Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) &gt; Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and paddlefishes) &gt; Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) &gt; Acipenserinae Etymology: : Latin, = sturgeon, 1853 (Ref. 45335); transmontanus: The specific name is derived from the Latin acipenser (sturgeon), trans (beyond), and montanus (mountain) (Ref. 27436).More on author: Richardson.

Acipenser transmontanus

Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Zapus hudsonius preblei. NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=4420542195604c0fabc43f706d679a4c&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/fungi-characteristics-and-function/">fungi</a>, and microbes of North America and the world. Zapus hudsonius preblei

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

The mouse is around nine inches long, 60% of which is the tail, and can jump in bounds of four feet when threatened. It usually travels slowly. It swims and climbs grass stems. It has long hind legs and a long, slender, scaly tail that it uses to <a class="mw-redirect" title="Communicate" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communicate">communicate</a> by making drumming noises. It also communicates using clucks and chirps.

The mice are born without hair (naked) and live nearly two years. They <a title="Hibernation" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibernation">hibernate</a> an estimated 7-8 months - from September or October through late May or early June - building themselves a soft vegetation nest, typically at a location with a northerly aspect. The Colorado <a class="mw-redirect" title="Breeding season" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeding_season">breeding season</a> is believed to be June through August, with two litters - in July and August - but there are records of three litters in a season. The average litter size is five, but can range from two to eight.

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Zapus hudsonius preblei. NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Zosterops albogularis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/perennial-vegetables-to-grow-in-north-america/">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=wildlife&amp;cvid=879b6182a54c48e6a4208ef9b0da5c1a&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> Wildlife</a> Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Zosterops albogularis It reaches a length up 13 to 14 centimetres and therefore it is one of the largest white-eyes. The wingspan is 7.5 cm and the weight is about 30 grams. Its appearance is characterized by a pale green head, an olive green coloured neck and white throat and belly parts. A further feature is a conspicuous eye ring of white feathers. Males and females are coloured similarly. Its diet consists of fruits, berries, nectar, and insects. Its only habitat is a 5 km² large forested area around Mount Pitt on Norfolk Island where it lives solitary. In the breeding season from October to December the couple build a cup-shaped nest in which two white eggs are laid. The incubation time lasts eleven days and another eleven days later the juveniles became fully fledged.

Zosterops albogularis

Zosterops albogularis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Zosterops conspicillatus conspicillatus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

FWS Digital Media Library -- Zosterops conspicillatus conspicillatus The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface

Zosterops conspicillatus conspicillatus

Zosterops conspicillatus conspicillatus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Zosterops modesta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Zosterops modesta ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Zosterops modesta

Zosterops modesta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Zosterops rotensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

FWS Digital Media Library -- Zosterops rotensis The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface

Zosterops rotensis

Zosterops rotensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Over the past few years, more people across the United States have been experimenting with psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in “magic mushrooms.” 



This increase in psilocybin use has drawn attention from health experts, who note that many users face challenges such as mental illness or chronic pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharp-rise-in-psilocybin-use">Sharp rise in psilocybin use </h2>



Some U.S. states have started softening their policies around the use of psilocybin, which appears to match the timing of its recent surge in popularity. This increase also coincides with a jump in poison center calls, suggesting that not everyone understands the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substance</a> or its risks.



“We found that, since 2019, the number of people using psilocybin has gone up sharply,” said Dr. Karilynn Rockhill, a researcher at the <a href="https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado School of Public Health</a>. 



Dr. Rockhill led a project that tracked psilocybin use patterns across several age groups and geographic areas.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-use-across-all-ages">Psilocybin use across all ages</h2>



Young adults show the largest expansion in psilocybin experimentation. Older adults are not too far behind. 



Looser restrictions and rising social acceptance might encourage some to view psilocybin as a quick fix for depression or anxiety. 



Experts note that certain individuals appear to be self-treating serious conditions. They worry that casual use without medical guidance can create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complications</a>. 



These worries become more pressing when poison center data reveal an uptick in calls from across the age spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-psilocybin-use">Mental health and psilocybin use</h2>



Psilocybin has drawn attention for potential <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> in addressing PTSD, substance use disorders, and other challenges. Medical providers, however, warn that its use in these circumstances remains investigational.



People experiencing depression or anxiety sometimes turn to magic mushrooms if they lack immediate professional support.



“Public views on psilocybin are shifting. However, that means we also need to make sure people understand the risks, know how to use it safely if they choose to, and that health care systems are prepared,” said Dr. Joshua Black, a senior scientist at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, which is a division of Denver Health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-people-are-calling-poison-centers">More people are calling poison centers</h2>



The steep increase in poison center calls, signals that many users do not fully grasp the substance’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Some calls involve disorientation or panic, which can be risky in certain settings.



Others reflect confusion about dosage or harmful interactions with existing prescriptions. Researchers suggest that hospitals and emergency departments might be under-reporting these cases. 



A gap in hospital coding means psilocybin-related visits can slip by unnoticed. That hampers public health agencies that are trying to gauge what’s really happening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-tracking-hides-health-impacts">Poor tracking hides health impacts</h2>



Officials have discovered that current systems for recording hallucinogen-related issues are not keeping up with the changing landscape. Inaccurate data collection may keep local clinics in the dark about how often patients arrive in crisis. 



Health systems need reliable metrics for policy decisions. Some <a href="https://psychedelicalpha.com/data/psychedelic-laws" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">states</a> have already drafted policies allowing controlled use of psilocybin for medical study.



Others weigh more permissive models. Researchers stress that consistent tracking and standard coding practices can help officials measure any shifts in harm or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-magic-mushrooms-evolve-to-contain-psilocybin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">misuse</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-for-better-outcomes">Education for better outcomes</h2>



Experts call for straightforward educational materials about psilocybin. Too many new users jump in without guidance, and that raises the risk of harmful experiences. 



Medical offices, online platforms, and community centers could play a role in distributing simple facts. A deeper conversation among doctors, public health leaders, and policymakers might also help. 



If people choose to explore psilocybin, they should know its possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Broad awareness can reduce unintentional injuries and keep poison centers from bearing the brunt of emergencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-responsible-research">Importance of responsible research</h2>



Scientific studies on psilocybin are expanding, driven by interest in its potential therapeutic use. A handful of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909164/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinical trials</a> suggest it can relieve specific mental health symptoms under controlled conditions.



Still, experts advise caution until results are replicated and reviewed. Researchers hope to see more large-scale trials in the near future.



Trials help to confirm safety profiles, determine effective doses, and better understand who could benefit most. Once there is enough valid evidence, health authorities can make informed decisions about approving psilocybin-related therapies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-hope-and-risks">Balancing hope and risks</h2>



Fans of magic mushrooms highlight experiences of spiritual or introspective growth. Others cite anecdotal relief from depression or chronic pain. 



Medical professionals respond that each user brings a unique history, including mental health factors, that might heighten risks. Some also worry that blanket decriminalization could send the wrong message.



Substance misuse can surface if people jump into using potent compounds without a plan or supervision. Encouraging responsible decisions goes hand in hand with exploring psilocybin’s possible upsides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-psilocybin-safety">The future of psilocybin safety</h2>



A lack of comprehensive tracking tools prevents health facilities from planning for potential surges in psilocybin-related visits. Researchers urge policy revisions that integrate consistent psilocybin coding. Clear codes would allow doctors to pinpoint frequent complications and stock resources accordingly.



Hospitals operating in regions where psilocybin use is on the rise might train staff to handle its distinct side effects. This includes mental health professionals equipped with therapy insights, and emergency teams ready for psychedelic crises.



Supporters of psilocybin believe momentum will continue as studies gain traction and more states debate legalization. Experts will watch these policy shifts in real time.



Community programs or peer education campaigns may help encourage careful exploration of psilocybin rather than spur-of-the-moment decisions.



The study was published in the <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-03145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>.



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Increased use of psilocybin in U.S. raises health concerns

Over the past few years, more people across the United...

The bounty of apple varieties - from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith - obscures a deeper truth: nearly all of them share a lineage that stretches back tens of millions of years. Until recently, however, scientists had only a sketchy understanding of how those ancestral species diversified, swapped genes, or survived ice ages and shifting continents.



A sweeping new study changes that, unveiling a detailed genetic atlas for 30 species in the genus Malus - and providing breeders with a treasure map for tastier, tougher fruit.



“There are roughly 35 species in the genus Malus, but despite the importance of apple as a fruit crop, there hasn’t been extensive study of how this group’s genomes have evolved,” said Hong Ma, an expert in plant development and evolution at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> and one of the paper’s senior authors.



“In this study, we were able to do a deep dive into the genomes of Malus, establish an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apple-orchards-face-compounding-threats-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apple</a> family tree, document events like whole-genome duplications and hybridizations between species, and find regions of the genome associated with specific traits, like resistance to apple scab disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-evolution-of-apples">Complex evolution of apples</h2>



To reconstruct the family tree, Ma and an international consortium of researchers sequenced and assembled high-quality genomes from 30 Malus species, including the iconic "Golden Delicious." 



Twenty of those species are diploid - possessing two copies of every chromosome, as humans do - while the remaining ten are polyploid, carrying three or four copies thanks to relatively recent hybridization events.



By comparing nearly 1,000 genes shared across the roster, the team traced the genus’s roots to Asia approximately 56 million years ago. From that ancestral stock, lineages radiated outward, sometimes merging back together in hybrid bursts that left behind telltale patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">duplicated DNA</a>. 



Those duplications, known as whole-genome duplication events, complicate efforts to align chromosomes species by species - much like comparing two scrapbooks whose photographs have been rearranged multiple times.



“The evolutionary history of the genus is quite complex, with numerous examples of hybridization between species and a shared whole-genome duplication event that make comparisons difficult,” Ma explained. 



“Having high-quality genomes for such a large number of the species in the genus and understanding the relationships among them allowed us to dig deeper into how the genus has evolved.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-genes-of-apples">Exploring the genes of apples</h2>



Standard genome comparisons can miss critical differences when researchers look at only a few individuals. To widen the lens, the team built what geneticists call a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-pangenome-the-clearest-snapshot-ever-taken-of-human-genomic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pan-genome</a> - a composite reference that catalogs which genes are shared across all 30 species and which appear in only a subset. 



They also logged transposons, the so-called “jumping genes” that can copy or paste themselves into new chromosomal locations, reshuffling genetic instructions along the way.



“The use of the pan-genome of 30 species was powerful for detecting structural variation, as well as gene duplications and rearrangements, among the species that might be missed by comparisons of only a few genomes,” Ma said. 



“In this case, one of the uncovered structural variants allowed us to pinpoint the genome segment associated with resistance to apple scab, a fungal disease that impacts apples worldwide.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-genes-in-wild-apples">Selective genes in wild apples</h2>



Beyond structural quirks, the researchers were keen to identify regions of DNA that have raced through populations because they confer a survival edge - so-called selective sweeps. To do that, they built a computational tool tailored to pan-genomes. 



One of their discoveries: a sweep encompassing genes tied to cold tolerance and pathogen resistance that is widespread in hardy wild apples but usually missing from juicier commercial cultivars. 



“It’s possible that in the efforts to produce the best tasting fruit, there was an inadvertent reduction of the hardiness of domesticated apples,” Ma noted. 



The sweep appears to carry genetic baggage that affects fruit chemistry - and, by extension, flavor. That raises a tantalizing breeding challenge: can scientists break the genetic link so future cultivars keep robust disease resistance without compromising sweetness or aroma?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-bigger-apple-family-tree-matters">A bigger apple family tree matters</h2>



Modern apple breeding is a decades-long endeavor. Finding candidate parents with the right blend of sweetness, crunch, shelf life, and disease resistance normally involves screening thousands of seedlings in orchards before a single promising cross emerges. 



A detailed genetic map could change that paradigm, enabling breeders to predict desirable traits inside a lab years before trees bear fruit. Knowing the full evolutionary backdrop also helps safeguard the wild relatives that could rescue the crop from tomorrow’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-could-lead-to-critical-blood-supply-shortages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate extremes</a>. 



Traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, or cold hardiness often linger in remote species not yet tapped by commercial breeding - but if habitat loss or disease erases those wild gene banks, rescuing the domesticated apple becomes harder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apple-genes-next-generation-orchards">Apple genes: Next-generation orchards</h2>



For now, Ma and colleagues plan to refine their pan-genome, adding the handful of Malus species not yet sequenced and teasing apart how each duplication or rearrangement has influenced everything from tree architecture to sugar content. 



They also hope to share their analytic pipeline so other crop researchers - from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a> to citrus - can identify hidden genetic assets in their own plant families.



“Understanding the structural variations in the Malus genomes, the relationships among the species and their history of hybridization using pan-genome analysis could help guide future breeding efforts so that the beneficial traits for good taste and disease resistance can both be retained in apples,” Ma said.



The humble apple has traveled a winding genetic road over 56 million years. With this new map in hand, breeders - and perhaps consumers - stand to reap a richer, more resilient harvest from that ancient journey.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02166-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a>.



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Clues from apple genes could sweeten the future of fruit

The bounty of apple varieties - from Honeycrisp to Granny...

Chimpanzees,Couple,Sharing,Fruit

In the forested cliffs of Guinea-Bissau’s Cantanhez National Park, a new discovery may be rewriting what we know about the social lives of our primate cousins. A team of researchers, led by scientists from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, has documented a rare behavior: wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-select-the-best-materials-for-termite-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a> eating and sharing fermented fruit that contains alcohol.



The finding, captured using motion-activated cameras, offers intriguing evidence that chimpanzees may not only consume ethanol naturally found in fruits but do so in a way that strengthens their social bonds. This echoes human traditions of sharing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drunk-animals-may-explain-humans-love-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> during communal feasts.



“For humans, we know that drinking alcohol leads to a release of dopamine and endorphins, and resulting feelings of happiness and relaxation,” said lead author Anna Bowland, from the Center for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“We also know that sharing alcohol - including through traditions such as feasting - helps to form and strengthen social bonds. So - now we know that wild chimpanzees are eating and sharing ethanolic fruits - the question is: could they be getting similar benefits?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzee-behavior-caught-in-the-act">Chimpanzee behavior: Caught in the act</h2>



The footage showed chimpanzees engaging with large, fibrous African breadfruit that had begun to ferment, naturally developing ethanol levels. Across ten recorded instances, chimps of various ages and sexes were seen actively sharing the fruit, sometimes ignoring larger, unfermented pieces in favor of smaller, fermented ones.



Two adult females, Chip and Até, opted for a ripe, alcoholic piece over a more substantial one. In another case, adult males Mandjambé and Gary approached a breadfruit with aggressive posturing, before Mandjambé laid claim to a piece. Though the initial interactions were tense, others nearby, including Bobby, also joined in and sampled the fruit.



The alcohol content of the fruit, measured at up to 0.61% alcohol by volume (ABV), is relatively low - roughly comparable to a light <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-were-drinking-beer-in-china-over-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beer</a>. But as chimpanzees consume large amounts of fruit daily, the cumulative intake could be significant.



“They can feed on kilograms of the stuff every day. It’s probably analogous to us sipping on a light beer,” said senior author Kimberley Hockings, a lecturer at the University of Exeter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-sharing-alcoholic-fruit">Chimpanzees sharing alcoholic fruit</h2>



This isn’t the first time scientists have observed chimpanzees consuming alcohol. In 2015, Hockings and her colleagues published research showing that chimps in West Africa had learned to steal palm sap from human containers - sap that had undergone natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brewing-beer-in-space-the-future-of-fermentation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermentation</a>. 



Some chimps even appeared tipsy afterward, delaying nest-building and displaying mischievous behavior. However, in the latest observations, there’s no evidence that the chimps reached a level of inebriation. 



The researchers note that becoming visibly drunk would likely impair a wild chimpanzee’s ability to survive, making such behavior evolutionarily disadvantageous. Still, the attraction to fermented fruits raises fascinating questions about cognition, behavior, and the potential benefits of mild alcohol consumption.



“Chimps don’t share food all the time, so this behavior with fermented fruit might be important,” said Hockings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-feasting-traditions">Fruit feasting traditions</h2>



The study explores the idea that our own traditions of communal eating and drinking may have ancient evolutionary roots. The researchers propose that the behavior seen in chimpanzees today could represent an early form of “feasting.”



“We need to find out more about whether they deliberately seek out ethanolic fruits and how they metabolise it, but this behavior could be the early evolutionary stages of feasting,” Hockings said. “If so, it suggests the human tradition of feasting may have its origins deep in our evolutionary history.”



The notion that humans aren’t alone in their penchant for alcohol isn’t entirely new. Biologists have speculated that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> may have been drawn to fermented fruits both for their energy content and their intoxicating effects.



Recent genetic evidence supports this, revealing a molecular adaptation in the common ancestor of African apes that improved ethanol metabolism. Such adaptations may have allowed ancient species, including humans and chimpanzees, to safely consume small amounts of alcohol as part of their diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-chimpanzees-seek-out-alcoholic-fruit">Do chimpanzees seek out alcoholic fruit?</h2>



Though the dataset is small - just 10 filmed instances - the findings open the door to a new area of primate research. 



Future studies may explore whether chimpanzees intentionally seek out fermented fruits, how their digestive systems process ethanol, and whether such behavior is widespread or localized to specific populations.



Hockings believes that more discoveries may be just around the corner. The number of observations was small but they could lead to an explosion of research into the topic, she argued.



At the very least, the study offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of chimpanzees and the complex behaviors they exhibit - ones that may not be so different from our own. 



Thus, perhaps chimpanzees feasting on alcoholic fruit provide a mirror to the earliest roots of human sociability - bonding over a shared snack and, possibly, a mild buzz.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00281-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Chimpanzees share alcoholic fruit to increase social bonding

In the forested cliffs of Guinea-Bissau’s Cantanhez National Park, a...

The world’s ability to feed itself depends heavily on farms. Nitrogen fertilizers are used on farms to grow more crops, ensuring food for people and feed for livestock. But while fertilizers power growth, they also carry an environmental cost that often goes unseen.



When plants can’t absorb all the nitrogen, part of it escapes into the atmosphere as nitrous oxide (N₂O) - a greenhouse gas with staggering potency. It traps nearly 300 times more heat than carbon dioxide (CO₂), warming the Earth far more efficiently.



Despite its low profile, nitrous oxide is a major player in the climate crisis. About 70% of all human-caused nitrous oxide emissions come from agricultural soils.



Yet unlike carbon dioxide, which follows predictable patterns, nitrous oxide behaves more like a phantom - appearing without warning and vanishing just as fast. Understanding when and where these gases emerge is crucial, not only for scientific models but also for practical solutions that reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-matters-in-soil-science">Precision matters in soil science</h2>



Until now, most studies on soil greenhouse gases have relied on small sample sizes, limited sampling dates, or simplified assumptions. This makes it difficult to fully understand how much gas escapes from a given field over time.



Conventional methods are often too narrow in scope to capture short-lived or scattered emission events, especially those from nitrous oxide.



A research team from the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> set out to overcome these limitations. Their goal was ambitious: to capture the full spatial and temporal complexity of CO₂ and nitrous oxide emissions across real farms, over multiple years, and under typical farming conditions.



The study focused on commercial corn and soybean fields using three tillage practices: conventional, conservation, and no-till.



“Mitigating agricultural soil greenhouse gas emissions can help us meet global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> goals,” said study co-author Chunhwa Jang. The team noted that only a large-scale, high-frequency dataset could paint a reliable picture of what’s happening beneath our feet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-emissions-from-farms">Nitrous oxide emissions from farms</h2>



To monitor soil emissions, the researchers deployed a network of gas sampling points across three large farms in central Illinois. 



Picture these points as tiny smokestacks embedded in the earth. Machines were brought in every week or two to measure gas levels, capturing both CO₂ and N₂O over the full growing seasons of 2021 and 2022.



The experts found that CO₂ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-are-willing-to-switch-to-plant-based-food-to-save-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> were consistent across fields, crops, and years - a reassuring result. It meant scientists could confidently monitor carbon dioxide using lower sampling densities without losing accuracy.



“We found carbon dioxide flux was similar across individual fields, sites, and years, or even between corn and soybean systems,” Jang noted.



Nitrous oxide, however, defied predictability. Its emissions fluctuated wildly, creating what researchers called “hot moments” and “hot spots.” 



One day, a particular point might spike in emissions; the next day, it might go quiet while another area lit up. These chaotic shifts meant that even dense sampling grids sometimes missed key events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-spikes-unpredictability">Nitrous oxide spikes unpredictability </h2>



Unlike CO₂, which was evenly distributed, N₂O hotspots packed a disproportionate punch. Though they occupied just 12–13% of a field, they could account for up to 54% of total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. 



At the Villa Grove site - managed with conventional tillage and planted with continuous corn - the numbers were most extreme.



Data showed that emissions from this site were more than four times higher than those from conservation-managed fields. The combination of heavy nitrogen use and deep tillage likely triggered this spike. 



These methods disturb the soil, release trapped gases, and increase microbial activity - all of which drive nitrous oxide production.



“We may not be able to predict where and when nitrous oxide will spike, but we do know management makes a difference,” said Jang. Fields with continuous corn and traditional tillage saw much higher emissions than those under rotation or conservation practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-hotspots-on-farms">Nitrous oxide hotspots on farms</h2>



The researchers observed that the timing and method of fertilizer application had major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts</a>. For example, fields receiving side-dressed nitrogen along crop rows were more predictable than those with broadcast applications.



Yet even then, randomness crept in. Sometimes, emissions seemed tied to where the fertilizer landed in relation to the gas sampling collar, adding uncertainty to the readings.



To make matters more complex, nitrous oxide hotspots rarely stayed in the same place from one year to the next. In most cases, the spatial patterns changed so much that it was hard to determine whether observed hotspots were real or artifacts of shifting management practices.



The team conducted a detailed analysis of flux consistency across years. They found that only a few sampling points behaved reliably. At many locations, N₂O emissions fluctuated by tenfold or more between years. 



“Spatially and temporally, nitrous oxide was very variable,” Jang reiterated. This variability challenges the way scientists currently model soil gas emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-monitoring-for-n₂o-emissions">Smarter monitoring for N₂O emissions</h2>



The unpredictability of nitrous oxide means traditional monitoring methods fall short. 



Static chambers and small sample sizes are likely to miss the true scale of emissions. If models are based on these limited datasets, they may under- or overestimate field-scale emissions, distorting climate forecasts.



“This project enabled us to capture spatio-temporal and management variation to provide gold-standard data and a platform for validating field-level greenhouse gas emissions,” said co-author DoKyoung Lee.



The team's findings suggest that higher sampling density is essential - especially for nitrous oxide.



Through simulation, the researchers found that to estimate N₂O emissions with less than 25% error, fields need at least 5.6 sampling points per hectare. For CO₂, only 1.6 points are needed. This shows how much more sensitive nitrous oxide emissions are to spatial resolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-practices-shape-nitrous-oxide-emissions">Farming practices shape nitrous oxide emissions </h2>



One of the study’s key takeaways is the role of management in emission control. Fields under conservation and no-till practices showed both lower emissions and less variability. 



In contrast, conventional systems that disrupt soil and apply nitrogen heavily had not only higher emissions but also larger uncertainties.



In particular, the Villa Grove site stood out. Managed with deep chisel tillage and continuous corn, it produced up to 785 mg/m² of nitrous oxide - nearly nine times the levels observed in rotated soybean systems. This finding aligns with earlier studies and confirms that farming practices strongly shape emission profiles.



Though it’s hard to predict where hotspots will form, choosing crop rotations and reduced tillage can help shrink the overall size of the problem. That gives farmers a way to contribute to climate solutions without sacrificing yields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-models-need-better-data">Climate models need better data</h2>



Accurate field data is the foundation of every global climate model. If the field data is wrong or incomplete, then the predictions those models generate may misguide policies. 



The University of Illinois study provides one of the most robust datasets yet for calibrating climate models with real-world agricultural emissions.



It also points to a broader issue: the tradeoff between scale and control. Gathering high-resolution, multi-year data across large farms is incredibly labor-intensive. 



The researchers suggest that small, well-managed field experiments may be a better way to understand the biological mechanisms behind N₂O emissions. For large-scale estimates, however, grid-based sampling with enough points per hectare seems to be the best path forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-each-gas-needs-a-unique-strategy">Each gas needs a unique strategy</h2>



This research reveals how differently CO₂ and N₂O behave in agricultural soils. While CO₂ flows steadily, nitrous oxide erupts in bursts, influenced by everything from rainfall to fertilizer timing. That difference demands tailored strategies for each gas.



Reducing agricultural emissions isn’t just about cutting fertilizer or changing crops. It’s about understanding the invisible patterns in the soil and designing systems that can track and respond to them. 



With the right data, tools, and practices, farmers can keep growing food while also shrinking their carbon - and nitrogen - footprint.



This work serves as a reminder that not all gases are created equal, and neither are the ways they move through the soil. Precision, patience, and smarter farming can help us stay grounded - even as we try to cool the skies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880925001689?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture Ecosystems &amp; Environment</a>.



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Nitrous oxide emissions erupt from farms in unpredictable bursts

The world’s ability to feed itself depends heavily on farms....

Greenland’s ice-covered landscape looks like an immovable block on satellite maps. Yet the story locked beneath its center suggests a very different past, one that places future coastal cities in a tight spot. 



During the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-were-likely-the-leading-cause-of-megafauna-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleistocene</a> - the geologic chapter that began about 2.7 million years ago and ran through innumerable swings between cold and mild - the island’s ice waxed and waned in tune with global climate. 



New evidence hints that those swings were more dramatic than scientists once believed.



In 1993, drillers hauled a two‑mile‑deep ice core up from the island’s highest point and stowed the entire column in a Colorado freezer. 



The surprise awaited in the bottom three inches of sediment: perfectly preserved traces of a tundra ecosystem. 



That sliver of soil, shielded for ages by roughly 1.9 miles (3 km) of ice, now refocuses the conversation about future sea level and the stability of polar ice in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tundra-hidden-beneath-greenland-s-ice">Tundra hidden beneath Greenland's ice</h2>



Once the drill broke through that 1.9‑mile roof of ice, the researchers retrieved those three inches of till. 



“These fossils are beautiful,” says Paul Bierman, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a> who co‑led the new study with UVM graduate student Halley Mastro and nine other researchers.



“But, yes, we go from bad to worse,” Bierman added, referring to what this finding implies about the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human‑caused climate change</a> on melting of the Greenland ice sheet.



The till holds poppy, spike‑moss, woody willow tissue, fungal sclerotia, insect parts, and a band of soil capped by about 16 inches of erratic boulders. 



This is clear evidence that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-reveal-hidden-details-about-greenlands-melting-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central Greenland</a> once lay ice‑free under a cold, dry sky where late‑lying snow lingered through early summer.



Because the material sits undisturbed, the team is confident it was not swept in from elsewhere as ice advanced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-a-deep-greenland-ice-core">Inside a deep Greenland ice core</h2>



“Once we made the discovery at Camp Century, we thought, ‘Hey, what's at the bottom of GISP2?’” Bierman recalled.



High‑energy isotope ratios show that the summit last saw open air within the past 1.1 million years, while argon trapped in overlying clear ice indicates at least 250,000 years of continuous cover since then. Basal ice at another drilling site about 19 miles away is roughly 1 million years old. 



A separate core from Camp Century <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-under-the-ice-secret-base-camp-found-in-greenland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near the coast</a> yielded plant remains no older than 416,000 years, underscoring the ice sheet’s flickering presence across the Pleistocene. 



These findings draw on material that had been stored at the National Science Foundation <a href="https://icecores.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Core Facility</a> in Lakewood, Colorado, for three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-divulge-a-warmer-greenland">Fossils divulge a warmer Greenland</h2>



Under the microscope, what had looked like no more than specks floating on the surface of the melted core sample was, in fact, a window into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tundra landscape</a>. 



“It was amazing,” Mastro exclaimed. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/greenland_soil-sample_fossils_recently-melted-ice_credit-UVermont_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/greenland_soil-sample_fossils_recently-melted-ice_credit-UVermont_1s.webp" alt="Willow bud scale, arctic poppy seed, fungal bodies, and rock spikemoss megaspores found in the GISP2 soil sample viewed under a microscope at the University of Vermont. Credit: Halley Mastro/University of Vermont" class="wp-image-1966471"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willow bud scale, arctic poppy seed, fungal bodies, and rock spikemoss megaspores found in the GISP2 soil sample viewed under a microscope at the University of Vermont. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Halley Mastro/University of Vermont</figcaption></figure>



Mastro and colleagues picked out spores of spike‑moss, the bud scale of a young willow, and the compound eye of an insect - life‑forms adapted to chilly air and long summer daylight.



“And then we found Arctic poppy - just one seed of it. That is a tiny flower that's really good at adapting to the cold. It lets us know that Greenland's ice melted and there was soil, because poppies don't grow on top of miles of ice,” Mastro continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-risks-for-global-coasts">Sea‑level risks for global coasts</h2>



Sea level today is rising more than an inch each decade. “And it's getting faster and faster,” said&nbsp;Bierman. The extra water comes from a warming ocean that expands as well as from melting glaciers worldwide.



Near‑complete melting of Greenland’s ice over the next centuries to a few millennia would lead to some 23 feet of sea‑level rise. 



“Look at Boston, New York, Miami, Mumbai, or any other coastal city around the world, and add 20‑plus feet of sea level. It goes underwater. Don't buy a beach house," Bierman advised.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-did-sea-levels-rise-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-new-clues-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea level</a> is likely to be several feet higher by the end of this century, when today’s children are grandparents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-fragile-ice-fortress">Greenland's fragile ice fortress</h2>



Richard Alley, a leading climate scientist at Penn State, reviewed the new research.



“This new study confirms, and expands upon earlier evidence, that significant sea‑level rise occurred at a time when the causes of warming were not especially extreme, providing a warning of the damage we might cause if we continue to warm the climate," Alley noted.



“We now have direct evidence that not only was the ice gone, but that plants and insects were living there,” Bierman concluded. “And that's unassailable. You don't have to rely on calculations or models.” 



The fossil soil at Greenland’s summit, locked beneath nearly two miles of ice, speaks plainly: polar ice sheets can retreat far and fast when the climate tips, and the coastlines of the future will trace that story in real time. 



Whether that warning is heeded remains a decision for policy makers and citizens alike.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407465121#supplementary-materials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Greenland fossil discovery stuns and worries scientists: "Don't buy a beach house"

Greenland’s ice-covered landscape looks like an immovable block on satellite...

Every plant leaf, eagle feather, and speck of pond scum spell out existence with the same four DNA letters. Ribosomes read that code, snap together twenty familiar amino acids, and pay each cellular bill with the energy token ATP.



That sameness keeps biologists chasing one big puzzle: if the instructions are nearly identical everywhere, who wrote the first edition? 



The answer points to LUCA - the Last Universal Common Ancestor - an organism that sat at the split between Bacteria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-the-pressure-builds-archaea-go-multicellular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archaea</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-genetic-code-one-single-ancestor">One genetic code, one single ancestor</h2>



Living systems are not fond of coincidence. A single genetic alphabet, the same protein‑making machinery, and a universal energy currency add up to more than luck. 



“The evolutionary history of genes is complicated by their exchange between lineages," explained Dr. Edmund Moody, lead author from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. His team sifted thousands of genomes to see how far back the shared toolkit stretches.



"We have to use complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary models</a> to reconcile the evolutionary history of genes with the genealogy of species.” 



By letting the data, rather than strict cutoffs, decide which features belonged to LUCA, the researchers landed on roughly 2,600 genes - about as many as a run‑of‑the‑mill modern bacterium carries. 



Co-author Dr. Tom Williams noted, “One of the real advantages here is applying the gene‑tree species‑tree reconciliation approach to such a diverse dataset representing the primary domains of life, Archaea and Bacteria. This allows us to say with some confidence - and assess that level of confidence - in how LUCA lived.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luca-s-developmental-toolkit">LUCA's developmental toolkit</h2>



Previous estimates swung from a lean 80‑gene outline to libraries topping 1,500 families. The updated theory paints LUCA as anything but a genetic ghost. 



Inside those 2,600 blueprints are membrane pumps, DNA‑repair crews, and all the ingredients for simple lipids. Better still, the cache includes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood%E2%80%93Ljungdahl_pathway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wood–Ljungdahl pathway</a>, a tidy chemical loop that welds carbon dioxide to hydrogen, spits out acetate, and releases usable energy in the process.



Such provisions point to a self‑reliant cell thriving without outside help. That picture challenges older ideas that early life was a stripped‑down passenger riding geology’s coattails toward complexity. 



Instead, LUCA seems to have been capable, adaptable, and ready to try new tricks the moment the planet cooled enough to keep liquid water in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-of-hydrothermal-vents">Chemistry of hydrothermal vents</h2>



Tracking gene changes throughout Earth's history, the study dates LUCA to about 4.2 billion years ago, only a few hundred million years after Earth itself pulled together. 



“We did not expect LUCA to be so old, within just hundreds of millions of years of Earth formation. However, our results fit with modern views on the habitability of early Earth,” said <a href="https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/sandra-alvarez-carretero?_gl=1*1vhoh1m*_ga*NzU0MjM5MjI2LjE3NDQ5Mjc5MDk.*_ga_6R8SPL3HLT*MTc0NDkzMTg1Ni4yLjEuMTc0NDkzMTk2Mi42MC4wLjA." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Sandra Álvarez‑Carretero</a>.



Back then, asteroid impacts and belching volcanoes regularly upended the crust. Yet seafloor hydrothermal vents likely offered warm, metal‑rich oases. 



Iron, nickel, and sulfur minerals could have driven the very reactions scripted in LUCA’s genome. 



The Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, still used by some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-microbes-found-earths-deep-soil-critical-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">present‑day microbes</a>, fits neatly into that setting, turning vent chemistry into food and fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luca-s-peace-was-short-lived">LUCA's peace was short-lived</h2>



“Our study showed that LUCA was a complex organism, not too different from modern prokaryotes. What is really interesting is that it clearly possessed an early immune system, showing that even by 4.2 billion years ago, our ancestor was already engaged in an arms race with viruses,” said <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Davide-Pisani-27ef6f2a-19b3-4474-b71c-e61f2c8585a4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Davide Pisani</a>. 



Genes resembling today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR</a> defenses suggest viral predators appeared almost as soon as cells did.



This constant sparring matters. Viral raids can shuffle genes between hosts faster than random mutation alone. 



The pressure to dodge infection forces microbes to innovate, potentially speeding up the invention of new enzymes, pathways, and even entire metabolic lifestyles that later lineages would inherit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-sharing-space-with-luca">Microbes sharing space with LUCA</h2>



It’s clear that LUCA was exploiting and changing its environment, but it is unlikely to have lived alone. 



"Its waste would have been food for other microbes, like methanogens, that would have helped to create a recycling ecosystem,” observed Tim Lenton from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>. 



In modern hydrothermal vents, acetate‑producers and methane‑makers trade leftovers, smoothing local chemistry and stabilizing energy flows.



Similar give‑and‑take could explain how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/was-early-earth-a-purple-planet-scientists-say-its-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early Earth</a> cycled carbon and hydrogen long before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> took the stage. 



By knitting together waste and resource, hydrothermal vent communities may have tempered extreme swings in temperature and acidity, opening fresh niches for the next wave of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-bacteria-used-oxygen-about-one-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary experiments</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-luca-matter">Why does LUCA matter?</h2>



“The findings and methods employed in this work will also inform future studies that look in more detail into the subsequent evolution of prokaryotes in light of Earth history, including the lesser‑studied Archaea with their methanogenic representatives,” said Professor Anja Spang, co-author from the Royal Netherlands <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Sea Research</a>.



<a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Philip-Donoghue-4fd2d6ef-3986-4566-97e4-7ae7db296525/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Philip Donoghue</a> highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the work, saying it brought together data and techniques from across multiple fields. 



This collaborative approach, he explained, made it possible to uncover insights into early Earth and the origins of life that no single discipline could have revealed on its own. 



He also pointed out how swiftly ecosystems seem to have taken root on the early planet - an observation that opens the door to the possibility that life might be thriving on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-k2-18b-strongest-evidence-yet-of-extraterrestrial-life-discovered-webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-like worlds</a> in the universe.



"This suggests that life may be flourishing on Earth‑like biospheres elsewhere in the universe," Donoghue concluded.



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



To sum it all up, each genome pulled from ocean mud or desert crust adds a puzzle piece to LUCA’s portrait. 



As sequencing tech grows faster and cheaper, scientists will keep hunting for ancient gene families, refining the ancestral blueprint, and scoping out early viral fossils hidden in microbial DNA. 



New drilling missions aimed at untouched seafloor vents could reveal communities whose lifestyles echo those first biochemical gambles, tightening links between geology and genetics.



The storyline is still unfolding, but one takeaway already stands firm: life did not tiptoe onto the stage. It sprinted, armed with a full toolkit, ready to spar with viruses, and eager to reshape its surroundings - leaving every organism alive today carrying a hint of that four‑billion‑year‑old spark.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02461-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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All life on Earth comes from one single ancestor, now we know what it was

Every plant leaf, eagle feather, and speck of pond scum...

Nature lovers worldwide are turning to EarthSnap, the AI-powered identification app that can instantly recognize over 2 million plants, animals, bugs, birds, and more. 



Built by the team behind Earth.com with over 15M monthly visitors, EarthSnap has quickly gained traction among outdoor enthusiasts looking for a smarter, more interactive way to explore and understand the natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-earth-month-with-earthsnap">Celebrate Earth Month with EarthSnap</h2>



With the official rollout timed for April in celebration of Earth Month, EarthSnap invites users across the globe to reconnect with nature and explore biodiversity like never before. 



As environmental awareness reaches a peak during this globally recognized month, EarthSnap offers a powerful, tech-driven way to engage with the planet and share discoveries with others.



With its advanced AI, EarthSnap allows users to identify species in seconds simply by snapping a photo. 



The app goes beyond just identification - offering an extensive database filled with detailed insights, a search function for learning more about specific species, and an interactive SnapMap where users can explore identified species from around the world. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-connection-with-nature">A deeper connection with nature</h2>



As more people seek deeper connections with nature, EarthSnap has emerged as a must-have tool for hikers, travelers, gardening enthusiasts and anyone curious about nature.



"EarthSnap is redefining how people interact with the world around them," said Eric Ralls, CEO of EarthSnap and Earth.com. 



"With over 15 million visitors to Earth.com each month, we've seen firsthand the growing demand for accessible, AI-driven tools that make nature exploration easier and more engaging. EarthSnap brings that vision to life.”



EarthSnap is more than just an identification app - it’s a global hub for nature lovers. 



The EarthSnappers Community allows users to share their discoveries, engage with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and contribute to a growing database of species observations. 



Whether it’s a rare orchid spotted on a mountain trail or a never-before-seen bird in a backyard, EarthSnap makes it easy to document and discuss nature with a like-minded community.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earthsnap.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EarthSnap_feature-graphic_press-release_V3s.webp" alt="EarthSnap is FREE, download today. Click here." class="wp-image-1966695" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">EarthSnap is FREE, download today. Click here.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-features-driving-earthsnap-s-popularity">Key features driving EarthSnap’s popularity</h2>



● AI-Powered Identification: Instantly recognize over 2 million plants and animals by snapping a photo.



● Search &amp; Learn: Look up species by name to access detailed facts and insights.



● Global SnapMap: Explore photos of identified species from users worldwide.



● Personalized Snap Collections: Save and organize nature discoveries in a digital library.



● Cross-Platform Accessibility: Access all saved photos and data on both mobile and desktop.



As Earth Month continues to inspire a global appreciation for the natural world, EarthSnap is providing a timely solution for those eager to deepen their understanding of biodiversity and participate in meaningful environmental engagement.



With AI-powered tools, a vast species database, and an engaged global community, EarthSnap is setting a new standard for how people interact with nature.



EarthSnap is now available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/plant-animal-id-earthsnap/id1590178460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earthsnap" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android</a>. To learn more, visit <a href="https://earthsnap.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap’s website</a>.

Nature enthusiasts are flocking to EarthSnap for plant and animal ID

Nature lovers worldwide are turning to EarthSnap, the AI-powered identification...

For most of Earth’s first three billion years, oceans brimmed with single‑celled microbes that shuffled along at a slow biochemical pace -- life, but not complex. 



It lacked ample phosphorus, the nutrient every cell needs for DNA assembly, membrane stability, and ATP energy swaps. Rivers dripped only trace amounts of phosphorus into seawater, holding biology to pint‑size proportions and throttling evolutionary experiments in body size.



Evidence for that long famine sits in ancient mudstones, which contain scant phosphate minerals compared with younger rocks. 



Productivity lagged; oxygen production stayed low; food chains hid in microscopic layers. When phosphorus finally surged, life gained the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-ingredients-building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroid-bennu-dust-sample/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> to try larger, more complex designs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-chaos-and-complex-life">Volcanic chaos and complex life</h2>



About 2.1 billion years ago, the Congo and São Francisco continental blocks slammed together. 



Their collision squeezed faults, stirred magma, and unleashed underwater volcanoes across a shallow inland sea now preserved as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franceville_basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francevillian sub‑basin</a> in Gabon. 



Eruptions pumped phosphorus‑rich fluids straight into the water and walled the basin off from the wider ocean.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-fuels-toxic-algae-and-alters-carbon-cycling-in-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a> thrived in this enclosed lagoon, releasing oxygen and burying carbon as fast as nutrients arrived. 



The chemical bloom raised local energy budgets many times over, creating conditions that favored bigger bodies and cooperative cell assemblies rather than lone bacterial drifters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-discovery-challenges-timeline">Fossil discovery challenges timeline</h2>



Black shales from the basin hold disc‑shaped, ribbon‑shaped, and leaf‑shaped impressions up to six inches long - giants for their day. 



Their regular outlines and clustering hint at biological growth rather than odd mineral concretions. They appear in the same sedimentary layers that show the phosphorus spike, linking anatomy to chemistry.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/earth_complex-life_began-much-earlier_lobate-macrofossils_credit-UPoitiers_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/earth_complex-life_began-much-earlier_lobate-macrofossils_credit-UPoitiers_1s.webp" alt="The team’s research provides strong validation for the biological affinity of the lobate macrofossils whose validity has been widely debated in the scientific community. Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France" class="wp-image-1966454"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The team’s research provides strong validation for the biological affinity of the lobate macrofossils whose validity has been widely debated in the scientific community. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France</figcaption></figure>



If these forms truly represent multicellular life, they push the arrival of complex organisms back by roughly 1.5 billion years. 



That jump rewrites the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-life-ice-ages-gave-evolution-a-kick-start/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary timeline</a>, showing that animals were not the first to test large size; earlier prototypes surfaced when nutrients and oxygen briefly aligned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-meets-biology">Chemistry meets biology</h2>



The new work, led by <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a> geobiologist Dr. Ernest Chi Fru, pairs detailed rock chemistry with fossil mapping. 



“The availability of phosphorus in the environment is thought to be a key component in the evolution of life on Earth, especially in the transition from simple single‑celled organisms to complex organisms like animals and plants," Dr. Chi Fru explained.



“We already know that increases in marine phosphorus and seawater oxygen concentrations are linked to an episode of biological evolution around 635 million years ago. Our study adds another, much earlier episode into the record, 2.1 billion years ago.”



Digging into the basin’s history, Dr. Chi Fru explained that the volcanic activity following the collision of continental blocks likely isolated the basin from the global ocean, creating a nutrient-rich inland sea. 



This stable environment supported abundant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-once-a-green-marble-before-its-oceans-turned-blue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacterial photosynthesis</a>, which in turn oxygenated the water and generated enough energy to support larger, more complex life forms like those seen in the fossils from the period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-complex-life-experiment-stalled">Why the complex life experiment stalled</h2>



Outside the Francevillian lagoon, oceans still lacked phosphorus and carried little oxygen. Larger creatures would have struggled in those harsh surroundings. 



The basin’s shoreline barrier turned the ecosystem into a biological bubble; when volcanic vents cooled and nutrient flow faded, conditions reverted and the macro‑organisms vanished.



Their failure to spread shows that evolution tests possibilities whenever resources allow, but those trials can fizzle if the wider planet remains hostile. 



Complexity needs both innovation and the freedom to roam - something the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-lifes-evolution-extended-by-nearly-1-5-billion-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proterozoic world</a> could not yet provide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-steps-to-modern-animals">Two steps to modern animals</h2>



Researchers see a “two‑step” path. The Francevillian pulse marks step one, following the first known rise in atmospheric oxygen. 



Step two arrived nearly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luca-last-universal-common-ancestor-progenitor-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 billion years later</a>, when another oxygen surge met a more sustained supply of nutrients during the Ediacaran period. 



That tandem lifted complex life beyond isolated pockets, setting the stage for the Cambrian explosion and the diverse animals that populate Earth now.



The record hints that ample phosphorus may be as critical as oxygen for forging ecosystems full of active, energy‑demanding organisms. Without both factors in play, biology tends to stay microscopic.



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



Astrobiologists comb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet atmospheres</a> for oxygen because it signals possible photosynthesis. The Francevillian story suggests they should also weigh a planet’s phosphorus cycle. 



A world awash in oxygen but starved of phosphate could linger in a microbial phase for eons. Conversely, tectonic quirks that sprinkle oceans with phosphate might jump‑start evolutionary leaps.



Phosphorus, then, is more than fertilizer for terrestrial crops. It is a potential cosmic throttle on complexity, deciding whether life remains small or reaches for new biological heights.



-----



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301926824001669?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precambrian Research</a>.



Image Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France



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Is this a fossil? If so, complex life on Earth emerged 1.5 billion years earlier

For most of Earth’s first three billion years, oceans brimmed...

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial sites are being transformed into patches of color and life through the planting of wildflowers. These green spaces are meant to help pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing much-needed food sources from urban wildflowers.



But new research suggests that the soil in which these flowers are planted might be doing more harm than good for the plants and their pollinators.



A team of scientists discovered that wildflowers growing on previously developed land - including sites where buildings and factories once stood - can take up harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.



These metals don’t just stay in the plants. They end up in the nectar that pollinators feed on, introducing toxic substances directly into their diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polluted-roots-of-urban-wildflowers">Polluted roots of urban wildflowers</h2>



Many cities, particularly older ones, have soil that’s been exposed to decades of industrial activity. Sources including cement dust, mining runoff, and vehicle emissions leave behind long-lasting contaminants which can affect urban wildflowers.



In the post-industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio - where the study took place - over 33,000 vacant lots remain from years of population decline and industrial use. Researchers tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> from common self-seeding wildflowers growing in these urban spaces.



The wildflowers included white clover, wild carrot, bindweed, and chicory - plants known to attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-bees-choose-the-same-flowers-again-and-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and provide nectar throughout the growing season. Every plant tested contained at least one toxic metal.



Lead was the most common and found in the highest concentrations. The amount and type of metal varied by plant species. 



Chicory had the highest total metal levels, followed by white clover, wild carrot, and bindweed. These are not rare or exotic flowers - they grow widely across cities in both the U.S. and the UK, often planted intentionally as part of pollinator-friendly initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-wildflowers-affect-bee-health">Urban wildflowers affect bee health</h2>



Even small amounts of metal in nectar can affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-quality-and-biodiversity-impact-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. Previous studies have shown that these contaminants damage pollinators’ ability to learn and remember, which directly affects how well they can forage for food. 



In extreme cases, the toxins can lead to population decline and even death. Reducing the risk of metal exposure is critical for the success of urban pollinator conservation schemes, according to the researchers.



They also noted that certain plants are more likely to absorb these contaminants than others - a fact that should inform future planting strategies. 



One solution is to test soil quality before sowing wildflowers. Polluted areas might need to be cleaned up first.



In places where harmful metals are already present, managing wildflowers through regular mowing may help. Limiting their bloom time can reduce the amount of contaminated nectar available to bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-can-benefit-from-wildflower-soil">Bees can benefit from wildflower soil</h2>



Dr. Sarah Scott is an expert in the University of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Zoology</a> and the study’s lead author.



“It’s really important to have wildflowers as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-bees-reveal-that-urban-gardens-are-a-good-source-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food source for the bees</a>, and our results should not discourage people from planting wildflowers in towns and cities,” Dr. Scott explained.



“We hope this study will raise awareness that soil health is also important for bee health. Before planting wildflowers in urban areas to attract bees and other pollinators, it’s important to consider the history of the land and what might be in the soil - and if necessary - find out whether there’s a local soil testing and cleanup service available first.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-practical-way-to-support-pollinators">A practical way to support pollinators</h2>



Pollinators are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-disappearing-and-its-bad-news-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital</a> to the world’s food supply. They help plants - including fruits and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes - develop and reproduce.



Natural pollination is estimated to contribute billions of dollars to global crop production each year. But wild pollinator populations have plummeted by over 50% in the past 50 years, largely due to habitat loss, land use changes, pesticides, and climate change.



“Climate change feels so overwhelming, but simply planting flowers in certain areas can help towards conserving pollinators, which is a realistic way for people to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Dr. Scott.



This new research serves as a reminder that while planting wildflowers is a step in the right direction, the quality of the land they’re planted on matters just as much. 



A colorful patch of blooms may look like a haven for bees - but if the soil beneath holds a toxic past, it could turn into a hidden hazard.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Urban wildflowers may be harming bees

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial...

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks, vast wilderness, and iconic trees. For centuries, botanists and hikers alike have climbed these mountains, encountering the same types of conifers as they ascend in elevation - lodgepole, foxtail, and limber pines staking their claim in the uppermost zones of tree life.



But sometimes, nature throws a curveball. In the fall of last year, a routine hike in Sequoia National Park turned into a rare discovery. Professor Hugh Safford of <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> was not searching for scientific revelations. 



He was simply out for a walk in the mountains. Yet what Professor Safford found has rewritten the elevation record books and raised urgent questions about how trees are responding to climate change.



His discovery, now published in Madroño, a journal of the California Botanical Society, is a glimpse into the High Sierra’s changing face - and a reminder of the power of simply being present in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tree-where-it-should-not-exist">A tree where it should not exist</h2>



Safford, a forest ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy, had paused during his hike along the timberline on the south slopes of Mount Kaweah. 



He admired a foxtail pine, then a lodgepole pine - both expected residents of the subalpine zone. But then, something unexpected caught his eye.



“Then I thought, ‘What’s that?’” said Safford. “I walk over, and it’s a Jeffrey pine! It made no sense. What is a Jeffrey pine doing above 11,500 feet?”



Jeffrey pines typically dominate the upper montane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> of the Sierra Nevada. They’re the common backdrop around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes. 



But they are not known for living among the rugged, wind-battered zones of traditional subalpine species. What Safford found was extraordinary: a healthy Jeffrey pine growing far above its expected range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeffrey-trees-break-mountain-height-records">Jeffrey trees break mountain height records</h2>



After that first encounter, Professor Safford began looking more closely. Over the course of his hike, he identified 14 Jeffrey pine trees thriving above 11,800 feet. Some were over 20 years old. The highest of them stood at 12,657 feet. That shattered the previous known elevation record for the species by 1,860 feet.



Even more surprising, these pines were growing higher than any of California’s traditional subalpine species, including the foxtail, limber, and lodgepole pines. Until now, none of those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> had been documented above 12,034 feet.



Safford’s field observations suggest that our existing databases, satellite data, and models may be significantly underestimating where certain tree species are managing to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-grow-higher-up-mountain-slopes">Trees grow higher up mountain slopes</h2>



Why are Jeffrey pines now taking root at elevations once deemed too extreme for their survival? 



The answer, Safford suspects, lies in the warming climate. Rising air temperatures and earlier snowmelts are reshaping the ecological dynamics of the High Sierra.



The high mountain soils, once locked under snow for months, are thawing earlier. This opens short windows of opportunity for seeds to germinate and grow. In this altered climate rhythm, some species are seizing the chance to move upward.



The Jeffrey pine’s tolerance to both cold and drought may be key to its success in these harsh new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>. But trees don’t move on their own. Something - or someone - has helped them get there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-trees-and-mountain-heights">Birds, trees, and mountain heights</h2>



Safford suspects that the Clark’s nutcracker, a high alpine bird with an excellent memory, may be playing an unexpected role in this ecological shift. 



Known for its relationship with the whitebark pine, the bird collects seeds and stores them in high mountain “caches” for future meals. For Jeffrey pines, the bird might be acting as an unintentional gardener.



“Much as this nutcracker does for whitebark pine trees, preliminary evidence suggests the bird carries fleshy Jeffrey pine seeds up the mountain from thousands of feet below, storing them in the High Sierra’s ‘refrigerator’ for an early summer snack.”



Some of those snacks never get eaten. And when the conditions are right - less snow, warmer soil - those seeds take root and start a new population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-migrating-slowly">Trees aren’t migrating slowly</h2>



Trees generally move slowly in response to climate change. Their range shifts inch upward over decades. But Safford’s discovery hints at a more chaotic process, influenced by outside forces like birds and sudden environmental windows.



“I’m looking at trees surviving in habitats where they couldn’t before, but they’re also dying in places they used to live before,” Safford said. 



“They’re not just holding hands and walking uphill. This crazy leapfrogging of species challenges what we think we know about these systems reacting as the climate warms.”



This leapfrogging defies the gentle, predictable march that many models assume. It reveals a more fragmented and opportunistic reality, where chance encounters between birds and seeds create new ecological frontiers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-trees-reaching-new-heights">Mountain trees reaching new heights</h2>



Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Safford’s discovery is how it happened. Not through satellite imagery. Not through remote sensors or AI-driven models. But by someone walking in the mountains and paying attention.



“People aren’t marching to the tops of the mountains to see where the trees really are,” Safford said. "Instead, they are relying on satellite imagery, which can’t see most small trees. What science does is help us understand how the world functions."



”In this case, where you see the impacts of climate change most dramatically are at high elevations and high latitudes. If we want our finger on the pulse of how the climate is warming and what the impacts are, that’s where it will be happening first. We just need to get people out there.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-of-resilience">A story of resilience </h2>



Safford and his team of students will return this summer to the southern Sierra Nevada. They’ll hike Mount Kaweah, Mount Whitney, and nearby parks, searching for more of these high-altitude outliers. 



Their work will include identifying seedlings, measuring mountain tree heights, and refining elevation models based on actual ground conditions.



The mission is simple: understand what’s happening before more changes go unnoticed. The Jeffrey pine may not remain the state’s highest tree forever, but for now, it tells a story of change, resilience, and the surprising ways life finds new ground.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/madro%c3%b1o/volume-72/issue-1/0024-9637-72.1.a7/NEW-ELEVATION-RECORDS-FOR-JEFFREY-PINE-PINUS-JEFFREYI-AMURRAY-BIS/10.3120/0024-9637-72.1.a7.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madroño</a>.



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Why trees are reaching new heights in the mountains

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks,...

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The physical struggle is often matched by emotional burdens that seem to show up when least expected. 



A recent study led by Ryan Castle from the <a href="https://wholehealthoncology.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Health Oncology Institute</a> is shedding new light on the role of cannabis to treat cancer symptoms. 



Castle's team joined forces with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416912635/en/Cancer-Playbook-Powered-by-Whole-Health-Oncology-Institute-Launches-the-Largest-Meta-Analysis-to-Date-on-Medical-Cannabis-and-Cancer-Symptoms">Cancer Playbook</a> to explore whether cannabis can help with typical cancer complaints like pain, appetite loss, and sleeplessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-ease-cancer-symptoms">Cannabis may ease cancer symptoms</h2>



Cancer Playbook is known for bridging research with the experiences of real people. The platform gathers observations from individuals going through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a>, then combines that data with findings from peer-reviewed publications.



This provides a more complete view of how cannabis interacts with the body, while also revealing what has worked for others.



“We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus,” said Castle. 



Many studies now suggest that, when properly used, cannabis can be of significant help in addressing cancer symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-stories-shape-cannabis-research">Real stories shape cannabis research</h2>



Technology in healthcare is moving fast, but personal stories can be just as powerful. Cancer Playbook uses <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/patient-reported-outcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patient Reported Outcomes</a> to shift the spotlight onto people’s actual experiences. 



Those outcomes transform observations about fatigue and aches into reliable data that clinicians can apply.



Healthcare professionals have started to give these accounts more attention, since large <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trials</a> don't always capture the day-to-day hurdles that real individuals face. 



Focusing on each person’s comfort level, mood, and energy can create a more complete cancer care plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-reduce-cancer-related-pain">Cannabis may reduce cancer-related pain</h2>



Pain can influence every aspect of life for cancer patients. Opioids have been a traditional go-to, but some find limited relief or tough side effects. 



Data from various research efforts suggest that cannabis may ease <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7140/5/1/7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lingering pain</a> for some patients while posing fewer complications.



Users who turn to cannabis for treating cancer symptoms often report fewer problems than they had feared. 



A handful of these studies show promise in helping with neuropathic pain, which is a tricky discomfort that standard drugs can’t always contain.



Not everyone responds in the same way, but many see cannabis as a welcome option for exploring additional approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-appetite-and-nausea">Cannabis, appetite, and nausea</h2>



Nausea is a serious drain on quality of life for people undergoing harsh treatments. Traditional anti-nausea medications help but might not cover the full scope of how patients feel. That’s where medical cannabis steps in, offering another strategy for those dealing with this challenge.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409765/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> indicates that cannabis may support better eating patterns by triggering chemical receptors tied to hunger. 



Even modest success can make a difference by preserving energy and mood. It’s not a magic fix, but it could be an added tool in an often-complicated toolbox.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-help-reduce-inflammation">Cannabis may help reduce inflammation</h2>



Inflammation can worsen cancer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> and lead to other serious problems. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323000021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> studying <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> and immune triggers have noticed that cannabinoids might reduce harmful responses at the cellular level. This suggests a targeted benefit that goes beyond just pain or nausea management.



Experts caution that these biological processes are not fully understood, and it’s unclear how inflammation shifts from minor to long-term danger. 



Early patterns, though, point to cannabis as having a role in controlling swelling in tissues, which might be helpful if standard therapies fall short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patients-need-informed-choices">Patients need informed choices</h2>



“Too often, people turn to cannabis as a last resort. We believe it should be part of the conversation from day one,” said Jim Gerencser, the founder of Cancer Playbook.



By logging real-life feedback and comparing it with existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspirin-may-prevent-cancer-from-moving-to-other-parts-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, Cancer Playbook informs patients on treatment approaches that doctors might not always have time to discuss in detail. 



This helps remove guesswork and promotes shared decision-making, which can reduce anxiety when facing critical choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-studies-support-cannabis-use">Large studies support cannabis use</h2>



Interest in cannabis has been sparked by large reviews that merge thousands of peer-reviewed articles. 



Researchers pool results to look for patterns that might be overlooked if only a handful of academic papers is scanned. This approach shapes a big-picture view of what may help many people who are facing cancer diagnoses.



Recent findings suggest that several cannabinoids appear safer and more effective than older assumptions indicated. 



However, some questions remain about recommended doses and timing. Clinical trials still need to define the exact parameters for optimal results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-advice-and-safe-cannabis-use">Medical advice and safe cannabis use</h2>



Although the enthusiasm for cannabis is growing, it’s wise to proceed with medical advice. Certain interactions with prescription drugs haven’t been fully studied. There's also the complexity of the plant itself - hemp, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/endocannabinoid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endocannabinoids</a>, and oils vary in chemical content.



Some oncologists suggest choosing formulations that have been tested for purity, which can reduce the risk of additives or inconsistent potency. Safety checks matter. 



Cancer treatment demands careful collaboration between patients and healthcare teams, so speaking openly about cannabis use is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-research-across-cancer-fields">Cannabis research across cancer fields </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on cannabis continues to shift. Some of it focuses on how different strains interact with radiation or immunotherapy. Other work tracks its <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anticarcinogenic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anticarcinogenic</a> capabilities, although that part is still being investigated in labs and patient trials.



Discussions about cannabis today look different from earlier times, when legal barriers limited the scope of studies. The current environment encourages deeper investigations. That leads to a broader acceptance of cannabis as a therapy that is worth exploring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-cancer-care">The future of cancer care</h2>



Many updates in oncology come from labs, but the patient perspective is equally valuable. When data from countless personal experiences gets analyzed, fresh patterns can emerge. 



Information about how people handle their side effects or combine treatments can shed new light on possible ways to get results.



Well-designed platforms like Cancer Playbook aim to make sense of these experiences without trivializing the science behind it all. It’s a blend of real-world accounts and measured research, which gives patients a more active role in shaping their own care path.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Oncology</a>.



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