<p>Astronomy &amp; Geophysics (A&amp;G) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). It was established in 1960 as The Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society; the name was changed in 1997. As of May 2012, the editor-in-chief is Sue Bowler (University of Leeds).</p>
<p>The journal covers astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, solar-terrestrial physics, global and regional geophysics, and the history of these subjects. It also publishes thematic articles regarding interdisciplinary research, science policy, news, opinions, correspondence, and book and software reviews. Another focus of A&amp;G are reports of meetings and science in the news and a focus on review articles for a wide audience.</p>
<p>The journal also publishes discussions of fundamental science and scientific controversies. It is also a place for:</p>
<ul>
<li>discussion of all matters of interest to professional astronomers and geophysicists</li>
<li>and functions as a channel of communication between the membership, the Council, and the Society’s Officers.</li>
</ul>
<p>A&amp;G is indexed in the following databases: Academic Search (including Academic Search Elite and Academic Search Premier), Current Abstracts, Current Contents/Physical, Chemical &amp; Earth Sciences, InfoTrac, Journal Citation Reports, Meteorological &amp; Geoastrophysical Abstracts (CSA/CIG), ProQuest 5000, Science Citation Index and Scopus.</p>
<p>Image Caption: This is the front cover art for the peer reviewed journal entitled, Astronomy &amp; Geophysics: the Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society. Credit: Wikipedia</p>
<p>Journal Homepage</p>


What is Astronomy & Geophysics?

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU Boulder) has found why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/">Venus</a>, Earth's nearest planetary neighbor, is so devoid of moisture. The experts delved deep into what they term “the water story on Venus,” revealing that Venus loses about twice as much water into space each day than previously thought.</p>



<p>The phenomenon occurs through a process known as “dissociative recombination,” in which hydrogen atoms from Venus’s atmosphere are lost to space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-retention-and-loss-across-planets">Water retention and loss across planets</h2>



<p>By using computer simulations, the experts hope to shed light on water retention and loss across many planets in the galaxy, enhancing our understanding of planetary climates and their capability to support life.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-water-rich-planet-with-a-steamy-atmosphere-named-gj-9827d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a> is really important for life,” said co-lead author Eryn Cangi, a research scientist at the <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics</a> (LASP) at CU Boulder. “We need to understand the conditions that support liquid water in the universe, and that may have produced the very dry state of Venus today.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-versus-venus">Earth versus Venus</h2>



<p>Contrasting Venus with Earth highlights the stark differences in water abundance. “Venus has 100,000 times less water than the Earth, even though it’s basically the same size and mass,” explained co-lead author Michael Chaffin, a research scientist at LASP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If Earth's water were evenly distributed across its surface, it would form a layer about three kilometers deep. In contrast, Venus would have a shallow pool of just three centimeters deep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-water-loss-from-venus-nbsp">Rapid water loss from Venus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team utilized advanced computer models to simulate the complex chemical processes occurring in Venus's dense and turbulent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. </p>



<p>The research pointed to a molecule known as HCO+, an ion consisting of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, as a key player in the rapid loss of water from Venus. This molecule forms high in the atmosphere and facilitates the escape of hydrogen atoms into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-changes-and-their-outcomes-nbsp">Planetary changes and their outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For Cangi, who completed her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary sciences at CU Boulder in 2023, the study not only fills a significant gap in our understanding of Venus's climate history but also illustrates how minor planetary changes can lead to dramatic environmental outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re trying to figure out what little changes occurred on each planet to drive them into these vastly different states,” she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-water-loss-on-venus">Ancient water loss on Venus</h2>



<p>Reflecting on Venus’s past, the researchers suggest that it once harbored as much water as Earth. However, a catastrophic escalation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-greenhouse-effect-could-turn-earth-into-an-uninhabitable-hell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gasses</a> led to runaway temperatures, vaporizing all its water, which then was lost to space. </p>



<p>This ancient water loss does not fully account for Venus's current dryness, which led the scientists to explore ongoing atmospheric processes.</p>



<p>“As an analogy, say I dumped out the water in my water bottle. There would still be a few droplets left,” Chaffin said. On Venus, even those residual droplets have disappeared, a mystery that the study attributes to the elusive HCO+ molecule.</p>



<p>Chaffin and Cangi pointed out that while many missions have explored Mars, Venus has seen fewer scientific visitors, which has limited our understanding of its atmospheric composition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One of the surprising conclusions of this work is that HCO+ should actually be among the most abundant ions in the Venus atmosphere,” Chaffin remarked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-missions-to-venus">Future missions to Venus</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers are enthusiastic about upcoming missions to Venus, such as <a href="https://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/davinci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gasses, Chemistry, and Imaging</a> (DAVINCI) mission, which will probe the planet's atmosphere down to the surface. Although DAVINCI won't detect HCO+ directly, it represents a step forward in collecting data that could confirm their findings and enhance our understanding of Venus.</p>



<p>“There haven’t been many missions to Venus. But newly planned missions will leverage decades of collective experience and a flourishing interest in Venus to explore the extremes of planetary atmospheres, evolution, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-habitability-of-a-planet-is-affected-by-the-location-of-its-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>,” Cangi concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07261-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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Venus has lost almost all of its water, but why did it disappear?

A team of researchers led by the University of Colorado...

<p>In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles coast became a disposal site for significant quantities of the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), due to the activities of the largest DDT manufacturer in the nation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This chemical, notorious for its persistent toxicity, continues to impact the marine environment of L.A. more than 50 years later. Although legal at the time, the full scale of this pollution at an offshore dump site near Catalina Island, 15 miles offshore, only came to broader public attention in 2020, raising substantial concern among scientists and the public alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-chemicals-in-deep-sea-fish">DDT chemicals in deep-sea fish</h2>



<p>Recent findings from researchers at UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> and <a href="https://www.sdsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego State University</a> (SDSU) have shown that deep-sea fish and sediments near the Catalina Island dump site are still laden with DDT-related chemicals, indicating that DDT-related chemicals discarded into the ocean decades ago continue to influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a>.</p>



<p>Since the rediscovery of this dump site near Catalina Island, scientists have endeavored to determine the current scope and severity of the contamination. It remains a critical concern whether these old chemicals, now settled on the ocean floor, are confined to the seabed or are circulating through marine ecosystems, potentially endangering wildlife and human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-contamination-in-marine-food-webs">DDT contamination in marine food webs</h2>



<p>“These are deep-sea organisms that don’t spend much time at the surface and they are contaminated with these DDT-related chemicals,” said co-author Lihini Aluwihare, a professor of ocean chemistry at Scripps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Establishing the current distribution of DDT contamination in deep-sea food webs lays the groundwork for thinking about whether those contaminants are also moving up through deep-ocean food webs into species that might be consumed by people.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-montrose-chemical-corporation">Montrose Chemical Corporation</h2>



<p>From 1948 to at least 1961, barges hired by Montrose Chemical Corporation would journey from the Port of Los Angeles towards Catalina, discharging waste containing sulfuric acid and up to 2% pure DDT directly into the Pacific.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This practice, which was legal until 1972, largely went unnoticed, overshadowed by another disposal method used by Montrose: discharging a more dilute acidic slurry that also contained DDT into the ocean off Palos Verdes through L.A. County sewers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Palos Verdes Shelf, where an estimated 100 tons of DDT accumulated in sediments, was declared an underwater Superfund Site by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> in 1996, and in 2000, Montrose was ordered to pay $140 million for environmental restoration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research has linked DDT pollution in this area to health issues in local sea lions, dolphins, bottom-feeding fish, and even coastal California <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-condors-are-threatened-by-organic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condors</a>, likely affected by consuming contaminated marine animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-legacy-of-offshore-dumping-nbsp">Toxic legacy of offshore dumping&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The rediscovery of Montrose’s offshore dumping near Catalina, now known as Dumpsite 2, was made by <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> researcher David Valentine using an undersea robot. This discovery gained significant public exposure in 2020 through a series of investigative reports by the Los Angeles Times, highlighting the toxic legacy of offshore dumping in the region.</p>



<p>Valentine and Scripps researchers have since mapped extensive DDT contamination across an area of the seafloor larger than San Francisco. The ongoing challenge is to determine whether this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-more-than-three-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> remains localized or if it is migrating through the marine environment in ways that could harm aquatic life or humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-ddt-contamination-nbsp">Extent of the DDT contamination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2021, Aluwihare, SDSU’s Eunha Hoh, and their team began addressing two crucial questions: Are the DDT-related chemicals on the seafloor near Dumpsite 2 entering the food chain? Can they develop a unique chemical fingerprint for the contamination from Dumpsite 2 to distinguish it from pollution emanating from the Palos Verdes Shelf?</p>



<p>Sediment and deep-sea animal samples collected near Dumpsite 2 revealed the presence of an extensive array of DDT-related chemicals, previously identified in the blubber of dolphins off Southern California’s coast. This broader spectrum of DDT compounds, known as DDT+, is critical for understanding the full extent of contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-related-compounds-in-fish">DDT-related compounds in fish</h2>



<p>Analysis of these samples showed that 215 fish across three species near Dumpsite 2 contained 10 DDT-related compounds, all present in the sediment samples.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two fish species were collected from depths between 546 meters (1,791 feet) and 784 meters (2,572 feet), and a third species ranged from these depths up to the surface. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish</a> from shallower waters had lower contaminant levels and lacked two of the DDT-related compounds found in deeper-dwelling fish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-were-the-fish-exposed-to-ddt">How were the fish exposed to DDT?</h2>



<p>“None of these fish species are known to feed in the sediment of the seafloor. There must be another mechanism that is exposing them to these contaminants,” said co-author Anela Choy, a biological oceanographer at Scripps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One possibility is that physical or biological processes are resuspending sediments around Dumpsite 2 and allowing these contaminants to enter deeper water food webs.”</p>



<p>While it’s not yet possible to definitively exclude the Palos Verdes Superfund Site as a contamination source, the study’s findings - including the specific contaminants identified and their distribution across different species and depths - suggest that pollution from the seafloor could be infiltrating the marine food chain.</p>



<p>“This is evidence that DDT compounds are making their way into the deep ocean food web,” said lead author Margaret Stack, an environmental chemist at SDSU. “That is cause for concern because it’s not a big leap for it to end up in marine mammals or even humans.”</p>



<p>This “will help us figure out what to do as far as mitigation and what not to do in terms of offshore development that could make this problem worse by stirring up these contaminants,” Hoh added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>Aluwihare highlighted the need for further research to identify the source of the DDT contaminants found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea fish</a> and to determine whether similar contamination affects larger, open-ocean fish species consumed by people.</p>



<p>As the investigation continues, the researchers are analyzing samples from fish species targeted by recreational anglers and commercial fisheries, including basses and sanddabs. Comparing these findings with sediment samples from the Palos Verdes Shelf and Dumpsite 2 may help pinpoint the source of the toxins.</p>



<p>“We are still seeing this DDT contamination in deep-sea organisms and ocean sediments more than 50 years after they were dumped there. I’m not sure if that company expected the consequences of their pollution to last this long, but they have,” Hoh concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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Toxic legacy: Decades-old DDT found in deep sea fish

In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles...

Algae,Research,In,Laboratories,,Biotechnology,Science,Concept

<p>Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved from algae and began to transform the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terrestrial-plants-changed-how-earth-regulates-its-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's landscape</a>, drastically altering the planet's surface and atmosphere..</p>



<p>A significant breakthrough in understanding these origins has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of an international research team, which includes a computational biologist from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>. </p>



<p>This team has successfully decoded the genomic sequence of Zygnema algae, the closest living relatives to these pioneering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-algae-genes-chlorophyll-boost-crop-yields-land-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land plants</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-genomic-code">Cracking the genomic code</h2>



<p>The recent research published in <em>Nature Genetics</em> brought together approximately 50 scientists from eight different countries. This collaboration led to a significant achievement: the first complete genomic sequencing of four different strains of Zygnema algae. </p>



<p>By accomplishing this, the team has provided crucial insights into the evolutionary adaptations that enabled aquatic plants to transition and thrive on land, marking a pivotal development in our understanding of plant evolution.</p>



<p>“This is an evolutionary story,” explained Yanbin Yin, the lead researcher from Nebraska. “It answers the fundamental question of how the earliest land plants evolved from aquatic freshwater algae.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-zygnema-algae-in-plant-evolution">Significance of Zygnema algae in plant evolution</h2>



<p>Zygnema algae are not just another type of plant; they represent a crucial link between aquatic and terrestrial life. The four strains studied -- two from a culture collection in the United States and two from Germany -- have revealed significant insights into the genomic adaptations necessary for life on land.</p>



<p>Furthermore, advanced DNA sequencing technologies allowed the team to map out the entire genomes, achieving a level of detail previously unattainable for this group. A standout feature identified through this genomic research is the thick, sticky mucilage layer outside the cell walls of the algae.</p>



<p>"It is fascinating that the genetic building blocks, whose origins predate land plants by millions of years, duplicated and diversified in the ancestors of plants and algae, enabling the evolution of more specialized molecular machinery," noted Iker Irisarri, co-first author of the paper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-genome-insights-from-zygnema-algae">Plant genome insights from Zygnema algae</h2>



<p>The findings from this study do not just expand our understanding of plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-species-holds-valuable-evidence-of-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>; they also provide a robust resource for the scientific community at large. </p>



<p>Researchers can now delve into these genomic data to explore further connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-plants-have-maintained-genetic-stability-for-350-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant genetics</a> and environmental responses.</p>



<p>“The entire plant scientific community now has a valuable, high-quality resource to explore these genome data. Our analyses uncovered intricate connections between environmental responses,” said Jan de Vries, another co-leader of the research team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-future-discoveries">Foundation for future discoveries</h2>



<p>The research aligns with the National Science Foundation’s "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/big_ideas/life.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Understanding the Rules of Life</a>" initiative, which aims to tackle societal challenges such as climate resilience and clean water. </p>



<p>The gene network analyses from this study reveal that co-expression of genes related to cell wall synthesis and modifications played a crucial role in the evolutionary success of these organisms.</p>



<p>“Our gene network analyses reveal co-expression of genes, especially those for cell wall synthesis and remodifications that were expanded and gained in the last common ancestor of land plants and Zygnematophyceae,” Yin remarked. “We shed light on the deep evolutionary roots of the mechanism for balancing environmental responses and multicellular cell growth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-advances-propel-plant-science-forward">Genomic advances propel plant science forward</h2>



<p>This research on Zygnema algae marks a significant advance in our genomic understanding of plant life’s origins on land. </p>



<p>The collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in scientific research, uniting diverse expertise to unravel complex biological puzzles. </p>



<p>The genomic insights gained extend beyond academia, impacting fields such as bioenergy, water sustainability, and carbon sequestration. </p>



<p>This work not only deepens our comprehension of our planet's ecological history but also equips us with the knowledge to better tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01737-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a></em>.</p>



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Plants emerged from 'star algae' to conquer Earth's landmass

Approximately 550 million years ago, the first terrestrial plants evolved...

Ai,Ethics,And,Legal,Concepts,Artificial,Intelligence,Law,And,Online

<p>We all crave a little validation now and then. A sincere "great job" can boost our spirits and even motivate us to try harder. But what if those well-intentioned compliments are actually getting in the way of our growth? A new study from the University of Portsmouth suggests that sometimes a sprinkle of praise, part of self-serving bias, can lead to some serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-perception-bias/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-deception</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-self-serving-bias">Decoding self-serving bias</h2>



<p>Let's be honest – we all have a tendency to give ourselves a bit more credit than we might deserve. Psychologists call this "self-serving bias." This means we instinctively emphasize our strengths and positive contributions, while minimizing our shortcomings. </p>



<p>When things go well, we're likely to see it as proof of our own talents and efforts. On the flip side, when we stumble, it's tempting to chalk it up to bad luck, unfair circumstances, or factors beyond our control. This tendency helps us maintain a positive self-image and protect our feelings of self-worth. </p>



<p>However, the Portsmouth study demonstrates the potential downside of self-serving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bias</a>: it can seriously cloud our judgment of others. We might overestimate the abilities of colleagues or teammates, making us overlook opportunities to work with people who could bring greater skills to the table.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-serving-bias-in-robots-and-humans">Self-serving bias in robots and humans</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portsmouth</a> researchers designed an insightful experiment to explore this self-serving bias. Students first took an online quiz. Then, they were assigned a partner for subsequent tasks -- either a fellow human student or a robot partner. </p>



<p>When participants were paired with a real person, a pattern of overconfidence emerged. They tended to inflate both their own abilities and their partner's skills within their assessment. </p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bias-against-women-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skewed perception</a> led to less-than-ideal decision-making, with participants often choosing to continue working with underperforming teammates rather than potentially seeking a more skilled partner.</p>



<p>The fascinating twist lies in the trials where students were paired with a robot. Suddenly, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-dreams-influence-our-perceptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judgment</a> became significantly more accurate. </p>



<p>They were better able to evaluate their own performance more objectively, minimizing the self-serving bias that had previously influenced their views of their human partners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-we-bend-our-beliefs">Why do we bend our beliefs?</h2>



<p>"You might find yourself overestimating a colleague's proficiency to justify delegating tasks, thereby avoiding the stress of extra work and the potential revelation of your own shortcomings," explains Dr. Zahra Murad, co-author of the study.</p>



<p>Essentially, by overestimating the skills of those around us, we create an environment where our own shortcomings feel less significant by comparison. It's a subtle, subconscious protective mechanism -- we shield our egos from potential discomfort. </p>



<p>This might provide a temporary boost of confidence, but it ultimately leads to missed opportunities for growth and improvement. By settling for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/belief-god-human-cooperation-evolve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illusion</a> of being surrounded by competent individuals, we risk overlooking chances to learn from those who could truly challenge and elevate us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compliments-gone-wrong">Compliments gone wrong</h2>



<p>"Overconfident employees are in a way too content with their teammates and have little inclination to change teams," states co-author, Dr. Leonie Gerhards. </p>



<p>When a self-serving bias becomes widespread, it creates a stagnant environment for teams. The exaggerated perception of everyone's abilities hinders the team's willingness to change, adapt, and seek out fresh perspectives. </p>



<p>In this setting, individuals are likely to miss valuable opportunities to collaborate with people possessing different skills, new ideas, or a drive to push them beyond their comfort zones. </p>



<p>Without those challenges and external influences, we essentially relegate ourselves to a place of limited growth, even if the current situation feels comfortable and safe. Our true potential may never be realized due to a reluctance to venture beyond what is familiar.</p>



<p>The strangest takeaway from this study is that a robot, devoid of the need for self-esteem, might actually make us better judges of our own abilities. Since we know a machine won't inflate its skills and can provide objective feedback, it seems to snap us out of our biased thinking. </p>



<p>Who knows, maybe AI could play a role in delivering fairer, more effective feedback in workplaces and training programs?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-break-free-of-the-self-serving-bias">Tips to break free of the self-serving bias</h2>



<p>So how do we make sure compliments boost us, not blind us? Here are a few strategies:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-develop-critical-self-awareness">Develop critical self-awareness</h3>



<p>While it may feel counterintuitive, it's crucial to approach both praise and self-assessment with a healthy dose of skepticism. Before fully accepting a compliment, take a moment to consider if it aligns with your own evaluation. Were there external circumstances that contributed to the success, or was it truly down to your own individual effort?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritize-specific-feedback">Prioritize specific feedback</h3>



<p>Don't settle for generic praise or criticism. Actively seek detailed feedback that pinpoints your strengths and areas for improvement. Ask focused questions like, "Could you identify specific things I did well in this presentation?" or "What aspects of my proposal could be made stronger?"</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-mistakes-as-learning-tools">Embrace mistakes as learning tools</h3>



<p>It's natural to want to avoid failure, but mistakes can be transformative if viewed with the right mindset. Instead of attributing failures to outside factors, take ownership and see them as opportunities to identify where you can improve and refine your approach.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-openness-to-change">Openness to change</h3>



<p>Actively seek out new challenges and collaborations. New partners and teams bring different perspectives, which can challenge your assumptions and expose you to different ways of working. Breaking out of your comfort zone allows for continuous growth and prevents stagnation.</p>



<p> "Consider a scenario where you want to see yourself as the key player in a team project. The simple solution for ensuring success might seem to be monopolizing the workload," notes Dr. Alexander Coutts from <a href="https://schulich.yorku.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schulich School of Business</a>, York University.</p>



<p>"However, this approach comes with its risks -- overburdening yourself or facing the uncomfortable truth that you might not be the infallible expert you thought. Instead, our minds seek a simpler solution by reevaluating our partner's capabilities."</p>



<p>"Our findings suggest that overconfident employees are in a way too content with their teammates and have little inclination to change teams," added co-author, Dr. Leonie Gerhards from King's Business School at <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a>.</p>



<p>"That means, where possible, organizations should deliberately re-shuffle their work teams from time to time, thereby allowing their employees to learn about their true strengths and weaknesses."</p>



<p>Let's not let fear of inadequacy trick us into settling for less. By learning to accept constructive feedback, even when it stings a little, we unlock the door to real improvement.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/ej/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ej/ueae005/7619130?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Economic Journal</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Self-serving bias: How we distort our beliefs about others to feel better

We all crave a little validation now and then. A...

<p>In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas stove ignites more than just family meals - it sparks a series of health concerns due to the emission of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/tracking-nitrogen-dioxide-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen dioxide</a> (NO2).</p>



<p>Recent research highlights the significant impact this gas can have on indoor air quality, revealing that even bedrooms can become saturated with harmful levels of pollutants shortly after cooking, and these levels can linger for hours.</p>



<p>"I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off," noted Professor Rob Jackson, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>. </p>



<p>This revelation confirms that the issue extends beyond the kitchen, affecting the air quality throughout the entire home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-gas-stoves-and-nitrogen-dioxide-exposure">Health risks of gas stoves and nitrogen dioxide exposure</h2>



<p>The health implications of prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves are severe and multifaceted. Consistent inhalation of NO2 can exacerbate asthma symptoms, hinder lung development in children, and even contribute to premature mortality. </p>



<p>The study, which also included insights from researchers at the Central California Asthma Collaborative, PSE Healthy Energy, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, estimates that up to 200,000 cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-asthma-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childhood asthma</a> may be linked to gas stove emissions. A significant portion of these asthma cases are directly attributable to nitrogen dioxide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quantifying nitrogen dioxide exposure levels</h2>



<p>Study lead author Yannai Kashtan, a PhD student specializing in Earth System Science, pointed out that the quantity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-release-more-harmful-nanoparticles-than-vehicle-exhaust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> used during cooking is the predominant factor influencing NO2 exposure levels in homes.</p>



<p>Kashtan noted that the effectiveness and usage of range hoods play crucial roles in mitigating exposure. "We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?" </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-rates-associated-with-no2-exposure">Mortality rates associated with NO2 exposure </h2>



<p>The research team employed advanced sensors and modeling techniques to measure and analyze NO2 levels in over 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-gas-stoves-in-homes-is-worse-for-your-health-than-secondhand-smoke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homes</a> of varying sizes and layouts. </p>



<p>The findings indicate that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes with gas stoves may cause thousands of deaths each year - comparable to the mortality rates associated with secondhand smoke.</p>



<p>“Assuming that meta-analyses of outdoor NO<sub>2</sub> and all-cause adult mortality may be applied to long-term exposure to indoor NO<sub>2</sub>, our analysis suggests that long-term NO<sub>2</sub> exposure from gas and propane stoves in the United States may be responsible for up to 19,000 deaths annually,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-consequences-of-indoor-air-pollution">Nationwide consequences of indoor air pollution</h2>



<p>On a broader scale, the typical use of propane or gas stoves in the U.S. is likely to increase household NO2 levels significantly, nearly reaching unsafe limits set by the World Health Organization for outdoor air. </p>



<p>"That’s excluding all outdoor sources combined, so it makes it much more likely you’re going to exceed the limit," said Kashtan, highlighting the gravity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gas-stoves-create-dangerous-levels-of-indoor-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor pollution</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socioeconomic-and-demographic-disparities">Socioeconomic and demographic disparities</h2>



<p>The study also sheds light on disparities in NO2 exposure based on household size and demographic factors. Smaller homes, often less than 800 square feet, and those in poorer or minority communities face disproportionately higher levels of indoor pollution. </p>



<p>"People in poorer communities can't always afford to change their appliances, or perhaps they rent and can't replace appliances because they don't own them," noted Jackson. This issue is compounded in smaller homes, where residents breathe in more pollution for the same amount of stove use.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-home-energy-solutions">Cleaner home energy solutions</h2>



<p>This research not only advances our understanding of indoor air pollution from gas stoves but also emphasizes the need for effective ventilation and perhaps a reconsideration of fuel sources in homes. </p>



<p>Electric stoves, for instance, offer a cleaner alternative, emitting no NO2 or other harmful pollutants like benzene. </p>



<p>"It’s the fuel, not the food. Electric stoves emit no nitrogen dioxide or benzene. If you own a gas or propane stove, you need to reduce pollutant exposures using ventilation," said Jackson.</p>



<p>The findings from this comprehensive study illustrate the critical need for awareness and action in addressing indoor air pollution. They also call for a reassessment of household energy choices to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8680" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>. </p>



<p>-----</p>



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Gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide

In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas...

<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of personalized medicine, there is an increasing demand for advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-blood-pressure-devices-for-home-monitoring-are-not-validated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wearable devices</a> that can monitor everything from heartbeats to glucose levels. </p>



<p>Despite this progress, there remains a significant challenge in creating devices that seamlessly integrate with the human body, particularly for long-term and invasive monitoring. Scientists at USC have turned their attention to a new prospect for health monitoring: microneedles inspired by sea slugs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-from-the-deep-sea">Innovative solutions from the deep sea </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> researcher Hangbo Zhao, an expert in advanced manufacturing and flexible electronics, is helping close a significant gap in health monitoring. </p>



<p>Zhao's research is dedicated to developing more adaptable and less invasive health monitoring technologies. His latest innovation is a revolutionary type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-surgery-no-incision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microneedle electrode</a>. This new development promises to transform the way we monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> metrics.</p>



<p>The microneedle electrodes are crafted to be "soft" and highly flexible, making them perfect for use with muscle and skin tissues that often change shape. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional microneedle electrodes that are rigid and can be uncomfortable, Zhao’s design is flexible, allowing these electrodes to adapt to movements and changes in the tissue. This ensures better contact and reduces the risk of tissue damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-fabrication-method">Hybrid fabrication method</h2>



<p>Central to this innovation is a hybrid fabrication method developed in the researcher's lab. This method blends laser micromachining, microfabrication, and transfer printing to produce microelectrode arrays that can stretch by 60 to 90 percent - the highest ever reported in the field. </p>



<p>This process not only enhances the flexibility of the microneedles but also allows for the customization of their geometric and functional properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-sea-slugs-to-microneedles">From sea slugs to microneedles </h2>



<p>The idea for these microneedle electrodes was inspired by research on sea slugs. The initial tests involved recording electrical activities in the muscles of sea slugs, proving the feasibility of the electrodes for dynamic and moving tissues.</p>



<p>The research carries far-reaching implications that go well beyond basic health monitoring. The technology crafted by Zhao and his USC team is also adept for applications such as analyzing brain and nerve activity, sensing skin interstitial fluids, diagnosing neuromuscular disorders, and facilitating targeted drug delivery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-health-monitoring">Innovative health monitoring</h2>



<p>As the medical community seeks more precise and less intrusive health monitoring tools, the development of these soft microneedles represents a significant step forward. </p>



<p>For patients apprehensive about traditional microneedle use, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-uses-eye-scanner-to-measure-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new technology</a> could provide a much-needed alternative that offers high fidelity sensing with minimal discomfort.</p>



<p>The research conducted by the USC team is not just a technological achievement but a potential game-changer for healthcare professionals, biotechnology firms, and anyone interested in a healthier, longer life. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about sea slugs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Sea slugs, also known as nudibranchs, are fascinating marine creatures belonging to the mollusk class Gastropoda. These animals are noted for their extraordinary colors and striking forms, which make them a favorite among underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Appearance&nbsp;of sea slugs </h3>



<p>Unlike their terrestrial relatives, the snails, sea slugs do not have a visible shell. This lack of a shell contributes to their varied and often flamboyant appearances, which are believed to serve as a deterrent to predators through aposematic coloration, signaling their potential toxicity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Distribution and diet</h3>



<p>Sea slugs are found in oceans all over the world, from shallow reefs to deep ocean floors. They feed on a variety of food sources, including algae, sponges, and even other sea slugs.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Unique adaptations</h3>



<p>Some species have developed remarkable adaptations, such as the ability to incorporate the photosynthetic capabilities of the algae they eat, allowing them to derive energy directly from sunlight, a process known as kleptoplasty.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The reproduction of sea slugs also presents interesting aspects; they are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. After mating, both partners can lay eggs, increasing their chances of reproductive success.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense mechanisms</h3>



<p>One of the most striking features of sea slugs is their defense mechanisms. Besides their bright colors, some species can produce toxins or incorporate toxins from the prey they consume into their own bodies, making them unpalatable or dangerous to predators. Additionally, some can even shed parts of their body to escape from threats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn7202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Inspired by sea slugs: Microneedles could transform health monitoring

In the ever-evolving landscape of personalized medicine, there is an...

<p>A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the traditionally damp landscapes of Africa. Over an 18-year span, the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> has alarmingly doubled in Africa's wet forests, especially in the vast Congo Basin. </p>



<p>The uptick in fire activity in these regions mirrors similar increases observed in other wet forests globally, including the U.S. Pacific Northwest and the Amazon. </p>



<p>This pattern indicates a shift in the ecological dynamics of these areas, underscoring the urgent need to reevaluate the susceptibility of wet forests to fires.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-trends-in-africa-s-wet-forests">Fire trends in Africa’s wet forests</h2>



<p>The study represents the first extensive examination of fire incidents in West and Central Africa’s lush, tropical forests. </p>



<p>Utilizing satellite imagery, the researchers tracked active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-fires-impact-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> from 2003 to 2021, discovering a clear rise in fire frequency, particularly in the Northwest Congolian Lowland Forests. By 2021, the number of fires per 10,000 square kilometers surged by 400 annually.</p>



<p>"There were several areas with strong trends of increasing fire, mainly in the Congo Basin. In contrast, there were almost no locations where fire was decreasing," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-human-activity-on-wet-forest-fires">Impact of human activity on wet forest fires</h2>



<p>Traditionally, fires in Africa's wet forests were thought to be minor, especially when compared to those in drier woodlands and savannas. The lack of comprehensive research left many questions about the characteristics and drivers of these fires unanswered.</p>



<p>The escalation of fires in wet forests is deeply connected to human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>. This not only reduces forest cover but also fragments the remaining forested areas, increasing their susceptibility to fires. </p>



<p>Consequently, these human-driven changes foster drier conditions particularly at the forest edges, where the majority of fires tend to ignite. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-patterns-and-wet-forest-fires">Weather patterns and wet forest fires</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the experts identified a pronounced correlation between the occurrence of fires in these wet forests and weather patterns, particularly high temperatures and vapor pressure deficits, which are indicative of elevated plant water stress levels.</p>



<p>A particularly compelling discovery was the impact of the 2015-2016 "super El Niño" event, which intensified heat and drought conditions in these regions, subsequently leading to a noticeable increase in fires. </p>



<p>"I was surprised at how strong and clear the climate signal was," said Michael Wimberly, an ecologist at the University of Oklahoma who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-forest-management">Implications for future forest management</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are profound. As global climate patterns continue to evolve, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forest-land-sometimes-gets-cleared-for-nothing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forest</a> fires are likely to increase in frequency and intensity, posing significant challenges to conservation efforts and biodiversity. </p>



<p>Wimberly emphasized the necessity of rethinking how we view the relationship between climate change and fire in tropical forests. "Tropical forest fires have been long overlooked, but they're only going to become more important in the future. We can't ignore them any longer."</p>



<p>This pivotal study calls for an integrated approach to managing fire risks, particularly by controlling fires at the edges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-global-forest-loss-has-been-caused-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> to prevent the destructive feedback loops that increase vulnerability to further fires. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



<p>The research underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of fires on some of the world’s most critical wet forest ecosystems.</p>



<p>The findings from the study not only expand our understanding of the ecological dynamics of wet forests but also serve as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists worldwide to address the emerging threats posed by climate change and human influence on these vital habitats.</p>



<p>“Fires are likely to continue increasing as temperatures become hotter and human populations grow and expand, and they will have negative impacts on carbon storage as well as biodiversity and human livelihoods derived from forest resources,” wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>“To date there has been limited research on fire in African forests, and more work is needed to understand how ENSO and other climate modes influence regional patterns of fire risk; assess the impacts of increasing fire on carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and forest resources; and develop more effective strategies for predicting fire danger and preventing destructive wildfires.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL106240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Africa's wet forests have seen an alarming rise in wildfires

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the...

<p>To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-of-the-worlds-salt-marshes-may-be-underwater-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salt marshes</a> along our coastlines, increasing the turbidity of the water is vital, according to a recent study conducted by a team of Dutch and Chinese researchers. </p>



<p>“These natural areas outside our dikes are essential for nature and coastal defense. But because of how we are now building in the Delta and the hinterland, coastal defense is endangered in the long term,” said Tim Grandjean, a postdoctoral fellow in estuarine and delta systems at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> (NIOZ). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-turbidity-and-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Water turbidity and intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts utilized decades of satellite measurements of tidal regions globally, correlating them with turbidity data also obtained via satellite monitoring. This analysis helped them establish a critical minimum turbidity needed for delta waters worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings revealed a clear long-term relationship: intertidal growth is contingent on sufficient water turbidity. “After all, turbid water means more sand and silt particles in the water, which can allow the coast to grow,” Grandjean explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-tidal-flats-nbsp">Vulnerability of tidal flats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Globally, the clarity of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-waters-bury-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal waters</a> has been improving for decades, which paradoxically leads to the vulnerability of tidal flats. Moreover, with sea levels rising, maintaining these flats requires even higher turbidity. </p>



<p>The current low turbidity levels pose a significant threat to critical biodiversity areas and coastal safety since tidal flats serve as vital foraging grounds for birds and contribute significantly to wave attenuation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-on-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Human impacts on intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study underscores the need for a reevaluation of human impacts on delta regions, stressing the importance of strategic planning in coastal development to safeguard these vital ecosystems. Thus, we have to think more carefully about how human activities affect the coast, on which we rely for our safety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large-scale infrastructural projects like the Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River have drastically reduced downstream sediment supply, essential for the nourishment and maintenance of tidal flats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, in the Netherlands, constructions such as the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier have led to significant reductions in sand deposition, causing the water to become clearer and less capable of supporting intertidal zones, leading to erosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-nature-conservation-and-coastal-protection-nbsp">Balancing nature conservation and coastal protection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“In the long run, this is not sustainable. When too much intertidal area disappears outside the dikes of Zeeland, the safety of the complete coast is at stake. So not only for nature, but also for safety, we must begin to protect the areas outside the dikes much more effectively,” said Grandjean.</p>



<p>“The water has to become murkier, so we may have to consider dismantling the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier in the future. A careful balance between nature conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-improve-coastal-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal protection</a> is essential, ensuring that both goals strengthen rather than counteract each other.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-intertidal-coastal-areas-nbsp">Dynamics of intertidal coastal areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also involves innovative techniques developed at NIOZ workshops for measuring the dynamics of intertidal zones, providing crucial insights into their short-term vulnerabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The dynamics of intertidal areas can be measured with very expensive sensors or with labor-intensive, manual measurements. However, this way, we could never collect data in many different places at the same time,” said Grandjean.</p>



<p>“The technicians at NIOZ developed sensors that were cheap enough to record the height of the bottom to the millimeter, several times a day, at different locations along the Western and Eastern Scheldt for several years now.”</p>



<p>The precise data collected shows that an intertidal zone's height can fluctuate by one or two centimeters within a single tidal cycle. “For you or me, a centimeter more or less under our boots may not matter, but if you are a worm or a mussel, or a seed of eelgrass, that is indeed too much dynamics,” he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacing-between-groynes-nbsp">Spacing between groynes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Grandjean's further studies into the spacing between groynes - structures built out from coasts as part of coastal management or to protect against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-erosion-is-picking-up-speed-across-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> - by the province of Zeeland show that these also enhance the habitat quality along the Westerschelde by reducing dynamic changes, allowing for better settlement of benthic animals. </p>



<p>“Of course, we already knew that these groynes, along rivers and coasts, can protect, but our measurements show that benthic life along the Westerschelde also benefits from these measures. The dynamics decrease enough in time and space for benthic animals to settle better,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the flow reduction between the groynes could help stabilize intertidal coastal areas over the long term and mitigate rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level</a> effects. However, continued research is crucial to fully understand these dynamics and their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01431-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Water turbidity helps protect coastal ecosystems

To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and salt...

<p>White dwarfs, the remnants of stars like our Sun but only about the size of Earth, make up 97% of our galaxy's stars. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead stars</a>, dense and compact, represent a common endpoint for stellar evolution, transforming the Milky Way into a sort of celestial necropolis.</p>



<p>One long standing puzzle has been the composition of these stars, particularly the unexpected presence of heavy metals like silicon, magnesium, and calcium on their surfaces. This phenomenon is at odds with the typical behavior expected from such dense objects, where heavy elements should sink rapidly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarfs-absorb-heavy-metals-nbsp">White dwarfs absorb heavy metals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We know that if these heavy metals are present on the surface of the white dwarf, the white dwarf is dense enough that these heavy metals should very quickly sink toward the core. So, you shouldn't see any metals on the surface of a white dwarf unless the white dwarf is actively eating something,” said lead author Tatsuya Akib, a graduate student in planetary sciences at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU Boulder).</p>



<p>This “eating” refers to the absorption of nearby objects such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a> or asteroids, also known as planetesimals. This process has intrigued astronomers as a potential key to understanding the metallic surface composition of white dwarfs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natal-kick-may-be-responsible-nbsp">“Natal kick” may be responsible&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a recent publication, the experts offer a new explanation for this behavior. They propose that a “natal kick” - a displacement during formation due to asymmetric mass loss observed in white dwarfs - might be responsible for the dynamics that lead to these celestial bodies consuming nearby planetesimals.</p>



<p>The team's computer simulations showed that in 80% of scenarios, this kick resulted in the elongation and alignment of the orbits of comets and asteroids within 30 to 240 astronomical units of the white dwarf. Remarkably, about 40% of the consumed planetesimals originated from retrograde, or counter-rotating, orbits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-million-years-of-simulations-nbsp">100 million years of simulations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Extending their simulations over 100 million years, the team observed that the elongated orbits of nearby planetesimals persisted and moved in unison, a phenomenon previously undocumented.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is something I think is unique about our theory: we can explain why the accretion events are so long-lasting,” explained senior author Anne-Marie Madigan, an astrophysicist at CU Boulder. “While other mechanisms may explain an original accretion event, our simulations with the kick show why it still happens hundreds of millions of years later.”</p>



<p>These findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals on a white dwarf's surface can be attributed to the continuous accretion of smaller celestial bodies it encounters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-interactions-nbsp">White dwarf interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Madigan’s team, which specializes in gravitational dynamics, explored in more detail the interactions between white dwarfs and their gravitational environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Simulations help us understand the dynamics of different astrophysical objects,” Akiba said. “So, in this simulation, we throw a bunch of asteroids and comets around the white dwarf, which is significantly bigger, and see how the simulation evolves and which of these asteroids and comets the white dwarf eats.”</p>



<p>The researchers plan to expand their simulations to include interactions with larger planetary bodies, anticipating that white dwarfs may also consume larger objects like planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarfs-are-a-lens-to-the-past-and-future-nbsp">White dwarfs are a lens to the past and future&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These discoveries not only provide insights into the life cycle of white dwarfs but also illuminate the broader processes of solar system evolution and the chemical complexities involved. </p>



<p>“The vast majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> in the universe will end up orbiting a white dwarf. It could be that 50% of these systems get eaten by their star, including our own solar system. Now, we have a mechanism to explain why this would happen,” Madigan said.</p>



<p>“Planetesimals can give us insight into other solar systems and planetary compositions beyond where we live in our solar region. White dwarfs aren't just a lens into the past. They're also kind of a lens into the future,” concluded co-author Sarah McIntyre, an undergraduate student at CU Boulder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-white-dwarf-stars-nbsp">More about white dwarf stars&nbsp;</h2>



<p>White dwarf stars are fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnants of stars</a> similar to our Sun, found in the final stages of their stellar life cycle. When a star has exhausted the nuclear fuel at its core, it sheds its outer layers and leaves behind a dense core, which we observe as a white dwarf. </p>



<p>These stars are incredibly dense and compact; despite being similar in size to Earth, they contain about as much mass as the Sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-process-nbsp">Cooling process&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The surface of a white dwarf is characterized by its extreme temperatures, initially very hot but gradually cooling over billions of years. This cooling process is slow due to the star's small surface area relative to its mass, which makes it less efficient at radiating heat away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-dwarfs">Black dwarfs</h2>



<p>White dwarfs are typically composed of carbon and oxygen, which were generated by the fusion of helium in the star's previous evolutionary stages. The fate of a white dwarf is to continue to cool and fade away, eventually becoming what is known as a "black dwarf," although the universe is not old enough for any white dwarfs to have reached this stage yet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-stars-nbsp">Life cycle of stars&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These stars are also significant in the study of astrophysics because they serve as one of the possible endpoints of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a> and play a key role in our understanding of the life cycle of stars. </p>



<p>Additionally, white dwarfs are often involved in exotic phenomena such as type Ia supernovae, which occur when a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star to the point where it undergoes a catastrophic explosion, playing a critical role in measuring cosmic distances.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad394c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a><em>.</em>  </p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA and H. Richer (University of British Columbia)</p>



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Hungry white dwarf stars eat heavy metals

White dwarfs, the remnants of stars like our Sun but...

<p>The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and Upper Pederson Lagoon have recently become significant for their experience with lake tsunamis - a growing phenomenon primarily noted in Alaska and British Columbia, driven by the effects of climate change on mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-fueling-earthquakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.</p>



<p>Lake tsunamis are typically triggered by landslides that plunge into small, often remote bodies of water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Potential for lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While most lake tsunamis have occurred away from populous areas, geologist Bretwood Higman from <a href="https://groundtruthalaska.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Truth Alaska</a> warns of the potential for such events to impact more inhabited locations, particularly Portage Lake near Whittier.</p>



<p>According to Higman, places like Eklutna, Seward, Valdez, Juneau, Grewingk Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park, and Index Lake near Glacier View also carry significant tsunami risk with human activity and infrastructure.</p>



<p>During the <a href="https://meetings.seismosoc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seismological Society of America (SSA)’s 2024 Annual Meeting</a>, Higman highlighted the necessity of monitoring such locations for potential lake tsunamis, particularly through the lens of unique seismic signals that landslides often produce.</p>



<p>“There are some cases where there are dramatic and very distinctive precursory seismic signals that precede a catastrophic landslide, sometimes by as much as days,” Higman explained. “If we could get to the point where we understood these and knew how to detect them, they could be really useful.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-conditions-enhance-risks">Warming conditions enhance risks</h2>



<p>Labeling lake tsunamis as an “emerging, climate-linked hazard,” Higman detailed how geological conditions that foster such events are generally consistent across different locales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The melting of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>, exacerbated by rising temperatures, weakens the support they provide to adjacent valley walls, increasing their susceptibility to landslides into either existing water bodies or new lakes formed from the glacial melt. </p>



<p>Additionally, warming conditions contribute to the degradation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-permafrost-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a> that stabilizes mountain slopes, further enhancing risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-frequent-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More frequent lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phenomenon has been observed more frequently in recent years, with the 2020 Elliot Creek tsunami in a British Columbian glacial valley serving as a stark example.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This event involved a landslide that displaced 18 million cubic meters of earth and caused tsunami waves that ran up more than 100 meters, devastating local forest and salmon habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Preparing for future lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although lake tsunamis currently affect less populated areas, Higman and his colleagues are using the data gathered from such incidents to develop preparedness strategies for potentially affected communities with significant infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers are studying geological instabilities similar to those that have led to past tsunamis, hoping to mitigate risks for densely populated regions.</p>



<p>Finally, Higman suggests that examining these massive landslide events could offer insights into tectonic fault behaviors, providing a smaller-scale model for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activities</a> more broadly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More about lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lake tsunamis, also known as seiches, are large waves or series of waves generated in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water like lakes, bays, or reservoirs.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



<p>Unlike oceanic tsunamis that are commonly caused by seismic activity (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides), lake tsunamis often result from sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, strong winds, or rapid displacement of water caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fatal-landslides-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landslides</a> or large objects falling into the lake.</p>



<p>The phenomenon occurs when the water in a lake is pushed from one end to the other, piling up and then oscillating back and forth until it loses energy and stabilizes. </p>



<p>These oscillations can be amplified by the shape of the lake, especially if it is long and narrow, which can cause the wave heights to increase significantly as they travel back and forth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-michigan-nbsp">Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One famous historical example of a seiche occurred in 1954 at Lake Michigan, where strong winds and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure resulted in waves that reached up to 10 feet high, causing substantial damage along the Chicago waterfront. </p>



<p>Another notable instance happened in Switzerland's Lake Geneva in the 6th century, triggered by a massive rockfall.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-risks">Significant risks</h3>



<p>Although lake tsunamis are less common and generally less destructive than their oceanic counterparts, they can still pose significant risks to those living near or on bodies of water, especially in regions prone to sudden meteorological changes or seismic activity. </p>



<p>Precautions and early warning systems can help mitigate the impact of such events, enhancing safety for communities in vulnerable areas.</p>



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Lake tsunamis are an emerging climate-linked hazard

The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and...

<p>During the peak of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic, substantial economic disruptions led to widespread financial instability, affecting millions globally through reduced earnings or job losses. A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://unisa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a> (UniSA) has recently delved into the mental health impacts of these financial challenges.</p>



<p>The study, which analyzed data from China, Japan, and South Korea during the early stages of the pandemic, found that severe economic shocks had profound effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-helps-reduce-mental-health-impacts-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>, leading to increased anxiety, sleeping difficulties, boredom, and loneliness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This paper investigates the causal effects of income reduction on mental health deterioration during the pandemic,” wrote the researchers. “Our study augments previous studies by testing not only the impact of the actual or experienced income reduction on mental health but also how <em>expected</em> income reductions in upcoming months can play a role in individuals' mental health.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipation-of-financial-losses-during-the-pandemic">Anticipation of financial losses during the pandemic </h2>



<p>The findings were particularly significant regarding the anticipation of future income loss, which appeared to have a more substantial impact on mental well-being than actual income reductions.</p>



<p>“Our research shows that mental health issues are more likely to occur due to anticipated income losses rather than actual losses,” said co-author Tony Cavoli, an associate professor of economics at UniSA. “Although women are generally more likely to experience mental health problems, in many instances in our study, we found that men were more likely to experience anxiety than women in response to either actual or expected losses in their income.”</p>



<p>“Firstly, in societies that are perhaps seen as more traditional in terms of household and familial structures, it is possible that males feel greater societal pressure to remain employed. Secondly, those industries for which there was a higher likelihood of experiencing income reductions were more likely to have greater participation by males,” he added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-responses-to-economic-uncertainty">Psychological responses to economic uncertainty</h2>



<p>The economic impact of the pandemic was stark, with the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a> estimating a $47 billion hit to Australia's economy due to lockdowns, decreased demand, reduced work hours, and significant job losses.</p>



<p>Cavoli emphasized the importance of understanding these psychological responses to economic uncertainty. “We have an insight into how people dealt with income shocks during stressful times, and this is a really important opportunity for future policy implications, particularly around the design of government support and other interventions.”</p>



<p>“Responses from governments, for example, early in times of crisis may help individuals manage possible anxieties arising from economic uncertainties.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-financial-losses-and-mental-health">Pandemic financial losses and mental health</h2>



<p>“We have conducted several sets of estimates and this result is robust across all model specifications; mental health issues are more likely to occur due to anticipated income losses than actual losses,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“The adverse effects of income reduction on psychological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-increased-well-being-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> were also associated with age and living area and, notably with gender where women are generally more likely to have mental well-being deterioration compared to men; though are in many instances less likely to experience mental deterioration in response to either actual or expected income shocks.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-job-losses-during-the-covid-pandemic-nbsp">Job losses during the Covid pandemic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic led to significant job losses across the globe, largely due to widespread business closures, lockdowns, and economic slowdowns. Many sectors, especially hospitality, travel, retail, and leisure, faced severe disruptions, resulting in massive layoffs and furloughs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The impact was profound in countries heavily reliant on industries that require physical presence and face-to-face interactions. In contrast, sectors like technology and digital services often saw growth, benefiting from the shift towards remote work and increased reliance on digital platforms.</p>



<p>Governments responded with various measures to mitigate unemployment, including subsidies for businesses retaining employees, enhanced unemployment benefits, and incentives for sectors severely affected by the pandemic. Despite these efforts, the economic fallout from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-global-failures-to-control-the-covid-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a> pushed unemployment rates to levels not seen since the Great Depression in some areas, highlighting the profound and widespread nature of job disruptions during this period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The recovery of jobs has been uneven, with some sectors bouncing back quickly while others are still struggling to reach pre-pandemic employment levels.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101378" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Evolution Human Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Financial losses during the pandemic took a toll on mental health

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial economic disruptions...

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uco.es/internacional/extranjeros/en/">University of Cordoba</a> (UCO) has recently undertaken a comprehensive study to analyze the blooming patterns in oak trees of the Quercus genus in Andalusia and their implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-allergies-will-be-intensified-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergy season</a>, particularly in light of climate change. </p>



<p>This research, conducted by the Systemic and Applied Botany group, focused on the impact of global warming on the flowering times and pollen production of various oak species, using data on pollen concentrations collected across Andalusian capitals.</p>



<p>“We chose Quercus because it is the most representative tree in Andalusia in the natural environment, and it is an anemophilic tree (pollinated by the wind) found where there are very high concentrations of pollen in the atmosphere, so it is a good bioindicator to study the impact of climate change on blooming,” said co-author Pura Alcázar, a botanist at UCO.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oak-trees-and-more-intense-allergy-seasons">Oak trees and more intense allergy seasons</h2>



<p>The findings indicate a shift towards longer and more intense pollen seasons for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-oak-tree-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quercus species</a>, including holm, cork, common, Portuguese, and kermes oaks. </p>



<p>“Fundamentally, there has been an increase in the blooming of these species, and in their intensity, because there is a higher concentration of pollen in Andalusia,” Alcázar explained. Notably, the season starts earlier for species like the holm oak, which are more temperature-sensitive, leading to an extended pollen season overall. However, variations were noted, such as in Granada, where the expected earlier onset did not occur, likely due to pre-spring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> during the study period.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-factors-and-allergy-season-nbsp">Climate factors and allergy season&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers attribute these changes directly to climate factors such as rising temperatures and increased CO2 levels, which not only prompt earlier blooming but also enhance the intensity of the pollen seasons. “Plants need CO2 to photosynthesize; if more is available, they are more active,” Alcázar said, highlighting the dual impact of temperature and CO2 on plant behavior.</p>



<p>While Quercus pollen is not traditionally considered a major allergen, its increasing presence and the prolongation of its season could heighten its impact on those with sensitivities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we are increasingly exposed and our immune system is more sensitive, the same thing can happen with other species, such as the cypress, which years ago featured harmless pollen, and now represents the main problem in terms of winter allergy,” added senior author Carmen Galán, a professor of botany at UCO.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gauging-the-duration-of-pollen-season">Gauging the duration of pollen season</h2>



<p>The data for this study were collected using volumetric devices that capture air samples to measure daily pollen concentrations. This methodology is critical for accurately gauging the onset and intensity of pollen seasons and for ensuring that the findings are comparable with other studies.</p>



<p>Ultimately, this research, part of the CLIMAQUER project, highlights the necessity of a standardized approach to defining and calculating pollen seasons to ensure consistency across different studies and to better understand the evolving challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pollen-may-help-clouds-form-impacting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on public health related to pollen allergies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-oak-trees">More about oak trees</h2>



<p>Oak trees are a diverse group of trees and shrubs known for their strength, longevity, and distinctive hardwood. They are primarily found in the northern hemisphere, thriving in a range of habitats from cool temperate to tropical regions in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Oak trees are ecologically significant, providing essential habitats and food sources for various wildlife species through their acorns and leaves.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-oak-trees">Types of oak trees</h3>



<p>Oaks can be either deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species and the climate of their environment. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deciduous-trees-can-offset-carbon-emissions-from-forest-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deciduous oaks</a> shed their leaves annually, while evergreen oaks retain their foliage year-round, which can be a survival advantage in less fertile soils or drier climates. The leaves of oak trees are typically lobed and vary in size and shape among species, contributing to their widespread identification.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-of-oak-trees-nbsp">Wood of oak trees&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The wood of oak trees is highly valued for its density and durability, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and barrel-making, particularly in the wine and whiskey industries where oak barrels are prized for imparting flavor. Oak wood is also used in construction due to its resistance to fungal and insect attacks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-nbsp">Ecological role&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Ecologically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oaks</a> play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Their acorns are a vital food source for many animals, including birds, mice, and larger mammals like deer and bears. Oaks also form a complex root system that helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion and promoting water quality in watersheds by filtering rainwater and reducing runoff.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10113-023-02181-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Regional Environmental Change</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Oak trees show that allergy season is becoming longer and more intense 

A team of researchers led by the University of Cordoba...