbon Budget</a> shows the planet is already under pressure from rising CO2, so scientists argue that any additional source of emissions is too large to ignore.



<a href="https://usa.oceana.org/bottom-trawling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seafloor nets</a> that are used by some operators can weigh over 11,000 pounds (nearly 5,000 kg). These nets have heavy chains that drag across the bottom of the ocean, stirring up sediments and releasing gases that might otherwise remain trapped for centuries. 



The disturbance is not limited to one location, as currents can carry sediments far away and spread the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-underwater-mountains-impact-ocean-circulation-climate-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suggestions-to-protect-deep-sea-life">Suggestions to protect deep-sea life</h2>



Several groups, including the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (<a href="https://stateoftheocean.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPSO</a>), see marine protected areas as a practical solution for curtailing the worst effects. 



Protecting critical sections of the deep ocean may allow key habitats to stay intact while also limiting extra carbon in the air.



A <a href="https://marine-conservation.org/on-the-tide/tracking-bottom-fishing-in-eu-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from the Marine Conservation Institute outlines that sustainable fishing approaches can keep local food supplies robust without flattening the seabed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shielding-vulnerable-marine-ecosystems">Shielding vulnerable marine ecosystems </h2>



Some nations already ban bottom trawling in certain coastal areas and are studying whether to expand these restrictions.



“Never before have we known so much about seamounts and their importance for biodiversity, their vulnerability, and their essential role in keeping our ocean healthy,” said Dr. Victorero.&nbsp;



Conservationists mention that nations agreed in 2006 to shield vulnerable marine ecosystems from harmful fishing, yet the implementation has been scattered. 



The 2006 resolution aimed to protect vital seafloor terrains, but oversight varies from region to region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-seamounts-from-trawling">Protecting seamounts from trawling </h2>



Calls for immediate action have also been stirred by the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) <a href="https://www.thegef.org/what-we-do/topics/biodiversity-beyond-national-jurisdiction" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agreement</a>. 



The treaty seeks to close governance gaps for ocean areas that lie outside any single nation’s boundaries, yet final ratification may take time.



Groups such as the DSCC and IPSO encourage policymakers to block destructive fishing practices on seamounts now rather than wait for lengthy legal processes. This safeguard would complement efforts to reduce emissions from other sectors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-trawling-and-seamount-damage">Heavy trawling and seamount damage</h2>



“Bottom trawling is the most damaging way to obtain food from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-satellite-is-rewriting-what-we-know-about-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. We know the ecological impacts are disastrous,” said Sala. 



Consumers sometimes feel obligated to avoid fish caught using trawls, though some experts see a policy-based route as more efficient.&nbsp;



International cooperation and local enforcement appear to be key. Countries with heavy trawling must collaborate with those whose waters receive these drifting sediments. 



The Marine Conservation Institute, established in 1996, highlights the value of well-managed marine protected areas for maintaining a balance between food supply and conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-governments-fail-to-protect-seamounts">Governments fail to protect seamounts</h2>



“This letter is a call to action from the scientific community. States have the tools required to stop this destruction,” said Dr. Victorero.



Fishing councils in certain regions already restrict bottom gear usage in huge sections of the ocean floor. But many seamounts, trenches, and ridges remain open to industrial vessels, risking long-term damage for short-term catches.&nbsp;



Some scientists believe properly designed no-trawl zones around major seamount clusters would preserve essential habitats. The DSCC started in 2004 with more than 130 organizations determined to halt destructive fishing in the deep. 



Localized bans on bottom trawling in parts of the United States and Europe have served as test grounds, and have shown partial success in preserving important fish stocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-shifts-to-save-seamounts">Regulatory shifts to save seamounts </h2>



Scientists also point to the possibility of more advanced gear that floats off the seafloor. But until research funding and industry support align, the simplest way to protect sensitive areas is often a firm ban. 



Observers note that the next few years will likely reveal whether these appeals spur significant regulatory shifts or remain pledges on paper.



Time is short for life that relies on these underwater structures. The DSCC, IPSO, and the Marine Conservation Institute encourage the international community to follow through on previous pledges and add new ones if needed. 



The goal is to eliminate the severe threat trawling poses to seamounts before irreversible damage is done.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1125137/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Seamounts face severe destruction from bottom trawling

Scientists and conservation groups are pushing for stronger safeguards for...

Having itchy skin is a familiar annoyance for some families, and certain children seem to be hit harder than others. Why do these youngsters develop <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/">atopic eczema</a> when their friends do not - especially if they share similar environments?



A research team has been looking into whether a child’s genetic profile influences the risk of eczema. 



After reviewing a set of data involving children from several countries, the experts uncovered hints that a household <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> might help offset some of the genetic factors behind itchy skin irritation.



Professor Sara Brown from the University of Edinburgh’s <a href="http://The Institute of Genetics and Cancer https://g.co/kgs/DQMJEzs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Genetics and Cancer</a> and Dr. Marie Standl from <a href="https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Munich</a> contributed to this work and brought fresh insight into how these influences might unfold for families everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-eczema-in-children">Understanding eczema in children</h2>



Eczema involves red, inflamed patches that can be difficult to soothe. This condition arises from a blend of inherited makeup and influences such as early-life bacterial contact or exposure to specific animals. 



Having a family history of dry skin issues does not guarantee a child will develop it, but it raises the odds.



Scientists have wondered why certain kids with a genetic variant live free of symptoms while others encounter a lifetime of creams and lotions. 



Studies from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db460.htm#Key_finding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> note that 7.3% of adults aged 18 and over have eczema.



Experts have long suspected that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> might play a protective part for some children, and this new investigation adds support to that theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-may-protect-children-from-eczema">Dogs may protect children from eczema</h2>



Families with a pet dog often report that their kids seem to have fewer episodes of skin flare-ups. The researchers wanted to see if this pattern held up at a molecular level. 



They focused on a segment of DNA near the interleukin-7 receptor (<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17660817/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IL-7R</a>), which helps the body regulate immune cells.



“We know that genetic make-up affects a child’s risk of developing eczema and previous studies have shown that owning a pet dog may be protective,” said Professor Brown. 



One part of the study found that children with a slight twist in that gene could sidestep the usual risk for eczema if they had a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-our-relationships-with-dogs-matter-so-much/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> in their household early in life.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-siblings-might-help-reduce-eczema-risk">Siblings might help reduce eczema risk</h2>



Scientists have also noticed that having older brothers or sisters might offer some protection. Observations point to a possible link between exposure to unique bacteria from siblings and a child’s reaction to environmental triggers. 



Further research is needed to confirm how varied bacterial environments influence the genetic component of eczema.



“Not every preventive measure works for everyone, and that’s precisely why gene-environment studies are crucial,” said Dr. Standl. 



Families sometimes consider adding a second child or adopting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> to reduce eczema risk. Not every measure works for everyone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-don-t-work-for-every-eczema-case">Dogs don’t work for every eczema case</h2>



Scientists emphasize that having a dog from day one does not guarantee eczema-free skin. The recent work did not examine the effects of dogs on treating existing cases of eczema. 



Many professionals caution that introducing an animal might irritate symptoms that are already present.



The researchers suggest that contact with dog-related bacteria might shape a child’s immune response in ways that shift how that interleukin-7 receptor behaves. 



Though this gene variation is not the only cause of eczema, it appears to be important in controlling inflammation. Early-life dog exposure could modify that gene’s effect so the skin’s defensive barriers stay in better shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-diversity-in-research-matters">Why diversity in research matters</h2>



The latest findings draw primarily from white European participants, prompting calls for more studies in other populations. 



Eczema affects millions of people <a href="https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide</a>, including groups with differing genetic backgrounds. A broader pool of participants will help clarify how these discoveries apply to families everywhere.



Parents often wonder if a dog in the home might lower the odds of their child facing red, itchy skin every night. These early results support the idea that dog ownership might help in specific genetic situations. 



More data from a wider range of people will show whether the same pattern exists in other populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eczema-genetics-and-the-future">Eczema, genetics, and the future</h2>



Experts continue exploring the interplay between genetic traits and outside factors to better understand why some children develop eczema. They aim to refine the science so parents have straightforward answers about potential lifestyle steps. 



Future work may also investigate whether other pets or environmental exposures shape this immune balance.



The study team believes that continuing to map the roles of various gene variants could open the door to targeted prevention. 



Parents can stay alert to new findings on additional ways to keep a child’s skin barrier strong. They may also want to consult a pediatrician before making major decisions, especially if a youngster already struggles with chronic irritation.



This study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.16605" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allergy</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dogs might protect children from developing this chronic and common condition

Having itchy skin is a familiar annoyance for some families,...

With names like the blue jay and the mallard, birds are among the most familiar wildlife to the general public. Yet bird naming - where the names come from, what they mean - has remained surprisingly underexplored.



A new study offers the most detailed look yet into this world, revealing patterns that stretch from biology to mythology - and even mistaken medieval beliefs.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/">New York University</a> (NYU) and the <a href="https://nhm.org/">Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County</a> have compiled a massive database of nearly 11,000 English bird names. The findings show that nearly 90 percent are based on physical or ecological traits, while just 11 percent honor people.



The project is one of the first to quantify the structure and sources behind bird naming. It comes at a time when ornithology is reexamining how these names shape public understanding and whose stories they preserve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-comprehensive-naming-atlas"><a></a>A comprehensive naming atlas</h2>



Erin Morrison is a professor in Liberal Studies at NYU and is co-lead author of the study. "Until this database, there was no quantitative way to analyze the current state of terms in English bird names,” she said. 



“In addition to showing that a very small percentage of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-birds-one-tree-complete-evolutionary-map-reveals-hidden-links/">birds</a> are named after people, the database reveals some of the terminology we use to name birds is very specialized."



"It points towards an issue with how accessible these names are, such as the isabelline shrike and the diademed sandpiper-plover, even to native English speakers.”



The resource, called the <a href="https://sites.google.com/nyu.edu/avianlexiconatlas/home">AvianLexiconAtlas</a>, includes every known English-language bird species name. It categorizes the main descriptive term into one of ten thematic groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-bird-names-reveal">What bird names reveal</h2>



The categories range from physical characteristics, like the black-capped chickadee, to natural history traits, such as the rock pigeon. They also include cultural references and geographic ties, like the European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/starlings-are-independent-navigators-not-copycats/">starling</a>.



Some names are straightforward: the yellow-rumped warbler clearly reflects a visual trait. Others, like Wilson’s warbler or Bonaparte’s gull, reference historical figures. 



These names often reflect who discovered or classified the species more than the birds themselves. Still others - such as the barnacle goose, once thought to hatch from barnacles - have roots in outdated folklore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renaming-effort-underway">Renaming effort underway </h2>



Allison Shultz is co-lead author and curator of ornithology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.



“The work gives us a rich insight into how birds are named overall,” she said. “Those naming processes can reflect all the strangeness and specificity of the people naming them, their culture, and their history - things that wouldn’t help tell you what a bird looks like.”



This disconnect between name and meaning is central to growing debates in ornithology. Names that once honored explorers or scientists are now being reconsidered. Institutions like the <a href="https://americanornithology.org/">American Ornithological Society</a> are moving to rename all species currently named after people.



The new study offers hard data to guide that shift, revealing just how few species actually fall into that category.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-how-we-name-birds">Changing how we name birds</h2>



Common names are often the public’s main entry point to a species. Just as “California <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-animals-feel-the-beat-ronan-the-sea-lion-might-just-prove-it/">sea lion</a>” or “brown bear” might quickly convey meaning, bird names should do the same - but many don’t.



“In ornithology, there has been significant reflection among both professional researchers and amateur naturalists about what the terminology in regionally standardized English-language common names should communicate about species of birds,” Morrison noted.



The database could help guide future renaming decisions. It offers a consistent reference for how names are formed, what they signal, and whether they help or hinder understanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classroom-idea-becomes-global-tool">Classroom idea becomes global tool</h2>



The project began in Morrison’s Life Science class at NYU in fall 2022, when students identified what type of descriptor formed the basis of a bird’s name.



They examined thousands of names and sorted them into categories: size, behavior, habitat, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-dinosaurs-to-birds-the-mysterious-origin-of-feathers/">plumage</a>, geography, or human reference.



“We found that 1,000 of the 11,000 species were named after male-only plumage, but just 20 were named after female-only plumage,” Shultz said. "The orange-bellied antwren is one of the few."



Students and faculty from NYU’s Liberal Studies program contributed to the final dataset and co-authored the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-names-more-inclusive">Making names more inclusive</h2>



The research team hopes that the AvianLexiconAtlas will serve as a foundational tool for both scientists and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birdwatching-can-significantly-improve-students-mental-health/">birdwatchers</a>. It includes not only the core dataset but also a glossary and a gazetteer to decode unfamiliar terms.



That may be especially helpful in parsing names like the Pincoya storm-petrel - named for a Chilean sea spirit said to dance on the waves - or the obscurely labeled baglafecht weaver.



“In the future, we look forward to combining what we learned with rich sources of data like our bird collections to understand the connections between birds and people better,” Shultz said. 



“Overall, this work provides valuable insights in helping develop approachable names that help strengthen this connection and ultimately help protect birds and nature.”



With names playing a central role in how people relate to the natural world, the project encourages a more thoughtful approach to how species are introduced, remembered, and preserved.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0325890">PLOS One</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Origins and oddities of bird names mapped for the first time

With names like the blue jay and the mallard, birds...

Acute diarrhea affects nearly 1 in 12 dogs annually in the UK. This stat comes from a new analysis of over 2.2 million vet health records. 



Led by Dan O’Neill at the <a href="https://www.rvc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Veterinary College</a>, this study uncovers which dogs are most at risk, what symptoms they show, and how vets treat them.



“Experiencing the dreaded ‘poonami’ with your dog is one of those events any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-may-respond-to-each-other-through-blinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> owner fears. This new study shows that diarrhea events are very common in dogs but that owners should not panic - no matter how bad the deluge, most dogs will recover in a few days after veterinary treatment,” Dr. O’Neil noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-breeds-and-diarrhea-risk">Dog breeds and diarrhea risk</h2>



Some dogs are significantly more likely to suffer from diarrhea. The top at-risk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-compares-dna-of-chernobyl-dogs-to-canines-living-outside-the-radiation-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeds</a> include Cavapoo, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cockapoo. 



Cavapoos had the highest annual incidence risk at nearly 15 percent, followed closely by Maltese and Miniature Poodles.



Why these breeds? Genetics may play a role, but it’s also possible that lifestyle and owner behavior matter. For example, owners of popular designer crossbreeds like Cavapoos may visit vets more often, leading to more diagnoses. 



Still, even accounting for this, the odds ratios point to real predispositions, especially in Miniature Poodles and their crossbred descendants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designer-breeds-face-higher-diarrhea-odds">Designer breeds face higher diarrhea odds</h2>



Designer crossbreeds like Cockapoos and Cavapoos showed a higher risk than general crossbreeds or purebreds. 



This challenges the idea that hybrid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-understand-words-even-in-monotone-speech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> always benefit from hybrid vigor. Owners should be aware that these trendy dogs might need more digestive care than expected.



Interestingly, Jack Russell Terriers and Chihuahuas had lower odds of being diagnosed. These findings might help inform breed-specific guidance and early prevention efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-affects-dog-diarrhea-risk">Age affects dog diarrhea risk</h2>



Age stood out as a major factor. Dogs under 3 years and over 9 years had significantly higher odds of diarrhea. Puppies may eat things they shouldn’t. Older dogs might suffer due to weakened gut health or age-related illness.



The researchers found that very young dogs (under the age of one) had 2.4 times the odds of diarrhea compared to middle-aged dogs. Dogs over 14 had nearly 2.6 times the odds. For both groups, careful diet and close monitoring are key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-symptoms-and-what-to-expect">Common symptoms and what to expect</h2>



For most of the dogs in the study, diarrhea was accompanied by other symptoms. Vomiting was seen in 44 percent of cases. Reduced appetite affected 28 percent, and 24 percent were lethargic. A smaller group of dogs (about 13 percent) showed signs of abdominal pain.



Roughly 29 percent of the cases were classified as hemorrhagic (bloody). Surprisingly, blood in stools did not increase the likelihood of lab testing on the first vet visit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-care-for-dog-diarrhea">Simple care for dog diarrhea</h2>



Most cases were managed with supportive care. Probiotics were used in 60 percent of cases. Dietary changes were prescribed in 44 percent. 



Antibiotics, though discouraged for mild cases, were still used in 38 percent of all cases. The most common was oral metronidazole.



Even more striking, 59 percent of hemorrhagic cases were treated with antibiotics, despite guidelines saying they usually should not be. These decisions seem driven by concern for the dog’s well-being and owner anxiety, not always evidence-based need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-antibiotic-overuse-a-problem">Is antibiotic overuse a problem?</h2>



Veterinary experts have warned about this for years. Antibiotics should not be the go-to for uncomplicated diarrhea. 



Overuse of antibiotics heightens the risk of resistance and gut microbiome imbalance. Yet, fear of client dissatisfaction and ingrained habits keep antibiotics in play.



A recent European panel strongly advised against giving antibiotics to dogs with mild or moderate diarrhea, even if it’s bloody. They emphasize fluid therapy and dietary support instead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-should-dog-owners-do">What should dog owners do?</h2>



Don't panic. Over 80 percent of diarrhea cases resolved with just one vet visit. Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-our-relationships-with-dogs-matter-so-much/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> got better within a few days, even without lab tests or medication.



But stay alert if your dog is very young, elderly, or from a high-risk breed. Monitor for repeated episodes, especially if blood is present or other symptoms appear.



This study gives vets and owners something rare: data from real dogs, in real clinics, across the UK. The message is clear. Diarrhea is common, but most dogs recover fast. Awareness, not alarm, is the best first step.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0324203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Some dogs have a higher risk of digestive problems like diarrhea

Acute diarrhea affects nearly 1 in 12 dogs annually in...

species in Pterotracheidae

News coming your way