In a stark update on the deteriorating condition of our planet, an international assembly of climate experts has reported that the Earth’s vital signs have declined to levels never before witnessed in human history. This critical state threatens the very fabric of life on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-scientific-consensus">Unprecedented scientific consensus</h2>



Led by William Ripple, a prominent figure from the Oregon State University <a href="https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Forestry</a>, and Christopher Wolf, formerly associated with OSU, a team comprising 12 scientists has delivered a grim prognosis on Earth&#8217;s vital signs in their paper published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/biosci/biad080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioScience</a>. 



Titled &#8220;The 2023 State of the climate report: Entering uncharted territory,&#8221; the study underscores that a staggering 20 out of 35 planetary vital signs used as barometers for climate health have hit record extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-on-the-brink">World on the brink</h2>



&#8220;Without decisive steps to address the fundamental issue of humanity&#8217;s overconsumption of the Earth&#8217;s resources, we are navigating towards the potential disintegration of natural and socioeconomic systems,&#8221; Wolf stated, painting a picture of a future marred by intolerable heat, food scarcity, and water shortages.



The authors highlight alarming data from 2023, pointing out that numerous records related to climate and Earth&#8217;s vital signs have been shattered &#8220;by enormous margins.&#8221; This includes unprecedented ocean temperatures, drastic reductions in sea ice, and an extraordinary Canadian wildfire season contributing to record levels of carbon dioxide emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-past-warnings">Echoes of past warnings</h2>



This report is not the first of its kind. It follows a significant &#8220;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-pushed-earth-to-code-red/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency</a>&#8221; published four years ago, where Ripple, alongside other collaborators, received support from over 15,000 scientists from 161 countries. 



Despite these earlier calls to action, little progress has been made, with Ripple emphasizing, &#8220;Life on our planet is unmistakably under assault.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-climate-health-statistics">Alarming climate health statistics</h2>



The report lays bare several shocking statistics that outline why Earth&#8217;s vital signs are at an all-time low.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fossil fuel</a> subsidies saw a staggering increase from $531 billion to over $1 trillion between 2021 and 2022, incentivizing harmful emissions. </li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-amplify-risks-for-socially-vulnerable-populations-in-western-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> in Canada alone have already contributed more than 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in 2023, surpassing the nation&#8217;s total greenhouse gas emissions the previous year. </li>



<li>A concerning trend in global temperature rise, with 38 days already recorded where temperatures were more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 degrees Celsius</a> above pre-industrial levels. </li>



<li>July experienced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highest average</a> Earth surface temperature on record, likely the most extreme in the last 100,000 years.</li>
</ul>



Wolf expressed deep concern, stating, &#8220;As scientists, the sudden escalation in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters is deeply unsettling.&#8221;



The study cautions that these disasters&#8217; frequency and intensity might even be accelerating faster than temperature rises. The paper forecasts a dire future, where 3 to 6 billion people will find themselves in uninhabitable conditions by the end of this century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-vital-signs-need-transformative-policies">Earth&#8217;s vital signs need transformative policies</h2>



The scientific community is advocating for policies that address &#8220;ecological overshoot,&#8221; a scenario where humanity&#8217;s demands exceed the Earth&#8217;s capacity, resulting in numerous environmental crises, including a decline in biodiversity.



They argue that solutions focusing solely on carbon or climate will fall short of repairing Earth&#8217;s vital signs unless the overarching pressures on global systems are alleviated. As Ripple puts it, the scientific community has a &#8220;moral duty&#8221; to guide humanity away from potential existential threats and lead action-driven dialogues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steering-towards-a-just-sustainable-future">Steering towards a just, sustainable future</h2>



The paper calls for a comprehensive overhaul of global economic practices. The authors of the study urge a transition that foregrounds human well-being, curtails excessive consumption, and drastically reduces affluent populations&#8217; emissions.



Key policy recommendations to reverse the decline of Earth&#8217;s vital signs include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. </li>



<li>Encouraging shifts towards plant-based diets. </li>



<li>Amplifying efforts to protect global forest areas. </li>



<li>Establishing international treaties focused on eliminating coal and preventing new fossil fuel exploration.</li>
</ul>



The authors underscore the necessity for equity and social justice in all climate-related decisions. They clearly recognize the disproportionate impact of climate calamities on the world&#8217;s most impoverished populations, who have the smallest carbon footprints.



In a world where climate-related disasters are becoming the norm rather than the exception, this clarion call from the scientific community is more urgent than ever. It implores global leaders, decision-makers, and individuals alike to embark on a more sustainable path, with the understanding that the very future of life on Earth hinges on the actions humanity takes now.



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Life under siege: Earth’s vital signs reach an all-time low

Most people worry about the gradual loss of stamina, strength, and mental sharpness that comes with aging. Scientists have been exploring new ideas to tackle these concerns and increase not just our years but also our quality of life. 



An international team has been testing a special approach that raises levels of a natural protein in the body.



Their research was led by Professor Miguel Chillón at the Institute of Neurosciences of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (<a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB</a>), and it shines a light on what might someday help people stay healthier for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longer period</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-s-kl-and-its-role-in-aging">Protein s-KL and its role in aging</h2>



The protein at the center of this work is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-018-0078-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Klotho</a>, and the form used in the experiments is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26599613/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secreted version</a> known as s-KL. 



Some studies suggest that Klotho may influence a wide range of biological processes by managing signals that affect inflammation and cell aging.



The name Klotho first appeared in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/36285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific journals</a> in the late 1990s, when experiments showed that a deficiency of this protein made mice look older and more frail at younger ages.



"We have been working with the Klotho protein for some time, due to its therapeutic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-old-are-you-really-new-tool-measures-aging-from-the-inside-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential</a> for treating neurodegenerative diseases. 



In this study, we wanted to see whether s-KL could also be beneficial for healthy aging by examining a broad range of factors," explained Professor Chillón.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-between-males-and-females">Differences between males and females</h2>



The effects of s-KL weren’t the same for male and female mice. Males showed clearer gains in lifespan and muscle strength, while females responded more strongly in measures of bone structure, especially when treated earlier in life.



These sex-based differences might be tied to how male and female bodies process viral vectors or express the s-KL protein. 



Hormonal factors could also play a role, suggesting future human trials may need sex-specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-might-help-you-stay-sharp-as-you-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a> to get the best results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-improvements-with-s-kl-protein">Aging improvements with s-KL protein</h2>



Researchers noticed that mice given s-KL retained better muscle tissue composition, with less of the scarring often linked to older age. They also had stronger performance in tasks that tested endurance and coordination.



Weakened bones can be a big danger in older adults, so it was intriguing that s-KL seemed to keep the inner bone structure more intact. 



This finding aligns with earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16436465/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observations</a> that Klotho influences mineral balance in bone and may reduce the chances of fractures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-timing-may-matter">Why timing may matter</h2>



Mice treated at 12 months old showed more pronounced improvements in longevity and physical health than those treated at 6 months. One reason could be that the aging mice produced higher levels of the s-KL protein after treatment, which may have amplified its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>.



This finding raises an important question: Could middle age be a better window for intervention than early adulthood? If so, the timing of s-KL therapy in humans could be just as critical as the treatment itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-brain-support">Signs of brain support</h2>



Aside from the physical improvements, the investigators measured changes in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and cognitive ability. 



They detected heightened markers of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4563705/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adult neurogenesis</a>, which is the process by which new neurons form in mature brains.



There was also evidence that key immune cells in the brain might be working in a more balanced way. This could help remove cellular waste and reduce the chronic inflammation tied to age-related brain diseases.



The researchers used gene therapy vectors that prompted cells to produce s-KL over an extended period. These vectors included genetic instructions, and once inside the mice, the cells took over production of the protein.



The approach was designed to boost s-KL levels in both the brain and other areas of the body. This helped ensure that many of the organs linked to muscle, bone, and memory got the extra support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-kl-protein-and-human-aging">s-KL protein and human aging?</h2>



Although this study was done in mice, the results open the door to potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies</a> for humans. 



Age-related decline in mobility, memory, and bone strength all contribute to lower independence and quality of life in older adults. A treatment that addresses these together could shift how we think about aging.



Many current drugs only target one issue at a time, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoporosis</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-sleep-may-predict-memory-loss-years-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a>. But the effects of s-KL span across systems. 



This points toward the possibility of a more unified strategy to aging - one that works with the body’s existing repair mechanisms rather than replacing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-s-kl-protein-research">What’s next for s-KL protein research?</h2>



If we can find a viable delivery method, s-KL could make a significant contribution to improving people’s quality of life and helping to build the healthiest society possible.



Scientists continue to explore whether direct protein administration or refined gene-based aging options might work best for humans. They plan to keep studying how s-KL weaves into different biological pathways.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/molecular-therapy/fulltext/S1525-0016(25)00120-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Therapy</a>.



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Protein discovered that boosts lifespan, muscle, and brain power with just one dose

Most people worry about the gradual loss of stamina, strength,...

Trigonometry class has tripped up generations of teenagers, yet none of its puzzles spark more head‑scratching than the classic right‑triangle riddle. The formula a² + b² = c² looks tidy on the chalkboard, but proving why it always works can feel like chasing smoke. 



For two millennia, mathematicians have shown the Pythagorean theorem to be true through geometry and algebra; using trigonometry itself was long considered a dead end.



That roadblock has now been cleared by two U.S. high school students who flipped the problem on its head and produced new trigonometric proofs that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pi-day-celebrating-the-universal-language-of-mathematics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stand up to expert scrutiny</a>. 



Their story began with a small prompt and a modest prize, then stretched into months of late‑night calculations and an unexpected place in the scholarly spotlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pythagorean-theorem-bonus">Pythagorean theorem bonus</h2>



Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson were juniors at St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans when a $500 bonus question in a local math contest dared entrants to find a fresh proof of the Pythagorean theorem. 



Working separately at first, each teenager burned through notebook after notebook, bumping into the same obstacle that had stymied countless others: most trig identities assume the theorem is already true.



After four weeks of trial and error, they cracked it - without leaning on that circular logic. Their volunteer coach, retired teacher Larry Rich, saw potential in the work and encouraged them to polish the arguments for a wider audience. 



Only twice before had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-impossibility-made-possible-using-exotic-mathematics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">professional mathematicians</a> managed similar feats, so the suggestion sounded far‑fetched. They pressed on anyway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-days-weeks-months">Days, weeks, months</h2>



Weekends, holidays, and after‑school hours disappeared into a blur of diagrams and angle chasing. 



Over the next three months, the duo refined one another’s ideas, pushing the number of independent trigonometric proofs from a single breakthrough to five. 



By chaining a clever construction to those five, they uncovered a pathway to five more, bringing the total to ten.



Then came a surprise email: the <a href="https://www.ams.org/home/page" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Mathematical Society</a>’s Southeastern Sectional Meeting in Atlanta accepted their abstract for a March 2023 talk. 



The conference hall is usually packed with professors and graduate students - not teenagers. Still, the pair stood before a room full of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prime-numbers-not-random-can-be-predicted-upending-beliefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seasoned mathematicians</a> and laid out their logic step by step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riding-high-on-the-pythagorean-theorem">Riding high on the Pythagorean theorem</h2>



"I was pretty surprised to be published," says Ne'Kiya Jackson. "I didn't think it would go this far."



"To have a paper published at such a young age - it's really mind‑blowing," agrees Calcea Johnson.



Their results caught more than academic eyes. New Orleans officials handed both students keys to the city, and former First Lady Michelle Obama sent personal congratulations. 



The American Mathematical Monthly, a journal founded in 1894 to bridge classroom and research math, published their paper - an honor few undergraduates ever see, let alone recent high‑school graduates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ten-new-proofs-new-perspective">Ten new proofs, new perspective</h2>



The publication lays out five brand‑new proofs plus the method that spins them into ten. 



Johnson and Jackson argue that confusion around trigonometry often springs from the fact that the word “trigonometry” hides two distinct systems. 



When educators separate the pair instead of blending them, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-better-way-for-kids-to-learn-math/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hidden symmetries emerge</a>, including new routes to the famous theorem.



"It's very exciting for me, because I know when I was growing up, STEM wasn't really a cool thing. So the fact that all these people actually are interested in STEM and mathematics really warms my heart and makes me really excited for how far STEM has come," Calcea Johnson enthused.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juggling-college-life-and-latex">Juggling college life and LaTeX</h2>



By the time peer reviewers finished their checks, both authors were freshmen - Jackson in the pharmacy program at <a href="https://www.xavier.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xavier University</a> of Louisiana and Johnson studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University’s <a href="https://www.lsu.edu/honors/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ogden Honors College</a>. 



Balancing calculus lectures, chemistry labs, and first‑year essays with the technical demands of LaTeX typesetting took grit.



"I am very proud that we are both able to be such a positive influence in showing that young women and women of color can do these things, and to let other young women know that they are able to do whatever they want to do. So that makes me very proud to be able to be in that position," says Johnson.



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



Della Dumbaugh, editor‑in‑chief of American Mathematical Monthly, writes, "The Monthly is honored and delighted to publish the work of these two students on its pages.



"Their results call attention to the promise of the fresh perspective of students on the field. They also highlight the important role of teachers and schools in advancing the next generation of mathematicians.



"Even more, this work echoes the spirit of Benjamin Finkel, who founded the Monthly in 1894 to feature mathematics within reach of teachers and students of mathematics."



For classrooms wrestling with trig today, the work offers concrete new examples and a reminder that great ideas are not age‑restricted. 



For students who don’t see themselves reflected in textbooks, it’s an inspiration - proof that determination, mentorship, and a $500 spark can redraw the boundaries of a 2,000‑year‑old subject.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00029890.2024.2370240#d1e111" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Mathematical Monthly</a>.



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Two American high school girls challenge 2,000 years of math with five brilliant new proofs of Pythagoras' theorem

Trigonometry class has tripped up generations of teenagers, yet none...

Cosmic,Cliffs,In,The,Carina,Nebula.,James,Webb,Space,Telescope.

A famous James Webb Space Telescope portrait has recently gained a fresh dimension. Scientists have transformed the “Cosmic Cliffs” image, first revealed in July 2022, into a sweeping three‑dimensional fly‑through that lets audiences dive into a glittering nursery of stars.



The new visualization comes from <a href="https://www.universe-of-learning.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Universe of Learning</a> program and premieres today during a centennial celebration of the first public planetarium, held by the <a href="https://www.ips-planetarium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Planetarium Society</a> in Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-view-of-star-nursery">3D view of star nursery</h2>



The source photograph shows a jagged wall of gas and dust that looks like mountains lit by starlight. In reality, this cliff is a section of the nebula Gum 31 inside the sprawling Carina Nebula Complex.



At its top, unseen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/firefly-sparkle-webb-telescope-weighs-a-galaxy-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> frame, sits the young star cluster NGC 3324. The cluster’s ultraviolet glare and fierce stellar winds have hollowed out a vast cavity in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. The Cosmic Cliffs mark one edge of that bubble.



Webb’s near‑infrared eyes caught the cliff as wisps of blue and gold, speckled with points of baby stars. The new 3D tour adds depth cues so viewers can sense soaring peaks and plunging valleys. 



Streams of heated gas flow upward like mist across the ridge. Bright yellow arcs trace jets erupting from infant suns as they burrow through the cloud.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-science-becomes-visual-art">Star science becomes visual art</h2>



“Bringing this amazing Webb image to life helps the public to comprehend the three‑dimensional structure inherent in the 2D image, and to develop a better mental model of the universe,” said <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> (STScI) visualization scientist Frank Summers, who heads the <a href="https://universe-of-learning.org/resources/projects/astroviz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AstroViz Project</a> that crafted the sequence.



The piece forms part of a longer narrated video created by the STScI with partners at <a href="https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech/IPAC</a>.



Designed for planetariums, museums, and classrooms, the production links the epic scene to the tools and methods astronomers use to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar birth</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-century-of-planetarium-storytelling">Century of planetarium storytelling</h2>



The Munich event that hosts the debut honors one hundred years since the first public planetarium opened in the same city. 



Today almost two hundred U.S. sites run <a href="https://viewspace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ViewSpace</a>, a free video exhibit from NASA’s Universe of Learning.



The Cosmic Cliffs fly‑through will join that platform along with an online resource page dedicated to the Carina Nebula Complex. 



Interactive tools let visitors zoom into telescope images and compare wavelengths, bringing space science into local communities far from observatory domes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-birth-inside-the-cosmic-cliffs">Star birth inside the cosmic cliffs</h2>



Gum 31, formed of hydrogen, helium, and cosmic dust, sits about 7,600 light‑years away in the southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-carina-nebula-like-weve-never-seen-it-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Carina</a>. Within it, the stars of NGC 3324 are only a few million years old.



Their radiation blasts the surrounding cloud, carving the void above the cliffs. Where gas is denser, pillars endure. 



At their tips, gravity squeezes material until new stars ignite. Webb’s infrared sensitivity reveals these hidden embryos, blanketed in cooler dust that once made them invisible to optical telescopes.



The visualization translates scientific data into a sculpted digital mesh. Color layers from Webb’s detectors wrap the mesh, while particle systems simulate drifting gas.



To keep the rendering faithful, artists consulted astrophysicists about distances, densities, and light scattering. The result is not a literal map but a guided impression that honors the physics behind the picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-changes-cosmic-understanding">Webb changes cosmic understanding</h2>



NASA’s Universe of Learning draws on missions such as Webb, Hubble, Chandra, Spitzer, and others. 



The program blends expert interviews, data sonifications, and visual effects to answer core questions: how do stars form, how do galaxies evolve, what lies beyond our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.



It belongs to <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/learn/about-science-activation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Science Activation network</a>, which links scientists with educators to “activate minds” through authentic content.



The James Webb Space Telescope continues to redefine what we know about the cosmos. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://youtu.be/dEnHVL0FjhI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cosmic-cliffs_carina-nebula_webb-space-telescope_1s.webp" alt="The landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” known as the Cosmic Cliffs is actually a portion of the nebula Gum 31, which contains a young star cluster called NGC 3324. Both Gum 31 and NGC 3324 are part of a vast star-forming region known as the Carina Nebula Complex. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI" class="wp-image-1969298"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” known as the Cosmic Cliffs is actually a portion of the nebula Gum 31, which contains a young star cluster called NGC 3324. Both Gum 31 and NGC 3324 are part of a vast star-forming region known as the Carina Nebula Complex. Click image to watch 3D video. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</figcaption></figure>



Since launch in late 2021, it has probed the atmospheres of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, spotted some of the earliest galaxies, and detailed the architecture of star‑forming regions.



The Cosmic Cliffs image was part of Webb’s first public showcase and quickly became an icon. Converting that single frame into a flight experience deepens public engagement and underscores Webb’s power to reveal structures hidden by dust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-webb-visuals-planned">Future Webb visuals planned</h2>



The AstroViz team plans similar 3D treatments for other Webb highlights, each tailored to different learning settings. 



As tools evolve, future versions may let viewers steer their own path through nebulae using virtual‑reality headsets.



For now the new sequence will roll out to planetariums worldwide, inviting audiences to soar above a stellar cliff face, watch hot gas billow skyward, and glimpse newborn suns firing jets into the dark.



Webb’s images already inspire awe. With depth added, they can also nurture intuition about scale and process, turning distant astrophysical drama into an immersive story that anyone can feel as well as see.



<a href="https://youtu.be/dEnHVL0FjhI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to watch the full 3D video of the "Cosmic Cliffs" by JWST...</a>



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Webb's iconic 'Cosmic Cliffs' image transformed into stunning 3D video tour of a star nursery

A famous James Webb Space Telescope portrait has recently gained...

Science has been chasing a single rulebook for nature ever since people realized the same laws that guide apples also steer planets. Three of the four known forces - electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force - comfortably share pages in that quantum physics manual. 



Gravity, though vital to everything from tides to timekeeping, insists on speaking a different dialect inspired by Einstein’s theory of general relativity.



That mismatch keeps physicists up at night. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-form-of-quantum-entanglement-discovered-will-transform-next-gen-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum ideas</a> describe particles and fields in tiny, jumpy packages, while general relativity paints gravity as smooth curves in space‑time. 



Fit those viewpoints together, and the math usually blows up into useless infinities. A fresh effort now claims to tame those infinities without bending the facts we already trust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-gravity-field-and-quantum-forces">Bridging gravity field and quantum forces</h2>



Researchers Mikko Partanen and Jukka Tulkki at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> believe they have found common ground. They place gravity inside a type of gauge theory, the same broad framework that lets photons mediate light and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atomic-nucleus-made-of-quarks-and-gluons-reproduced-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gluons glue quarks</a>. 



“If this turns out to lead to a complete quantum field theory of gravity, then eventually it will give answers to the very difficult problems of understanding singularities in black holes and the Big Bang,” he says. 



The pair argue that the payoff could stretch far beyond pure curiosity; without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-glitch-in-gravity-expands-the-theory-of-general-relativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein’s gravity</a>, for instance, GPS satellites would drift miles off course in a day.



Their proposal, published in Reports on Progress in Physics, introduces an eight‑dimensional mathematical space that hosts gravity alongside the other forces. 



In everyday life we move through three dimensions plus time, yet the extra four directions allow the equations to behave properly. 



By choosing a symmetry that mirrors the Standard Model, they avoid clashing with proven particle physics. The plan looks daring, but the researchers are convinced it keeps both feet on solid ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinors-and-symmetry">Spinors and symmetry</h2>



Inside the eight‑dimensional arena, spinors - exotic objects that keep track of how particles twist - carry gravity’s information. 



“The main idea is to have a gravity gauge theory with a symmetry that is similar to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standard Model</a> symmetries, instead of basing the theory on the very different kind of spacetime symmetry of general relativity,” says Partanen, the study’s lead author. 



Using a shared symmetry lets gravity slot into the same style of equations that already explain how electrons interact with light.



That symmetry also dictates a new kind of gravitational field. 



“The most familiar gauge field is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic field</a>. When electrically charged particles interact with each other, they interact through the electromagnetic field, which is the pertinent gauge field,” explains Tulkki. 



“So when we have particles which have energy, the interactions they have just because they have energy would happen through the gravitational field.” 



In short, energy - not mass alone - becomes the charge that gravity responds to in this setup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-time-gravity-dimension-field">Space‑time gravity dimension field</h2>



Extra dimensions sound abstract, yet the theory never asks anyone to live in them. Instead it builds a “space‑time dimension field” that quietly translates eight‑dimensional math into the four‑dimensional universe people occupy. 



That bridge preserves the equivalence principle, the observation that a feather and a hammer fall together in a vacuum, even though the calculations chug away behind the curtain in higher‑dimensional space.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gravity-quantum-field_theory-of-everything_illustration_credit-Aalto-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gravity-quantum-field_theory-of-everything_illustration_credit-Aalto-University_1s.webp" alt="The gravity quantum field is calculated in flat spacetime. The curved classical metric is calculated using the expectation value of the gravity quantum field. Credit: Aalto University" class="wp-image-1968436"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gravity quantum field is calculated in flat spacetime. The curved classical metric is calculated using the expectation value of the gravity quantum field. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Aalto University</figcaption></figure>



Because the field emerges from strict symmetry rules, the resulting gravity still pulls objects along the familiar paths predicted by Einstein, at least in calm conditions like those near Earth. 



Where things heat up - think black‑hole edges or the newborn universe - the new math starts to reveal effects that classical relativity misses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-gravity-field-and-renormalization">Quantum gravity field and renormalization</h2>



Previous attempts to quantize gravity ran aground when higher‑order calculations spiraled into infinite answers. The Aalto approach leans on a tool called renormalization, which systematically sweeps those infinities into measurable constants. 



“If renormalization doesn’t work for higher order terms, you’ll get infinite results. So it’s vital to show that this renormalization continues to work,” explains Tulkki. So far, first‑order checks look solid; the team is pushing deeper to prove the pattern holds.



Keeping infinities in line would let physicists compute reliable probabilities for violent cosmic events. It also means gravity can be treated with the same respect as the other forces - in short, no more special exemptions that break the rules when the math gets messy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-big-bangs-quantum-gravity">Black holes, big bangs, quantum gravity</h2>



“A quantum theory of gravity is needed to understand what kind of phenomena there are in cases where there’s a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational field</a> and high energies,” says Partanen. 



Such conditions prevail near the edges of black holes and during the first instants after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-big-bang-may-explain-cosmic-expansion-without-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, places where current theories shrug. 



A working quantum gravity model could clarify whether singularities truly exist or whether new physics softens the infinities predicted by Einstein’s equations.



Deeper still, the theory might speak to nagging puzzles about why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/higgs-boson-god-particle-still-remains-quantum-mystery-after-12-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">matter outnumbers antimatter</a>. 



“A theory that coherently describes all fundamental forces of nature is often called the Theory of Everything,” says Partanen, although he doesn’t like to use the term himself. 



“Some fundamental questions of physics still remain unanswered. For example, the present theories do not yet explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the observable universe.” Unifying gravity could offer fresh angles on that imbalance.



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



Partanen and Tulkki openly admit the work is not finished. They must prove the renormalization machinery survives every level of the calculation and make sure no hidden contradictions lurk in the symmetry choices. 



Independent teams will also test whether the new gravity predicts subtle deviations - tiny shifts in particle behavior or cosmic signals - that future experiments can check.



For now, the duo have invited the wider community to kick the tires. 



“Like quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity before it, we hope our theory will open countless avenues for scientists to explore,” Partanen concludes. 



Success would finally let gravity pull its weight in the quantum club, tightening the threads that tie the universe together.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6633/adc82e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports on Progress in Physics</a>.



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Long-sought 'Theory of Everything' takes a big step closer to becoming reality

Science has been chasing a single rulebook for nature ever...

Sub-Neptunes may not orbit our Sun, but they are everywhere in our galaxy. These planets - bigger than Earth, smaller than Neptune - make up the most common type of exoplanet we’ve found so far. 



Despite their abundance, much about them remains a mystery. That’s especially true when it comes to their thick, cloudy atmospheres.



But thanks to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), that’s starting to change. A new observation of one of these planets, TOI-421 b, is offering an unusually clear view - literally - of what lies inside a sub-Neptune’s skies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-exoplanet-research">Breakthrough in exoplanet research</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> have been waiting a long time for this. With Webb’s advanced technology, they finally have the tools to study sub-Neptune atmospheres in detail.



“I had been waiting my entire career for Webb so that we could meaningfully characterize the atmospheres of these smaller planets,” said Eliza Kempton. 



“By studying their atmospheres, we’re getting a better understanding of how sub-Neptunes formed and evolved, and part of that is understanding why they don't exist in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.”



These planets were first spotted by NASA’s Kepler space telescope. At the time, they were a surprise. Now, astronomers are racing to figure out why they’re so common, and what their thick atmospheres are hiding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-clear-atmosphere-on-toi-421-b">Rare, clear atmosphere on TOI-421 b</h2>



Sub-Neptunes are difficult to observe. They’re <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-planets-are-more-common-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger than Earth</a> but much smaller and cooler than gas giants like Jupiter. Their faint signals make it hard to see what’s in their skies.



Before Webb, almost every sub-Neptune that researchers looked at returned what’s called a flat transmission spectrum. 



That means no chemical fingerprints were visible - just a blank line. Scientists believed that haze or clouds were blocking their view.



That’s why TOI-421 b stood out. It looked like it might be different.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-composition-of-toi-421-b">Atmospheric composition of TOI-421 b</h2>



“Why did we observe this planet, TOI-421 b? It's because we thought that maybe it wouldn't have hazes,” confirmed Kempton. 



“And the reason is that there were some previous data that implied that maybe planets over a certain temperature range were less enshrouded by haze or clouds than others.”



That temperature threshold is around 1,070 degrees Fahrenheit (577 degrees Celsius). Below that, methane reacts with sunlight to form haze. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/exoplanet_TOI-421-b_hot-neptune_atmosphere-chart_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/exoplanet_TOI-421-b_hot-neptune_atmosphere-chart_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A transmission spectrum captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reveals the presence of water (H2O) and the possible presence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), but no signs of carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4), in the atmosphere of the hot sub-Neptune exoplanet TOI-421 b. The observations support the hypothesis that planets this hot (TOI-421 b is about 1,340°F) have clear atmospheres that are not obscured by clouds and haze. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1969294"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A transmission spectrum captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reveals the presence of water (H2O) and the possible presence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), but no signs of carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4), in the atmosphere of the hot sub-Neptune exoplanet TOI-421 b. The observations support the hypothesis that planets this hot (TOI-421 b is about 1,340°F) have clear atmospheres that are not obscured by clouds and haze. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



But above it, planets should be too hot for methane to exist - and that could mean a clearer atmosphere.



TOI-421 b is hotter than that. Its surface temperature is about 1,340 degrees Fahrenheit (727 degrees Celsius). That gave researchers hope, and Webb confirmed it: this planet’s atmosphere is indeed clear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-gases-detected">Unexpected gases detected</h2>



Once they had a clear view, the team spotted signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-of-water-vapor-may-be-involved-in-planet-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> in the atmosphere. They also saw hints of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. 



Some gases, including methane and carbon dioxide, were absent. And the most surprising element of all? A lot of hydrogen.



“We saw spectral features that we attribute to various gases, and that allowed us to determine the composition of the atmosphere,” said Brian Davenport, a Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland who led the data analysis. 



“Whereas with many of the other sub-Neptunes that had been previously observed, we know their atmospheres are made of something, but they're being blocked by haze.”



The discovery of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere contradicted the researchers’ expectations.



“We had recently wrapped our mind around the idea that those first few sub-Neptunes observed by Webb had heavy-molecule atmospheres, so that had become our expectation, and then we found the opposite,” said Kempton.



This suggests TOI-421 b may have taken a different path during its formation and evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-and-planet-match">Star and planet match</h2>



The composition of TOI-421 b’s atmosphere also looked similar to gases present in the star it orbits.



“If you just took the same gas that made the host star, plopped it on top of a planet's atmosphere, and put it at the much cooler temperature of this planet, you would get the same combination of gases,” said Kempton.



This is more like what we see in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a> of our own solar system, not other sub-Neptunes observed by Webb.



Another difference is that TOI-421 b orbits a Sun-like star. Most previously observed sub-Neptunes have orbited much smaller red dwarfs. That might explain some of the differences - or maybe TOI-421 b is simply unique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-more-planets-like-toi-421-b">Finding more planets like TOI-421 b</h2>



To figure out if TOI-421 b is a one-off or part of a bigger pattern, scientists want to observe more sub-Neptunes in similar temperature ranges. 



If more hot, clear-skied sub-Neptunes turn up, that could give us a new window into how these planets form and what they’re made of.



“We've unlocked a new way to look at these sub-Neptunes,” said Davenport. “These high-temperature planets are amenable to characterization. So by looking at sub-Neptunes of this temperature, we're perhaps more likely to accelerate our ability to learn about these planets.”



One thing’s clear: TOI-421 b is no ordinary planet. But, with Webb’s help, scientists are just beginning to uncover the secrets hidden behind the haze.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adcd76" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal letters</a>.



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Webb telescope gets a clear view of a very hot alien world

Sub-Neptunes may not orbit our Sun, but they are everywhere...

When most people think of the Cretaceous Period, salmon probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Towering dinosaurs and steamy tropical landscapes usually steal the spotlight. 



But in what is now northern Alaska, the picture was very different - and surprisingly familiar. Freshwater rivers and streams, instead of being dominated by dinosaurs or reptiles, teemed with ancient versions of fish we still see today, including early forms of salmon and pike.



In a recent study from the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>, researchers identified three new species of fish from 73 million years ago. 



One of them, Sivulliusalmo alaskensis, has taken the spotlight as the oldest known member of the salmon family ever found in the fossil record.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-first-for-salmon">A new first for salmon</h2>



“This is not only a new species; it’s the oldest salmonid in the fossil record,” said Patrick Druckenmiller, director of the University of Alaska Museum of the North. 



The name Sivulliusalmo alaskensis combines the Inupiaq word for “to be first” with the Latin word for salmon.



Before this, the earliest known salmonid fossils came from British Columbia and Washington. This new find pushes the lineage back by around 20 million years. 



The researchers also found fossils of two new species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-pike-are-sneaking-through-the-ocean-to-invade-new-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pike</a>, as well as the earliest Arctic example of the fish group that includes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/controlling-invasive-carp-with-sound-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carp</a> and minnows.



“Many of the fish groups that we think of as being distinctive today in the high-latitude environment in Alaska were already in place at the same time as dinosaurs,” said Druckenmiller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-world-cold-loving-fish">Warm world, cold-loving fish</h2>



The presence of salmonids in such ancient, northern waters may seem surprising. After all, salmon today are known for thriving in cold environments.



But even during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-new-dinosaur-was-hidden-in-spains-early-cretaceous-fossils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous</a> - a time known for its warm global temperatures - the Arctic still experienced sharp seasonal changes.



“Salmon were already the kind of fish that do well in a place where those dramatic shifts were happening,” said Andrés López, curator of fish at the UA Museum of the North. 



“Despite all of the changes that the planet has gone through, all of the changes in the geography and the climate, you still had the ancestors of the same groups of species that dominate the fresh waters of the region today.”



The researchers believe these fish adapted well to fluctuations in temperature and daylight. This resilience could explain how their descendants still thrive in the far north today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-and-dinosaurs-shared-rivers">Salmon and dinosaurs shared rivers</h2>



The fossilized fish remains came from the Prince Creek Formation, a site in northern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-alaska-dinosaurs-lived-where-rainfall-was-optimal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska</a> known for its rich collection of dinosaur bones. 



But while dinosaurs steal the headlines, it's the tiny fossils that often hold the most detailed stories of the ecosystem.



“These types of fossils are often overlooked,” said Druckenmiller. “You couldn’t begin to understand a modern Arctic ecosystem without understanding the smallest animals that live there.”



That same principle, he argued, applies to ancient ecosystems. To better understand Cretaceous life, the team studied even the tiniest vertebrate fossils - especially those of ancient fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-oldest-salmon-fossil">Finding the oldest salmon fossil</h2>



Finding those fossils wasn’t easy. Fish fossils are common in the Prince Creek Formation, but they’re often too small to spot during fieldwork. So the researchers hauled back buckets of sediment to their lab, where they sifted through them under microscopes.



The key fossils that revealed the new salmon species were tiny jaws, some small enough to rest on a pencil eraser. 



To see them in detail, the research team - including scientists from Western University in Ontario and the University of Colorado Boulder - used micro-computed tomography. This technology let them digitally reconstruct the fossils in 3D.



“We found a really distinct jaw and other parts that we recognized as a member of the salmon family,” Druckenmiller said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-born-in-dinosaur-era-rivers">Born in dinosaur-era rivers</h2>



The team’s findings suggest that salmon may not have migrated north, as some previously thought. Instead, their evolutionary roots may lie in the North from the very beginning.



“Northern high latitude regions were probably the crucible of their evolutionary history,” said Druckenmiller.



That idea fits with the absence of lower-latitude fish species in the same rock layers. For now, the story of salmon seems to have started in the shadow of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-nursery-discovered-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic dinosaurs</a> - in rivers that once flowed through a polar world that was cold, warm, and ever-changing all at once.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papers in Palaeontology</a>.



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When dinosaurs roamed, salmon swarmed in Arctic rivers

When most people think of the Cretaceous Period, salmon probably...

Rivers worldwide now carry an invisible but potent threat - antibiotic pollution. A new study from McGill University uncovers the staggering extent of this contamination.



Researchers estimate that rivers annually receive approximately 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics - nearly a third of human consumption. Wastewater systems, designed to purify, fail to prevent these residues from infiltrating natural waterways.



As a result, antibiotic traces linger, endangering both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic</a> ecosystems and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-carry-antibiotic-residues">Rivers carry antibiotic residues</h2>



The flow of antibiotics through river <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a> remains relentless. Wastewater treatment plants struggle to eliminate these compounds effectively. Residues from hospitals, households, and pharmaceutical facilities continue to infiltrate rivers, accumulating over time. 



Heloisa Ehalt Macedo is a postdoctoral research fellow at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill</a> and lead author of the study.



"While the amounts of residues from individual antibiotics translate into only very small concentrations in most rivers, which makes them very difficult to detect, the chronic and cumulative environmental exposure to these substances can still pose a risk to human health and aquatic ecosystems," said Macedo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotics-rivers-and-human-health">Antibiotics, rivers, and human health</h2>



Even at low concentrations, antibiotic residues disrupt aquatic life. Fish, algae, and microbial communities all face risks from chronic exposure. 



The accumulation of these residues alters natural microbial diversity, potentially fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Over time, these changes ripple through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>, affecting entire food webs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amoxicillin-a-leading-contaminant">Amoxicillin: A leading contaminant</h2>



Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, emerges as the primary contaminant in rivers. Researchers utilized a global model, corroborated by data from 877 river sites, to identify hotspots of contamination. 



Southeast Asia, where antibiotic use continues to rise, faces particular risk. Poor wastewater treatment facilities fail to mitigate the amoxicillin surge, allowing residues to reach dangerous levels in river systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-environmental-consequences">Unintended environmental consequences</h2>



Antibiotics, though vital for treating infections, carry unintended environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-face-serious-threats-from-chemical-pollution-and-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>. The researchers stress that the study does not discourage antibiotic use. Instead, it highlights the unforeseen impacts on river ecosystems. 



"This study is not intended to warn about the use of antibiotics - we need antibiotics for global health treatments - but our results indicate that there may be unintended effects on aquatic environments and antibiotic resistance, which calls for mitigation and management strategies to avoid or reduce their implications," said study co-author Bernhard Lehner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unaccounted-sources-of-contamination">Unaccounted sources of contamination</h2>



Livestock farms and pharmaceutical factories, major sources of antibiotic residues, remain unaccounted for in the study. Despite their exclusion, the findings reveal extensive contamination from human antibiotic consumption alone. 



"Our results show that antibiotic pollution in rivers arising from human consumption alone is a critical issue, which would likely be exacerbated by veterinarian or industry sources of related compounds," said Jim Nicell, an environmental engineering professor at McGill.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highest-river-antibiotic-contamination">Highest river antibiotic contamination</h2>



The consequences of antibiotic pollution do not spread evenly. India, China, and Pakistan account for 47% of rivers with the highest antibiotic dose concentrations. 



Rivers in densely populated regions suffer the most, as inadequate wastewater systems struggle to cope with rising antibiotic use. The study estimates that 750 million people live in close proximity to these contaminated rivers, facing the risk of exposure to antibiotic-laden water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-and-mitigation">Monitoring and mitigation</h2>



Monitoring programs play a pivotal role in combating river contamination. Identifying hotspots of antibiotic pollution enables targeted intervention, preventing further environmental degradation. 



"Monitoring programs to detect antibiotic or other chemical contamination of waterways are therefore needed, especially in areas that our model predicts to be at risk," said Nicell.



However, detection alone is not enough. Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities becomes imperative, particularly in low-income regions where untreated waste flows directly into rivers. 



Implementing advanced filtration systems could significantly reduce antibiotic concentrations, safeguarding both aquatic life and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-challenge">A global challenge</h2>



Antibiotic pollution in rivers represents a pressing environmental crisis. The McGill study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation strategies. 



Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing both monitoring programs and wastewater treatment upgrades.



Unchecked, antibiotic residues will continue to accumulate in river systems, threatening biodiversity and public health. Effective solutions must target the root causes - rising antibiotic consumption, inadequate waste management, and insufficient regulation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/4/pgaf096/8113371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Human antibiotics detected in hundreds of rivers worldwide

Rivers worldwide now carry an invisible but potent threat -...

In the hidden corners of our world, insects buzz, flutter, and crawl through shrinking habitats - playing roles that sustain life. Yet, while we look away, their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. Since the 1970s, studies suggest a jaw-dropping 50% decline in insect biomass.



The culprits? Habitat destruction and climate change. But what happens when these forces collide?



At the intersection of rising temperatures and vanishing habitats, a new and more lethal threat emerges. Researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) set out to unravel this intricate web. 



Led by Professor Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter as part of the LandKlif research cluster, the team conducted a sweeping study across 179 locations in Bavaria. Their findings offer a chilling glimpse into a world where insects struggle to survive in a rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-farming-is-causing-many-insect-species-to-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landscape</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-heat-slashes-bee-populations">Urban heat slashes bee populations</h2>



Picture this: a world without bees. Crops wither, habitats shrink, and the hum of life falls silent. The JMU study reveals that bees - crucial pollinators - are bearing the brunt of this environmental assault.



In forests, bees adapted to the heat and maintained their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/very-little-is-known-about-99-of-all-insects-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>. But in cities, the story took a darker turn. Urban bee populations plunged by 65% - a staggering drop that spells disaster for pollination.



Dr. Cristina Ganuza, a biologist on the project, highlighted the overlooked role of nighttime temperatures. “The fact that night-time temperatures have such an impact on diurnal insects is significant. Precisely because average night-time temperatures rise even faster than daytime temperatures."



Days sear with heat, and nights fail to cool. Bees, already displaced from their natural habitats, cannot escape the relentless warmth. For them, the city becomes a death trap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-struggle-in-agricultural-habitats">Insects struggle in agricultural habitats</h2>



Higher up the food chain, predators and parasitoids told a different story. These natural pest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-are-still-disappearing-and-there-are-hundreds-of-reasons-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controllers</a> showed surprising resilience in forests and grasslands. But in open agricultural areas, they faced an uphill battle.



“This can have a negative impact on agricultural production because insects that contribute to natural pest control should be similarly affected,” said Dr. Sarah Redlich.



Without these predators to keep pests in check, agricultural losses could mount. However, in areas where agricultural land and natural habitats intermingled, predator populations fared better. This highlights a crucial lesson: not all landscapes are created equal in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-heat-worsens-insect-declines">Night heat worsens insect declines</h2>



As the sun dips below the horizon, insects should find respite. But the night now offers little relief. The JMU study uncovers a hidden enemy - rising nighttime temperatures that hammer diurnal insects like bees.



Bee diversity dropped across all habitat types, from cities to grasslands. This previously unnoticed threat could spell catastrophe for pollinators struggling to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pests-are-moving-to-cooler-regions-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt</a>.



“This previously unknown negative effect of warmer nights on insects reveals a new threat that requires further research to uncover the underlying physiological mechanisms,” said Steffan-Dewenter.



Night after night, the heat persists, robbing insects of the chance to recover. As temperatures rise, even the dark becomes dangerous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-habitats-protect-insects">Natural habitats protect insects</h2>



Not all habitats shelter insects equally. The JMU study highlights a stark contrast between natural and urbanized landscapes. Forests and grasslands emerged as safe havens, providing refuge and resources.



Warmer daytime temperatures, surprisingly, increased bee diversity in these areas. But in cities, the same heat wave proved deadly, causing bee populations to nosedive.



Researchers emphasize the importance of connecting natural habitats within urban and agricultural areas. Without green corridors, insects lose not just their homes but their pathways to survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-habitat-loss-disrupts-pollination">Insect habitat loss disrupts pollination</h2>



When insects vanish, the consequences ripple outward. Bees disappear, and flowers go unpollinated. Predators decline, and pests multiply unchecked. Food webs wobble, and entire ecosystems falter.



“Their different responses could disrupt food webs and important ecosystem functions such as pest control and pollination,” said Ganuza.



Insects may be small, but their absence creates a void that echoes throughout the ecosystem. Each disappearance is a thread pulled from the intricate web of life.



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



The JMU study sounds a stark warning: climate change and habitat loss don’t just coexist - they amplify each other. Yet the findings also point to a way forward.



Maintaining green corridors within agricultural and urban landscapes could provide vital refuges for insects. Implementing strategies that reduce nighttime heat might offer a lifeline to diurnal species struggling to adapt.



Understanding why some insects resist climate change better than others could inform targeted conservation efforts. In a world that’s heating up fast, every degree matters.



The world of insects teeters on the brink. The time to act is now - before the silence grows deafening.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.3053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



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Rising heat, shrinking habitats: Insects face hidden threats

In the hidden corners of our world, insects buzz, flutter,...

Centuries ago, embalming traditions varied from place to place. In some cultures, bodies of the deceased were carefully prepared for spiritual reasons, while in others they were simply buried where they passed.



A surprising discovery in a small Austrian village has sparked a renewed fascination with these practices. The research was led by Dr. Andreas Nerlich, a pathologist at <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität</a> and first author on a publication about the find. 



His team studied a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-egyptian-mummies-still-carry-their-original-scents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mummy</a> believed to be the body of a priest who died in 1746.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-austrian-mummy">Identifying the Austrian mummy</h2>



Analyses suggested the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cheese-discovered-alongside-ancient-mummies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mummified</a> body was that of a local parish vicar named Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg. Experts used radiocarbon dating to pin down a likely mid-18th century timeframe for his death.



Stable isotope evaluations shed light on his eating patterns, and revealed that he enjoyed better ood resources than an average laborer of his time. Further tests found no signs of heavy or rough manual work in his skeleton.



The overall condition of his trunk astounded many who viewed it. Researchers confirmed that the man’s face and lower limbs were not as well preserved, but his torso and vital internal areas were in unexpectedly good shape. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-a-priest-s-body-was-embalmed-for-centuries">How a priest’s body was embalmed for centuries</h2>



”Our investigation uncovered that the excellent preservation status came from an unusual type of embalming, achieved by stuffing the abdomen through the rectal canal with wood chips, twigs and fabric, and the addition of <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Zinc-Chloride" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zinc chloride</a> for internal drying, ”said Dr. Nerlich.&nbsp;



Radiological scans confirmed that his torso was filled with foreign materials. The body walls had not been opened in the usual fashion, which made the investigation more challenging. 



It took modern tools like CT imaging to unravel exactly how far these packing techniques extended inside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-cause-of-death">Possible cause of death</h2>



Experts detected signs that the vicar may have had <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuberculosis</a>. The condition was suggested by calcifications in the right lung and patterns seen on the radiographs.



In earlier centuries, severe lung infections often proved fatal, especially when no advanced treatments existed.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mummy_embalming-method-unusual_chaplain_front-back-photos_credit-Andreas-Nerlich_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mummy_embalming-method-unusual_chaplain_front-back-photos_credit-Andreas-Nerlich_1s.webp" alt="External appearance of the mummy from the ventral (A) and dorsal side (B) showing a completely intact body wall. Credit: Andreas Nerlich" class="wp-image-1969252"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">External appearance of the mummy from the ventral (A) and dorsal side (B) showing a completely intact body wall. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Andreas Nerlich</figcaption></figure>



Historical records from the era note that conflicts like the <a href="https://www.routledge.com/The-War-of-Austrian-Succession-1740-1748/Anderson/p/book/9780582059504?srsltid=AfmBOoqSXHu1Kltxpk4zrebbiUS6htmWKzvt4PVh7FoMrprvw31hBnzS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">War of the Austrian Succession</a> sometimes led to food shortages and stress. 



Such hardships might have worsened health problems toward the end of his life. Isotope signals hinted at possible nutritional strain as his final months progressed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-glass-bead-found">Mysterious glass bead found</h2>



Researchers found a glass sphere with tiny holes resting in the pelvis. 



Some wondered if it had anything to do with a ritual or special rite. The small orb might have been part of a church adornment or garment that slipped inside. No other decorative beads were discovered in the body cavity.



Toxicological <a href="https://www.pjoes.com/pdf-87604-21463?filename=Analytical%20Methods%20for.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tests</a> indicated high levels of zinc. Experts concluded that zinc chloride helped dry out internal tissues, allowing them to remain remarkably stable over hundreds of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embalming-story-of-the-vicar">Embalming story of the vicar</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-baby-saber-toothed-cat-found-with-fur-and-toes-intact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-preserved</a> trunk showed no major signs of external tampering. 



Specialists saw no incision across the chest or abdomen. Instead, it appears the embalming materials were inserted from below, which is <a href="https://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/18261/sample/9780521818261ws.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rarely documented</a> in European contexts.



Local writings had long whispered about the identity of this vicar, although nobody could prove it until now. For many years, the mummy drew the curious who wanted to see its surprisingly intact skin and ribcage. 



Scientific methods have finally solved the mystery of how it stayed in such a stable condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflections-on-embalming-practices">Reflections on embalming practices</h2>



In many regions, the word embalming brings to mind elaborate procedures known from places like ancient Egypt. 



Yet Europe had its own diverse methods, some of which faded from memory once more modern burial standards took hold. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mummy_embalming-method-unusual_chaplain_credit-Andreas-Nerlich_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mummy_embalming-method-unusual_chaplain_credit-Andreas-Nerlich_1s.webp" alt="The mummy of the 'air-dried chaplain' in his coffin in the church crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein, Austria. Credit: Andreas Nerlich" class="wp-image-1969250"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The mummy of the 'air-dried chaplain' in his coffin in the church crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein, Austria. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Andreas Nerlich</figcaption></figure>



Specialists suspect that other examples may exist, though they remain concealed in closed crypts or have disintegrated from natural processes.



This mummy’s case stands out due to its treatment with a combination of simple items and a well-chosen drying agent. 



With the trunk effectively sealed and its interior thoroughly dried, even centuries later it has not collapsed. The face and legs, which did not receive the same care, decayed more quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-for-future-study">Insights for future study</h2>



Researchers now wonder if there are other mummified clergy or aristocrats tucked away in hidden vaults. Many remains have not been examined with current technology, so older embalmers’ tricks might have gone unnoticed.



As knowledge spreads, archaeologists and pathologists could have a better chance of spotting the subtle signs.



While some might find the practice unsettling, it also provides a window into historical beliefs. People in the past often worried about harmful vapors, or <a href="https://www.rxlist.com/miasma/definition.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miasma</a>, from decaying bodies. 



Methods like these might have been a practical way to ensure a safer environment for mourners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-embalming-method-preserved-the-body">Why this embalming method preserved the body</h2>



Evidence suggests that the vicar was deliberately prepared for reasons tied to cultural customs of his time. This single case reveals that not all European mummies were created by happenstance. 



Careful internal treatment, coupled with the region’s climate, preserved the dead man’s form to a striking degree.



His story shines a light on local history and gives clues to a simple but effective embalming option. Although it was never widely recorded in textbooks, the approach in this Austrian crypt still defies decay after nearly three centuries.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1560050/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Medicine</a>.



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Unknown embalming technique discovered in very well-preserved mummy

Centuries ago, embalming traditions varied from place to place. In...

McDermitt Caldera in Oregon is attracting attention for what could be one of the largest lithium deposits ever identified in the United States. Many view it as a potential boost for domestic battery production, while local communities voice concern over the impact on wildlife and cultural sites.



The excitement stems from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01273-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimates</a> that value the deposit at about $1.5 trillion. Some geologists say these ancient volcanic sediments could contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-deposit-exposes-priorities">Lithium deposit exposes priorities</h2>



“This feature is 16 million years old, and we’re making decisions in a matter of years,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sammy-Castonguay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sammy Castonguay</a>, a geologist at Treasure Valley Community College. 



Castonguay’s statement has stirred local debate over how the development might reshape the high desert.



Industry advocates see a path to addressing the ballooning need for electric vehicle batteries. 



Neighbors around the caldera and the <a href="https://mcdermittlithium.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McDermitt deposit</a> worry that large-scale extraction could damage an ecosystem that supports pronghorn antelope, sage-grouse, and other sensitive species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environmental-dilemma">The environmental dilemma</h2>



A <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2025844/200559254/20083724/250089906/HiTechPlanOfOperations_Presentation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposal</a> from HiTech Minerals Inc. seeks to add roads and hundreds of wells to test for lithium in Malheur County. 



The Bureau of Land Management (<a href="https://www.blm.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BLM</a>) once offered a brief window for public comment, which drew criticism from groups who say that’s not enough time to evaluate lasting changes.



The Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club indicates they support cleaner energy but believe drilling must not come at the expense of fragile habitats.



Some see parallels to disputes in Nevada, where communities have fought lithium ventures they say <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invention-turns-toxic-e-waste-into-22-carat-gold-nuggets-instead-of-trash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threaten water sources</a>. 



Malheur County is among Oregon’s poorest areas, and certain residents hope new jobs might brighten its economic outlook. “We need to do this the Oregon way - with full accountability and shared benefits,” said <a href="https://repgregsmith.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greg Smith</a>, director of economic development in Malheur County.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-lithium-deposits-are-so-valuable">Why lithium deposits are so valuable</h2>



Cleaner transportation and renewable energy storage have skyrocketed demand for lithium. Its light weight and excellent electrochemical properties make it key in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-car-batteries-may-soon-be-made-of-rock/">battery</a> production. 



Global interest in ramping up supply has fueled both exploration and debate. Many want a homegrown source to cut reliance on overseas materials, but critics stress that extracting metals can have lasting ecological implications.



Mining typically means large excavations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/promethium-rare-earth-element-elusive-properties-finally-decoded-after-80-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical processing</a>, and water usage. Press releases and early studies mention concerns about dust, vehicle exhaust, and possible leakage of industrial byproducts.



Meanwhile, some economists argue that lithium’s high market price presents an opportunity to jump-start local development. Balancing those perspectives can be tough for rural communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-volcanic-origins">Unique volcanic origins</h2>



Past eruptions formed the caldera and left mineral-rich clays across a wide basin. The environment eventually became a semi-arid habitat that’s important for migrating wildlife. 



One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0360544278900312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found high levels of lithium in these sediments, suggesting an unusually concentrated resource. Analysts say that if extraction methods prove efficient, the U.S. could rank among the top global suppliers of this metal.



The caldera lies near the Oregon-Nevada border. Projects on both sides have followed a similar pattern: geological surveys, land modification, and pilot drilling. 



Some scientists emphasize that claystone deposits differ from salt brine operations found in South America. 



Processing claystone may require more complex techniques, including acid leaching, which can raise questions about waste disposal and water safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-for-wildlife-and-culture">Concerns for wildlife and culture</h2>



Habitat for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-regulations-have-helped-safeguard-the-sage-grouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sage-grouse</a> is already shrinking, and many local groups fear the consequences of losing more desert terrain.



The region also holds deep cultural value for several Indigenous tribes. 



Tribal leaders in nearby areas have contested past proposals by pointing to sites sacred for ceremonies and important for traditional ways of life. As the push for lithium grows, local voices want to remain central in discussions about land use.



Opponents argue that insufficient environmental reviews could harm unique species such as <a href="https://westernnativetrout.org/what-are-western-native-trout-and-char/lahontan-cutthroat-trout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lahontan cutthroat trout</a>. 



Past drilling in high desert regions showed that groundwater tables can be affected by large-scale operations. Proponents, though, say modern techniques and strong oversight may mitigate many risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-signals-on-lithium-s-future">Mixed signals on lithium’s future</h2>



Experts note that the caldera deposit could give the U.S. a competitive advantage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-electric-car-battery-charges-in-just-4-5-minutes/">battery</a> supply. At the same time, non-governmental organizations believe short-term profit shouldn’t overshadow the ecological and historical wealth found in Oregon’s high desert. 



Mining companies emphasize their intent to follow federal standards and incorporate feedback from local communities. Yet friction persists over whether that outreach is genuine.



<a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/oregon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Club Oregon</a> suggests it’s possible to develop lithium alternatives or find better ways to source the metal. Advocates of the project maintain that these clays represent a crucial resource in an era when every major carmaker is transitioning to electric models.



Disagreements arise from how fast these projects roll out, and whether rural populations have a real say in shaping them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-this-lithium-deposit">What's next for this lithium deposit?</h2>



Local debates often center on water needs for drilling and processing. Some scientists point out that advanced recycling and new battery chemistries might alleviate the environmental strain. 



Others say U.S. projects reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, which could lower geopolitical risks. 



The trade-off is that most lithium deposits, wherever they are, carry <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/huge-lithium-deposit-from-volanic-ash-found-in-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certain environmental implications</a>. A few watchers say this moment holds a chance to reevaluate how to conduct resource extraction.



As these Oregon proposals move ahead, investors are confident that demand for lithium won’t dip anytime soon, but local communities want to ensure they aren’t left with the mess once the initial excitement fades.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/1/68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minerals</a>.



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Volcanic white gold: A lithium deposit valued at $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the U.S.

McDermitt Caldera in Oregon is attracting attention for what could...

The Step Pyramid rises taller than a 20‑story building on the edge of Egypt’s desert plateau, about 15 miles south of the modern sprawl of Giza. Built roughly 4,650 years ago, it was the first gigantic structure ever assembled entirely from carved stone blocks. 



Yet for all its fame, scholars have long puzzled over how its builders coaxed more than 11 million cubic feet of limestone into perfectly symmetrical positions with the tools of their day.



A fresh study now hints that the secret may have flowed through channels and pools rather than up crumbling earthen ramps. 



By tracing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/egypts-pyramids-were-built-along-a-buried-branch-of-the-nile-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient watercourses</a> visible in satellite radar images and matching them with clues cut into bedrock, researchers suggest that water power - a type of hydraulic elevator - did most of the work of raising the pyramid, tier by tier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-king-djoser-s-step-pyramid">King Djoser's Step Pyramid</h2>



Half a century before the better‑known pyramids at Giza, Pharaoh Djoser ordered his chief architect, Imhotep, to design a tomb like no other -- The Step Pyramid of Djoser.



The result was a six‑stepped monument that still stands between 197 ft and 203 ft tall. 



Instead of a single-level structure, Imhotep stacked six <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/3800-year-old-hexagonal-pyramid-discovered-possibly-a-royal-tomb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">layers of stone</a>, creating a striking staircase to the heavens. For the first time, Egyptian builders used large, carved limestone blocks.



In the decades that followed, the know‑how refined at Saqqara sparked a construction sprint in the region. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser_Saqqara-plateau_water-course_Volcano-hydraulic-lift_Paleotechnic_PLOS-One_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser_Saqqara-plateau_water-course_Volcano-hydraulic-lift_Paleotechnic_PLOS-One_1s.webp" alt="Map of the Saqqara plateau showing the water course from the Gisr el-Mudir dam to the water treatment facility near Djoser pyramid. The water is then transferred to the pyramid's network of pipes to power the hydraulic elevator. Credit: Paleotechnic of Paris, France" class="wp-image-1968267"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Map of the Saqqara plateau showing the water course from the Gisr el-Mudir dam to the water treatment facility near Djoser pyramid. The water is then transferred to the pyramid's network of pipes to power the hydraulic elevator. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Paleotechnic of Paris, France</figcaption></figure>



Stones ballooned in size from 660 pounds apiece to more than 5,000 pounds, and roughly 28 million tons of masonry went into building just seven royal pyramids.



Surrounding the pyramid was an elaborate complex of courtyards, temples, and ceremonial spaces, all designed to serve the pharaoh in the afterlife. 



These spaces weren’t just symbolic - they were functional parts of a belief system that saw the king as a god on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-clues-etched-in-stone">Finding clues etched in stone</h2>



Leading the latest push towards unraveling this mystery is Dr. Xavier Landreau of the <a href="https://www.cea.fr/english/Pages/Welcome.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEA Paleotechnic Institute</a>. 



His French team combed through decades of excavation notes and paired them with high‑resolution radar scenes. 



“Satellite imagery clearly shows that a rectangular stone enclosure known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisr_el-Mudir" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gisr el‑Mudir</a>, located west of the Saqqara necropolis, has all the technical characteristics of a check dam," explains Dr. Landreau. 



"This feature would have been used to control the flow of flash floods and capture heavy objects coming from upriver.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vanished-lake-purpose-built-moat">Vanished lake, purpose‑built moat</h2>



On the lee side of the dam, the landscape bows into a shallow basin. Soil chemistry there hints at a lake that swelled during seasonal Nile surges. 



When the water dropped, channels funneled the remaining flow into a rock‑cut trench now nicknamed the Dry Moat ringing the pyramid precinct. 



Its southern arm contains a line of chambers whose stepped floors resemble today’s sedimentation basins at municipal water plants.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_North-Saqqara_water-course-map_credit-Airbus_PLOS-ONE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_North-Saqqara_water-course-map_credit-Airbus_PLOS-ONE_1s.webp" alt="North Saqqara map showing the relation between the Abusir water course and the Step Pyramid construction process (Inset). The arrows figuring the flow directions are approximate and given for illustrative purposes based on the Franco-Egyptian SFS/IGN survey. Satellite image: Airbus Pléiades" class="wp-image-1968271"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">North Saqqara map showing the relation between the Abusir water course and the Step Pyramid construction process (Inset). The arrows figuring the flow directions are approximate and given for illustrative purposes based on the Franco-Egyptian SFS/IGN survey. Click image to enlarge. Satellite image: Airbus Pléiades</figcaption></figure>



“Together, the Gisr el‑Mudir and the Dry Moat’s inner south section work as a unified hydraulics system that improves water quality and regulates flow for practical purposes and human needs,” the authors write. 



The cleaned runoff, they argue, arrived just in time to solve a pressing construction headache.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-and-the-step-pyramid-stones">Water and the Step Pyramid stones</h2>



Inside the pyramid, stone corridors angle upward from a central shaft. Their shape and wear patterns nudge the imagination toward a liquid‑powered lift. 



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-buildings-used-passive-cooling-methods-to-reduce-heat-with-out-air-conditioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient architects</a> likely raised the stones from the pyramid center in a volcano fashion using the sediment‑free water from the Dry Moat’s south section,” the authors write. 



Picture buoyant barges - or perhaps sealed sleds - nudged ever higher as fresh water flowed beneath them.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_subterranean-layout_credit-PLOS-One_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_subterranean-layout_credit-PLOS-One_1s.webp" alt="Overview of Djoser’s complex subterranean layout, focusing on the Latvian mission’s discoveries (orange parts)–courtesy of Monnier. Credit: PLOS One" class="wp-image-1968273"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Overview of Djoser’s complex subterranean layout, focusing on the Latvian mission’s discoveries (orange parts)–courtesy of Monnier. Click image to enlarge. Credit: PLOS One</figcaption></figure>



Numbers support the idea. With a column of water roughly 30 ft deep, upward pressure could cancel out two‑thirds of a limestone block’s weight, leaving workers on terraced ledges to guide the payload into place. 



Such a system would sidestep the need for massive ramps long thought to encircle early pyramids yet never found in situ.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-first-droughts-later">Floods first, droughts later</h2>



“Before the Fourth Dynasty, there were more problems with floods than with a lack of water,” Dr. Landreau noted, highlighting why the Saqqara workforce might have embraced hydraulic engineering. 



Annual inundations could swallow work sites, rot timber, and strand supplies. Turning surplus water into a construction ally would have converted a hazard into free labor.



The shift paid off quickly. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-eclipse-may-have-changed-the-architecture-of-ancient-egypt-forever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stone sizes doubled</a> within a generation, and by the time Khufu’s Great Pyramid went up around 2550 B.C., individual blocks tipped the scales at more than 5 tons. 



Specialists calculate that hauling such loads up a mile‑long ramp would have required at least 4,000 men at any given moment. A water‑driven elevator could slash that headcount and keep quarry teams ahead of schedule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-of-that-work-for-what">All of that work for what?</h2>



Yet the Step Pyramid keeps one trick buried deep: its burial chamber is empty. No royal mummy, no treasure, no wall texts. 



Where is Pharaoh Djoser?



Some archaeologists have floated the idea that the hollow core acted less as a tomb and more as a pressure vessel, a technical heart that made the water lift possible. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_rock-cut-trench_workers_credit-PLOS-One_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/great-pyramids_Djoser-complex_rock-cut-trench_workers_credit-PLOS-One_1s.webp" alt="View of compartment-1 of the rock-cut deep trench (1943), 27m deep, 3m wide. a: View from the west; b: View from the east. The workers in the background provide a sense of the structure’s immense scale and technicity. Credit: PLOS One" class="wp-image-1968277"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">View of compartment-1 of the rock-cut deep trench (1943), 27m deep, 3m wide. a: View from the west; b: View from the east. The workers in the background provide a sense of the structure’s immense scale and technicity. Click image to enlarge. Credit: PLOS One</figcaption></figure>



The maze of tunnels, hinged stone doors, and drop‑block traps hint at mechanical ingenuity as sophisticated as any irrigation canal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-pyramid-and-modern-engineers">Step Pyramid and modern engineers</h2>



Today, Saqqara’s mastery of fluid dynamics may sound eerily familiar to civil engineers who harness controlled floods to build delta land in Louisiana or raise entire houses atop pneumatic lifts. 



If ancient builders truly manipulated water columns to float stones skyward, they pulled off a feat that resonates with modern efforts to work with natural forces rather than fight them.



The findings don't close every gap in the long saga of Egypt’s pyramids, but they do open an inviting corridor for future digs. 



Drill cores from the Dry Moat’s silt layers could confirm lake deposits; mineral stains on interior shafts might betray repeated wet cycles. 



Either way, the Step Pyramid is an engineering marvel that continues to teach us that even in antiquity, people were willing to tackle colossal challenges with solutions as fluid as the Nile itself.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Ancient high-tech machines were used to build Egypt's pyramids, study claims

The Step Pyramid rises taller than a 20‑story building on...

A massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jaw-fossil-reveals-fruit-eating-mammal-from-the-dinosaur-age/">dinosaur</a> once roamed ancient Central Asia, overshadowing the smaller ancestors of well-known tyrants. Its fossilized jaw left behind clues about a predator that was anything but ordinary.



This imposing creature, recently named as Ulughbegasaurus uzbekistanensis, opens a window into a time when early tyrannosaurs could not challenge its size. 



The scientist who examined this forgotten beast, <a href="https://trios.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/researcher/0000004240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Kohei Tanaka</a> from the University of Tsukuba, spotted something unusual in the decades-old jawbone, and that observation sparked new studies on this remarkable meat-eater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-lurking-in-the-shadows">Giant lurking in the shadows</h2>



The fossil came from rock layers dated to about 90 million years ago. These layers capture a world that existed long before towering tyrannosaurs rose to the top of the food chain.



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667119303611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evidence</a> suggests that this new predator had blade-like dentition, a feature that made it adept at slicing prey. Researchers believe these sharp edges distinguished its feeding style from the crushing jaws of later giants like T. rex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-an-earlier-hierarchy">Signs of an earlier hierarchy</h2>



While early <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8424376/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tyrannosaurs</a> of that period measured only around 10 feet (3 meters) long, the newly identified dinosaur was significantly larger, with a body length of around 26 feet (8 meters), and a mass of over 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms). 



Paleontologists see this as a strong indication that, at that time, these smaller tyrants were not the apex hunters of their environment. Instead, Ulughbegasaurus was likely to have dominated with its large dimensions and fearsome teeth.



They propose that once the bigger competitor disappeared, tyrannosaurs seized the chance to grow. That growth ultimately paved the way for colossal species like T. rex, which eventually spanned more than 40 feet (12 meters) in length, in later eras.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-separate-oddity-from-the-desert">A separate oddity from the desert</h2>



Another intriguing discovery involves <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)00401-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duonychus</a>, an herbivore unearthed in the Gobi desert. This dinosaur, believed to have roamed parts of Asia, displayed an unusual hand with two large claws, each measuring about a foot (30 centimeters) in length.



“The claws on this one are about a foot long,” said <a href="https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/darla-zelenitsky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Darla Zelenitsky</a>, an associate professor at the University of Calgary. 



A research team found one fossil with the nail still attached, which is a rare occurrence because keratin does not usually survive for millions of years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-northern-cousin-with-a-fierce-name">A northern cousin with a fierce name</h2>



A separate species named Thanatotheristes degrootorum once lived in what is now Alberta, Canada, approximately 79.5 million years ago. It measured around 26 feet (8 meters) and likely preyed on large, plant-eating dinosaurs.



This new tyrannosaur is described in academic <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667119303611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> on Canada’s paleontological record, and is recognized for having a more elongated snout than some of its relatives. That feature sets it apart and places it in a newly named subgroup of robust dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-with-an-edge">Teeth with an edge</h2>



Each discovery highlights how varied these theropod dinosaurs could be. Their dentition revealed that some species depended on crushing power, while others leaned on slashing capabilities.



Paleontologists link such variety to changes in local climate, food sources, and competitive pressures. They suggest that these shifting conditions across the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233904673_A_New_Genus_And_Species_Of_Tyrannosauroid_From_The_Late_CretaceousMiddle_Campanian_Demopolis_Formation_Of_Alabama" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Cretaceous</a> allowed different predator shapes and strategies to flourish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-competitive-times-and-sudden-exits">Competitive times and sudden exits</h2>



Fossils like these reveal that large carnivores and smaller tyrannosaurs coexisted, at least briefly. This coexistence set the stage for intense interactions when resources ran low.



The bigger hunters appear to have enjoyed a moment in the spotlight until their extinction opened the path for smaller species to expand and diversify. That opportunity shaped the next wave of colossal predators that dominated for millennia thereafter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-constant-hunt-for-clues">A constant hunt for clues</h2>



The search for remnants of these forgotten giants is ongoing, with new sites turning up evidence of their feeding habits, growth stages, and dominance in prehistoric ecosystems. Bits of bone often sit in museum collections for years before anyone recognizes their significance.



Teams around the globe continue to refine the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collagen-discovered-in-70-million-year-old-dinosaur-fossil/">dinosaur</a> family tree. Each major find has a story to tell about adaptation and survival in a constantly changing environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-balance-in-prehistoric-power-struggles">Shifting balance in prehistoric power struggles</h2>



Paleontologists believe that ecosystem shifts may have determined which predators came out on top. When Ulughbegasaurus vanished around 89 million years ago, its disappearance left a vacuum that smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-t-rex-fossils-belong-a-distinct-tyrannosaur-species/">tyrannosaurs</a> were quick to fill.



These shifts may have involved climate patterns, declining populations of certain prey species, or changes in vegetation that disrupted food chains. Whatever the trigger, the fall of one apex predator helped carve the path for another to rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filling-the-puzzle-of-dinosaur-diversity">Filling the puzzle of dinosaur diversity</h2>



Experts stress that many gaps remain in our knowledge of Late Cretaceous life. New skeletons from places such as Central Asia, Canada, and Mongolia are expanding our understanding of prehistoric habitats and their inhabitants.



They predict that future work may reveal more species that briefly overshadowed early tyrannosaurs. Such discoveries show that dinosaur evolution was never straightforward or predictable.



The study is published in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous Research</a>.



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With teeth like knives, this giant kept the young tyrannosaurs at bay 

A massive dinosaur once roamed ancient Central Asia, overshadowing the...

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