<p>Lipotes vexillifer NatureServe Explorer Species Reports &#8212; 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/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-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.</p>
<p>ITIS Reports &#8212; 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=c868de84dfe04d71947b7170e8835ec5&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l3j69i60l2.1399j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. The baiji is a possibly extinct species of freshwater dolphin, and is thought to be the first dolphin species driven to extinction due to the impact of humans. Since Baiji means &#8216;white fin&#8217; in Chinese, it means &#8216;white-finned dolphin&#8217;. In China, the species is also called the Chinese river dolphin, Yangtze river dolphin, Yangtze dolphin and whitefin dolphin. Nicknamed the &#8220;Goddess of the Yangtze&#8221;, it was regarded as the goddess of protection by local fishermen and boatmen. It is not to be confused with the Chinese white dolphin or the finless porpoise.</p>
<p>FWS Digital Media Library &#8212; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&#8217;s National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.</p>


Lipotes vexillifer

<p>In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force behind Earth's mightiest lightning strikes, known as “superbolts.” These phenomenally powerful electrical discharges are a thousand times stronger than ordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rotation-sun-lightning-earth/">lightning</a>.</p>



<p>The research, led by physicist Avichay Efraim of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that superbolts predominantly occur when a storm’s electrical charging zone is situated close to the Earth’s surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This proximity fosters the conditions necessary for generating superbolts, leading to “hotspots” seen above specific ocean areas and towering mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnificent-phenomenon-nbsp">Magnificent phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Superbolts are rare, comprising less than one percent of all lightning strikes. Each superbolt carries around 300 billion volts compared to the 300 million volts in a typical lightning strike. The researchers noted that superbolts can cause major damage to infrastructure and ships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Superbolts, even though they’re only a very, very tiny percentage of all lightning, they’re a magnificent phenomenon,” said Efraim.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous research showed that superbolts tend to cluster over the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia, which is one of the tallest plateaus on Earth. "We wanted to know what makes these powerful superbolts more likely to form in some places as opposed to others," said Efraim.</p>



<p>The study brings to light the critical role of the charging zone's location. Through analyzing lightning data, including time, location, and energy of selected strikes, the researchers were able to correlate superbolt strength with specific environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among these, the height of the land or water surface, the altitude of the charging zone, and the temperatures at the cloud top and base were considered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Notably, the study dismissed previously held beliefs from earlier research, revealing that aerosols exert a negligible influence on superbolt strength.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, the shorter distance between the charging zone and the Earth's surface emerged as a pivotal factor. The reduction in electrical resistance offered by this shorter distance enables the formation of higher-energy, and consequently, stronger lightning bolts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superbolt-hotspots">Superbolt hotspots</h2>



<p>Efraim's team pinpointed three regions notorious for superbolt activity: the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas share a common characteristic essential for superbolt generation - the minimal distance between the lightning charging zones and the Earth's surface.</p>



<p>“The correlation we saw was very clear and significant, and it was very thrilling to see that it occurs in the three regions,” Efraim said. “This is a major breakthrough for us."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, which provides the first explanation for the formation and distribution of superbolts worldwide, will help scientists determine how changes in climate could affect the occurrence of superbolt lightning in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efraim noted that warmer temperatures could cause an increase in weaker lightning, but more moisture in the atmosphere could counteract that.</p>



<p>In future research, the team plans to explore other factors that may contribute to superbolt formation, such as the magnetic field or changes in the solar cycle.</p>



<p>“There is much more unknown, but what we’ve found out here is a big piece of the puzzle,” said Efraim. “And we’re not done yet. There’s much more to do.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022JD038254"><em>Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</em></a>.</p>



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<p>.</p>

Superbolts: Secrets of supercharged lightning strikes revealed

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force...

<p>The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has long been a concern for environmentalists. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/78501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a> reveals that the problem extends far beyond solid ground and deep waters. Airborne microplastics (AMPs), which are minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic particles</a> less than 5mm in size, may have now become an integral component of clouds. This can lead to what is known as “plastic rainfall."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics">Understanding microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics form from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are released from industrial effluents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, these tiny particles are known to enter the bodies of humans and animals, with research detecting their presence in several organs including the lung, heart, blood, placenta, and even feces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately ten million tons of microplastics end up in oceans annually. From here, they are released into the atmosphere, potentially influencing the composition of clouds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-troposphere-nbsp">Free troposphere&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"The free troposphere is an important pathway for the long-range transport of air pollutants owing to strong wind speeds; it has been observed that airborne microplastics are also transported in the free troposphere and contribute to global pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In addition, airborne microplastics may act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleus particles during transport in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer, thereby potentially promoting cloud formation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-airborne-microplastics">Studying airborne microplastics</h2>



<p>The experts investigated the role of airborne microplastics in the biosphere, focusing on their potential impacts on human health and the climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Microplastics in the free troposphere are transported and contribute to global pollution. If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” said study co-author Hiroshi Okochi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To better understand the influence of airborne microplastics on the atmosphere, Okochi's team collected cloud water from several regions with varying altitudes. The collection sites included the summit of Mount Fuji, its southeastern foothills, and the summit of Mt. Oyama.</p>



<p>Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified the presence of microplastics in the cloud water and further analyzed their physical and chemical properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, the team detected nine distinct types of polymers and a form of rubber.</p>



<p>Furthermore, these airborne microplastics were found to play a crucial role in rapid cloud formation, which could have wider implications for the global climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-climate-impacts">Ecological and climate impacts</h2>



<p>The accumulation of airborne microplastics, especially in polar regions, might severely disrupt the planet's ecological balance and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“AMPs are degraded much faster in the upper atmosphere than on the ground due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this degradation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming," said Okochi.</p>



<p>"As a result, the findings of this study can be used to account for the effects of AMPs in future global warming projections.”</p>



<p>Okochi collaborated with study lead author Yize Wang, also from Waseda University, and Yasuhiro Niida of PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01626-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Chemistry Letters</em></a>.</p>



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"Plastic rain" is now a real thing as airborne microplastics are discovered in clouds

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has...

<p>Periodontal disease is a prevalent issue among canines, impacting at least 80 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">dogs</a> over the age of three. The disease begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, inflamed gums that may bleed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If untreated, the condition escalates to periodontitis, leading to progressive alveolar bone damage and potential tooth loss, while also increasing the risk of cardiovascular and lung diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oral-hygiene-nbsp">Oral hygiene&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With poor oral hygiene identified as a principal cause of periodontal disease, leading to plaque and tartar build-up, regular teeth brushing for dogs is advised by veterinarians.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, many people do not comply with this advice, often because their dogs will not cooperate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-plaque-and-tartar">Reducing plaque and tartar</h2>



<p>Dr. Jerzy Gawor is a veterinary dentistry practitioner and researcher at the Arka Veterinary Clinic in Krakow, Poland, and lead author of a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1241197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Veterinary Science</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here we show that an additive to drinking water, based on pomegranate extract, can reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar in dogs,” said Dr. Gawor. “This additive thus helps dogs to maintain healthy gums, and may ultimately help to limit the occurrence of periodontal disease.”</p>



<p>The researchers examined Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™ - an over-the-counter oral hygiene product developed by French veterinary company Virbac.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We did this study after obtaining evidence that the main ingredient, pomegranate extract, limits the growth of oral bacteria in dogs in vitro, including species involved in periodontal disease," said study co-author Dr. Celine Nicolas, an employee of Virbac.</p>



<p>"There was also evidence that the other components, inulin and erythritol, likewise play a role in the maintenance of a healthy oral microbiome in dogs."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The product, which can be easily added to dogs’ drinking water, was tested on 40 dogs representing 14 breeds. All subjects had mild to moderate gingivitis but were otherwise healthy.</p>



<p>The dogs were monitored over 30 days after a professional dental cleaning session. The research involved thorough oral health assessments, dental charting, and mouth radiography under general anesthesia.</p>



<p>Dogs were then divided into two groups: one receiving water with a 1% solution of Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™ daily, and the other receiving plain water. During the study, no other oral hygiene practices were implemented.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



<p>After 30 days, dogs receiving the pomegranate extract additive had a 47 percent reduction in plaque and a 24 percent decrease in tartar. Furthermore, the gums of dogs in the treatment group were completely healthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The results showed that 30 days after the dental cleaning and polishing, dogs which had received the additive daily scored 47% lower for the amount of plaque, and had a 24% lower score for the amount of tartar, compared to dogs in the control group. The gum was also completely healthy in the active treatment group,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-dog-teeth">Healthier dog teeth</h2>



<p>The study thus affirmed that the additive effectively limits plaque and tartar reformation post professional dental cleaning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Gawor and team suggest that the product works by restricting the growth of harmful bacteria, especially preventing bacterial biofilms formation.</p>



<p>"Daily oral hygiene and prophylaxis are essential to prevent periodontal diseases in dogs. This includes active methods like brushing, passive methods like dental chews or water additives, or a combination, as well as regular clinical dental checks," said Dr. Gawor.</p>



<p>"The frequency of the latter should depend on the dog’s age, breed, size, and predisposition, as determined by veterinary clinicians."</p>



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Mouthwash with pomegranate helps prevent gum disease in dogs

Periodontal disease is a prevalent issue among canines, impacting at...

<p>NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the Bennu asteroid samples that landed on Earth this week, following the discovery of unexplained black dust within the container.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The samples, originally gathered from the surface of asteroid Bennu in 2020 during NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/">OSIRIS-REx</a> mission, made their landing in the Utah desert last Sunday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-substances-on-bennu-sample">Unknown substances on Bennu sample</h2>



<p>Upon opening the canister, which held approximately eight ounces of debris, scientists discovered unknown substances on the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) located above the avionics deck.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A photograph taken by the scientists clearly showed that the interior of the silver lid was marked with black material. NASA announced that this dust is set for a preliminary analysis to verify whether it originates from asteroid Bennu.</p>



<p>“The TAGSAM, which holds the bulk of the sample, will be carefully opened in the coming weeks,”&nbsp;experts from NASA declared.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securely-transferring-the-sample">Securely transferring the sample</h2>



<p>The residue observed on the avionics deck, detected on Tuesday, is presumed to have originated during the collection process. NASA reported that this issue was resolved, enabling the secure transfer of the sample, but confirmation by scientists is pending.</p>



<p>Dante Lauretta, the OSIRIS-REx principal investigator, captured the image of the sample canister following the successful lid removal, adhering to the stipulated curation process.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



<p>The information acquired from the OSIRIS-REx mission is anticipated to enhance our understanding of potentially hazardous asteroids and contribute to future asteroid deflection strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curation-facility-nbsp">Curation facility&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For thorough examination and preservation, the asteroid samples are to be managed at a newly established curation facility. This facility is overseen by NASA’s <a href="https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/">Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science</a> division (ARES), situated at the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/">Johnson Space Center</a> in Texas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex">OSIRIS-REx</h2>



<p>Launching in 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft embarked on a $1 billion mission, reaching Bennu in 2018 and collecting samples in 2020 using a vacuum-equipped arm. By the time it returned, the spacecraft had traversed four billion miles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite entering the atmosphere at 27,650 mph, it was vital to prevent the sample from contamination, slowing it to 11 mph using a parachute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-mission-nbsp">Recovery mission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA orchestrated a meticulous recovery mission in Utah, involving helicopters and a temporary clean room.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft deposited the sample container into Earth’s orbit on Sunday before proceeding to its next destination.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-extraterrestrial-sample-nbsp">Large extraterrestrial sample&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The retrieved pebbles and dust are the largest extraterrestrial sample since the lunar missions and offer invaluable insights into the formation of Earth and life, giving us “an extraordinary glimpse” into the past 4.5 billion years, according to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bennu-nbsp">Bennu&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Bennu, currently orbiting the sun 50 million miles away from Earth, is roughly the size of the Empire State Building.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The asteroid is a fragment of a larger space rock and is considered the most hazardous object in the Solar System due to its potential collision course with Earth, expected to come dangerously close to our planet in September 2182.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The observations and data from OSIRIS-REx will be instrumental in any future asteroid-deflection efforts. The spacecraft is now on course to reach asteroid Apophis in 2029.</p>



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Mysterious black dust found on Bennu asteroid samples

NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the...

<p>A team of researchers led by the Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) collaboration at <a href="https://home.cern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CERN</a> in Geneva, Switzerland has recently investigated experimentally the behavior of antimatter, showing that, much like regular matter, antimatter is subject to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-warn-large-earthquakes/">gravity</a>’s pull.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, the notion of antimatter exhibiting antigravity properties, which has already been argued to be theoretically improbable, has finally been dispelled by this study.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-acceleration">Gravitational acceleration</h2>



<p>According to the experts, the gravitational acceleration of antihydrogen is strikingly close to that of regular matter on Earth, nearly 9.8 meters per second per second.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It surely accelerates downwards, and it’s within about one standard deviation of accelerating at the normal rate,” said co-author Joel Fajans, a physicist at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> who, alongside theorist Jonathan Wurtele (the current study’s senior author), first proposed the experiment over ten years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The bottom line is that there’s no free lunch, and we’re not going to be able to levitate using antimatter.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-of-relativity-nbsp">Theory of relativity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings are unlikely to astonish the majority of physicists. Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity, formulated before the identification of antimatter in 1932, does not discriminate between forms of matter, indicating that both antimatter and matter should exhibit identical responses to gravitational forces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Every component of regular matter, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, possesses counterparts bearing the opposite electrical charge, and interaction with their regular matter counterparts results in mutual annihilation.</p>



<p>“The opposite result would have had big implications; it would be inconsistent with the weak equivalence principle of Einstein’s general theory of relativity,” explained Wurtele.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This experiment is the first time that a direct measurement of the force of gravity on neutral antimatter has been made. It’s another step in developing the field of neutral antimatter science.”</p>



<p>Fajans pointed out that there is no prevailing physical theory suggesting that gravity should repel antimatter. In fact, some physicists have argued that, if gravity were repulsive to antimatter, it could facilitate the creation of a perpetual motion machine - a concept deemed theoretically unfeasible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-mysteries">Cosmic mysteries</h2>



<p>Despite this, the hypothesis that gravity might interact differently with matter and antimatter had sparked interest, as it offered a potential explanation for several cosmic mysteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, it might have accounted for the spatial segregation of matter and antimatter in the early cosmos, explaining the observed scarcity of antimatter in our observable universe, particularly since most theories postulate that the Big Bang should have given rise to equivalent quantities of matter and antimatter.</p>



<p>According to Fajans, although there have been many indirect experiments suggesting that antimatter gravitates normally, they have been relatively subtle, failing to definitively prove this point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-gravity">Measuring gravity</h2>



<p>“Why not do the obvious experiment and drop a piece of antimatter, a sort of leaning tower of Pisa experiment? You know, the experiment that Galileo didn’t actually do - it was apocryphal - where he supposedly dropped a lead ball and a wooden ball from the top of the tower and proved that they both reached the ground at the same time,” he said.</p>



<p>“The real problem is that the gravitational force is incredibly weak compared to electrical forces. So far, it has proved impossible to directly measure gravity with a drop-style measurement with a charged particle, like a bare positron, because any stray electric field will deflect the particle much more than gravity will.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-of-nature">Forces of nature</h2>



<p>Indeed, the gravitational force is the most feeble among the four known forces of nature. Although it dominates the evolution of the universe due to its universal impact over vast distances, on a minuscule piece of antimatter, its effect is negligible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An electrical field of 1 volt/meter exerts a force on an antiproton that is approximately 40 trillion times greater than force of gravity exerted on it by the Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-nbsp">A new approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To overcome these experimental limitations, the scientists devised a new methodological approach. By 2010, significant quantities of antihydrogen atoms were being trapped by the ALPHA team, prompting Wurtele in 2011 to persuade Fajans that, given antihydrogen’s charge neutrality, it remains unaffected by electric fields, thus warranting an exploration of the possibility of a gravity measurement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although Fajans was initially skeptical, he eventually agreed to conduct simulations to test Wurtele’s idea. Further contributions from UC Berkeley lecturer Andrew Charman and postdoctoral fellow Andrey Zhmoginov led to an analysis concluding that antihydrogen experiences no more than about 100 times the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity compared to ordinary matter.</p>



<p>Despite its modest beginnings, this analysis encouraged the ALPHA team to devise a more accurate experiment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2016, supported by various international sources, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Canadian government, and the Danish brewer Carlsberg, they began to construct a new experiment, ALPHA-g, which conducted its first measurements in 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-does-not-repel-antimatter-nbsp">Gravity does not repel antimatter&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The subsequent results are derived from simulations and statistical evaluation of the observations made in the previous year, estimating the gravitational constant for antimatter at 0.75 ± 0.13 ± 0.16 g, or, accounting for both statistical and systematic errors, 0.75 ± 0.29 g, which aligns with the expected 1 g within error bars. This experiment revealed that the change of gravity being repulsive for antimatter is so small as to be meaningless.</p>



<p>In the proposed ALPHA-g project by Wurtele and Fajans, the objective was to trap approximately 100 antihydrogen atoms within a magnetic bottle measuring 25 centimeters in length.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ALPHA apparatus has the capability to confine antihydrogen atoms which possess a temperature just below half a degree above absolute zero, or 0.5 Kelvin.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-s-pull">Gravity's pull</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, even at such low temperatures, the antiatoms are in motion at an average velocity of 100 meters per second, repetitively colliding with the powerful magnetic fields situated at the bottle’s extremities, with the magnetic dipole moment of an antihydrogen atom being repelled by the pinched 10,000 Gauss magnetic fields at each end of the bottle.</p>



<p>In a scenario where the bottle is positioned vertically, gravity causes the descending atoms to speed up, while the ascending ones slow down.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the magnetic fields at both ends are equivalent or balanced, the atoms moving downward generally possess more energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consequently, they have a higher likelihood of breaking through the magnetic mirror, colliding with the container, annihilating in a flash of light and producing three to five pions. The detection of these pions aids in discerning the direction in which the antiatom escaped, be it upwards or downwards.</p>



<p>“The balancing allows us to ignore the fact that the antiatoms are all of different energies. The lowest energy ones escape last, but they’re still subject to the balance, and the effect of gravity is enhanced for all antiatoms,” he explained.</p>



<p>Gradually reducing the mirror magnetic fields enables the escape of all atoms. If antimatter exhibits behavior identical to normal matter, a majority of the antiatoms - around 80 percent - are anticipated to escape through the bottom rather than the top.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-experimental-tool">Powerful experimental tool</h2>



<p>Additionally, the experimental design of ALPHA permits alterations to the strength of the bottom magnetic mirror relative to the top one. This modification influences the energy of each antiatom, potentially counteracting or overpowering gravitational effects, which results in an equal or greater number of antiatoms exiting through the top as opposed to the bottom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This gives us a powerful experimental knob that allows us, basically, to believe the experiment actually worked because we can prove to ourselves that we can control the experiment in a predictable manner,” Fajan said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-uncertainty-nbsp">Challenges of uncertainty&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Due to several uncertainties, the experiment’s outcomes necessitated statistical analysis. The investigators faced challenges including uncertainty in the quantity of trapped antihydrogen atoms, detection of every annihilation, potential presence of unidentified magnetic fields influencing the trajectories of antiatoms, and accurate measurement of the magnetic field within the bottle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“ALPHA’s computer code simulating the experiment could be subtly wrong because we don’t know the precise initial conditions of the antihydrogen atoms, it could be wrong because our magnetic fields aren’t correct, and it could be wrong for some unknown unknown,” Wurtele explained. “Nonetheless, the control provided by adjusting the balance knob lets us explore the extent of any discrepancies, giving us confidence that our result is correct.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Anticipating future enhancements to both the ALPHA-g apparatus and the associated computer codes, the experts are optimistic about a hundredfold increase in the instrument’s sensitivity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the seemingly ordinary outcome, the importance of the experiment lies in its role as a critical examination of general relativity, a theory that has successfully withstood all previous tests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you walk down the halls of this department and ask the physicists, they would all say that this result is not the least bit surprising. That’s the reality. But most of them will also say that the experiment had to be done because you never can be sure," said Wurtele.</p>



<p>Physics is an experimental science. You don’t want to be the kind of ignorant that you don’t do an experiment that explores possibly new physics because you thought you knew the answer, and then it ends up being something different.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06527-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Force of Earth's gravity on antimatter is measured for the first time

A team of researchers led by the Antihydrogen Laser Physics...

<p>Scientists have recently uncovered remnants of DNA within the fossilized remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-sea-turtle-flattened-dinosaur/">sea turtle</a>, closely related to contemporary Kemp’s ridley and olive ridley turtles, dating back six million years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding marks one of the infrequent instances where genetic material has been identified in ancient vertebrate fossils. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2023.2254356" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bone-cells-nbsp">Bone cells&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The fossil, discovered along the Caribbean coast of Panama in 2015, presented notably well-preserved bone cells, known as osteocytes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though the fossil is incomplete, featuring a relatively intact carapace - the turtle’s shell - but lacking the rest of the skeleton, researchers estimate the turtle would have measured about a foot (30 cm) in length during its lifetime.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-remnants">DNA remnants</h2>



<p>In some of these osteocytes, the cell nuclei remained intact and responded to a specific chemical solution. This reaction allowed the scientists to detect the remnants of DNA, essential for an organism’s development and functioning, explained study lead author Edwin Cadena, a paleontologist at the Universidad del Rosario in Bogota and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.</p>



<p>“I want to point out that we did not extract DNA, we only were able to recognize the presence of DNA traces in the nuclei,” Cadena said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Given its perishable nature, DNA preservation in ancient remains is rare, but not unprecedented, with discoveries of DNA remnants dating back to around two million years in some ancient specimens from Greenland.</p>



<p>The only vertebrate fossils older than the newly studied turtle and showing similar DNA remnants belonged to two dinosaurs – Tyrannosaurus, from around 66 million years ago, and Brachylophosaurus, from about 78 million years ago. DNA remnants have also been reported in insects dating back tens of millions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-nbsp">Evolutionary history&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The turtle in question belongs to the genus Lepidochelys, which includes two of the seven existing sea turtle species – the Kemp’s ridley, primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico, and the more widespread olive ridley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This fossil is pivotal in shedding light on the evolutionary history of this genus, which remains largely unclear.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to the incomplete nature of the remains, the researchers have refrained from identifying the turtle by its species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomolecular-remains-nbsp">Biomolecular remains&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Each fossil, each fossil site has specific conditions of preservation that in some cases could have favored preservation of original biomolecular remains such as proteins and DNA," said Cadena.</p>



<p>"Maybe in the future and with more studies of this kind, we could be able at some point to sequence very small pieces of DNA and to infer things about their close relatives or involve that information in a broader molecular evolutionary study."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ridley-turtles-nbsp">Ridley turtles&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ridley turtles, specifically those in the Lepidochelys genus, are known for their relatively small size compared to other sea turtles and unique nesting habits.</p>



<p>There are two species within this genus: the Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Ridley turtles are among the smallest sea turtles, with adults usually weighing between 75 and 100 pounds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shell">Shell</h3>



<p>Their carapace (upper shell) is broad and somewhat heart-shaped, typically olive-green in Kemp’s ridleys and grayish-green in olive ridleys.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limbs">Limbs</h3>



<p>They possess flippers with clawless tips, which are adapted for swimming in open oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



<p>Kemp's ridley is primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast of North America. These turtles prefer coastal habitats like bays, estuaries, and lagoons.</p>



<p>Olive ridley is found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They are often found in open waters but migrate to coastal areas for nesting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting">Nesting</h3>



<p>One notable behavior of ridley turtles is “arribada,” a mass nesting phenomenon where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Olive ridley turtles are particularly known for this behavior, with significant arribada events occurring in places like Ostional, Costa Rica.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Ridley turtles are omnivores, consuming a variety of food items, including crabs, shrimp, mollusks, jellyfish, and occasionally algae and seaweed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>Both species of ridley turtles are listed under the IUCN Red List. Kemp's ridley is classified as critically endangered, with major threats including habitat loss, accidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), and climate change affecting their nesting sites.</p>



<p>Olive ridley is listed as vulnerable, facing threats like illegal egg collection, bycatch, and habitat destruction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-nbsp">Conservation efforts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Various conservation programs and legal protections are in place to help conserve ridley turtles, such as:</p>



<ul>
<li>Establishing protected areas and wildlife refuges.</li>



<li>Implementing regulations and initiatives to reduce bycatch.</li>



<li>Engaging in public education and awareness campaigns.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arribadas-nbsp">Arribadas&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The synchronized nesting events, or arribadas, are crucial for the survival of these species as it overwhelms predators, ensuring that more hatchlings can safely reach the ocean.</p>



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DNA remnants found in six million-year-old sea turtle

Scientists have recently uncovered remnants of DNA within the fossilized...

<p>A new study led by the University of South Carolina (USC) has found that distinct variations in the attributes of wildflowers, depending on their respective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/">pollinators</a>, are driven by a small number of key genetic differences.</p>



<p>Wildflowers exhibit unique sets of characteristics - termed “pollination syndromes” - that have evolved to cater to specific animal pollinators, such as insects or birds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penstemons">Penstemons</h2>



<p>While most species within the Penstemon genus present wide, blue flowers, serving as landing spots for bees, evolution has led some species to develop narrow, red, tubular flowers, catering to hummingbird pollination.</p>



<p>The North American wildflower genus&nbsp;<em>Penstemon</em>&nbsp;displays remarkable floral syndrome convergence, with at least 20 separate lineages that have evolved from ancestral bee pollination syndrome (wide blue-purple flowers that present a landing platform for bees and small amounts of nectar) to hummingbird pollination syndrome (bright red narrowly tubular flowers offering copious nectar).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Related taxa that differ in floral syndrome offer an attractive opportunity to examine the genomic basis of complex trait divergence,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>The objective of this research was to explore how these distinctive pollination syndromes are preserved genetically.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team sequenced the DNA of 229 plants from three related species of the Penstemon genus: <em>P. neomexicanus</em> and <em>P. virgatus</em>, which are bee-pollinated, and <em>P. barbatus</em>, adapted to hummingbird pollination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the stark differences in floral attributes, the experts found a relatively small number of genetic differences between <em>P. barbatus</em> and its bee-pollinated relatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, plants from the same geographical vicinity exhibited greater genetic similarity compared to those from varied locations, regardless of the species. These findings suggest that a genetic blending occurs between wildflowers adapted to both bee and hummingbird pollination.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-pollinators-nbsp">Varied pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the researchers identified 21 sites that showcased consistent differences among species with varied pollinators. These sites are dispersed throughout the genome, suggesting an increased likelihood of the disruption of complementary floral traits by recombination, resulting in hybrids with diminished success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, three of these identified genetic variances were located proximal to genomic regions that determine flower color, width, and nectar volume - traits distinctive to different pollination syndromes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-flower-traits">&nbsp;Flower traits</h2>



<p>The study provides evidence of occasional hybridization between neighboring bee- and hummingbird-pollinated Penstemon species, alongside an intense selection pressure to retain flower traits adapted to each type of pollinator.</p>



<p>“Although bee- vs. hummingbird-pollinated species are easily distinguished in the field, based on unmistakable differences in flowers and the overall stature of the plant, a surprisingly small number of genetic regions distinguish these different species at the genetic level,” concluded Carolyn Wessinger, an assistant professor of Evolution and Plant Biology at USC.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002294" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Just a few genetic differences tailor flowers to specific pollinators

A new study led by the University of South Carolina...

<p>Researchers at Tulane University have found that climbing more than five flights of stairs a day can cut your risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">heart disease</a> by 20 percent.</p>



<p>This challenges the popular notion that you must achieve 10,000 daily steps for optimal health benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study emphasizes that even a mere 50 steps climbing stairs each day could significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atherosclerotic-cardiovascular-disease">Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease</h2>



<p>The research provides a new perspective on the role of stair climbing in combating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This disease, together with coronary artery disease and stroke, stand as the predominant causes of mortality on a global scale.</p>



<p>“Short bursts of high-intensity stair climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those unable to achieve the current physical activity recommendations,” said study co-author Dr. Lu Qi, a professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These findings highlight the potential advantages of stair climbing as a primary preventive measure for ASCVD in the general population.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank for 450,000 adults. They accounted for family history, established risk factors, genetic predispositions, and the participants’ lifestyle habits.</p>



<p>The goal was to measure the susceptibility of the subjects to cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the average follow-up time was 12.5 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-for-all">Benefits for all</h2>



<p>The results were remarkable, showing that individuals who were less predisposed to cardiovascular disease benefited most from increased stair climbing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Dr. Qi stated that even the higher risk individuals can "effectively offset" this susceptibility by adopting daily stair climbing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-effects-of-stair-climbing-nbsp">Protective effects of stair climbing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Qi pointed out that stairs offer a "low-cost, accessible way to incorporate exercise into daily routines."</p>



<p>He also noted that the study provides novel evidence for the protective effects of stair climbing on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly for individuals with multiple risk factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Climbing more than five flights of stairs (approx 50 steps) daily was associated with a lower risk of ASCVD types independent of disease susceptibility," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Participants who stopped stair climbing between the baseline and resurvey had a higher risk of ASCVD compared with those who never climbed stairs."</p>



<p>Such insights urge us to reconsider our daily routines and potentially introduce a simple yet effective habit of climbing stairs for a healthier heart.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(23)05221-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Atherosclerosis</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-exercise-and-heart-health">More about exercise and heart health</h2>



<p>Exercise is undeniably linked to heart health. Engaging in regular physical activity offers a plethora of benefits for cardiovascular well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-circulation">Improved circulation</h3>



<p>Regular exercise aids in enhancing the circulatory system. As you engage in aerobic activities, your heart rate increases, promoting better blood flow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, this can lead to a more efficient heart, which means it can pump more blood with fewer beats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-blood-pressure">Lower blood pressure</h3>



<p>Exercise helps reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. It aids in keeping the arterial walls flexible, which can mitigate the risk of high blood pressure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cholesterol-management">Cholesterol management</h3>



<p>Physical activity can raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, while decreasing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. This balance is beneficial for preventing arterial blockage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-control">Weight control</h3>



<p>Exercise, combined with a balanced diet, helps control weight. Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By managing weight, one reduces the strain on the heart and lowers the risk of developing other complications like diabetes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthened-heart-muscle">Strengthened heart muscle</h3>



<p>Like any muscle, the heart gets stronger with exercise. A stronger heart can pump blood more efficiently, ensuring that all body parts receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-inflammation">Reduced inflammation</h3>



<p>Regular exercise can reduce inflammation, a key contributor to many heart-related diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-reduction">Stress reduction</h3>



<p>Physical activity acts as a natural stress reliever. Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease. By reducing stress levels, you're indirectly safeguarding your heart.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-sugar-control">Blood sugar control</h3>



<p>Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels, decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a known risk factor for heart disease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decreased-risk-of-arrhythmia">Decreased risk of arrhythmia</h3>



<p>Regular exercise can lead to a lower chance of experiencing irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-mental-well-being">Enhanced mental well-being</h3>



<p>Exercise has been shown to improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Given that mental well-being and heart health are interconnected, this is an added advantage.</p>



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Climbing stairs can slash your heart disease risk by 20 percent

Researchers at Tulane University have found that climbing more than...

<p>In a recent study, scientists have investigated some curious behavior among fish-eating killer whales in the Pacific Northwest.&nbsp;For decades, these toothed whales have been harassing and killing porpoises, but without eating them.</p>



<p>The research was co-led by Deborah Giles of Wild Orca and Sarah Teman of the <a href="https://www.seadocsociety.org/killer-whale-facts#:~:text=Three%20distinct%20types%20of%20killer,as%20shown%20in%20recent%20studies." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SeaDoc Society</a>, a program of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-conduct-nbsp">Mysterious conduct&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team examined over 60 years of interactions between Southern Resident killer whales and porpoises in the Salish Sea to clarify this mysterious conduct.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-prey-is-changing-the-behavior-of-killer-whales/">killer whales</a>, an endangered group with a count of only 75, are significantly dependent on Chinook salmon for their survival. These fish are also endangered.</p>



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



<p>Giles pointed out that the killer whales, despite residing in the same waters as their marine mammal-eating counterparts, possess a distinct ecology and culture, making them exclusively fish-eaters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I am frequently asked, why don’t the Southern Residents just eat seals or porpoises instead?” said Giles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It's because fish-eating killer whales have a completely different ecology and culture from orcas that eat marine mammals - even though the two populations live in the same waters."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"So we must conclude that their interactions with porpoises serve a different purpose, but this purpose has only been speculation until now.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plausible-theories-nbsp">Plausible theories&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study authors analyzed 78 documented porpoise harassment incidents from 1962 to 2020, proposing three plausible explanations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One suggestion is that this behavior serves as social play for the killer whales, allowing them to bond, communicate, and enjoy themselves, ultimately benefiting group coordination and teamwork.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alternatively, harassing porpoises might be a method for the whales to sharpen their salmon-hunting skills, using the porpoises as practice targets without intending to eat them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A third hypothesis introduces the concept of “mismothering behavior,” where whales may offer care to perceived weaker porpoises, mirroring their instinct to assist group members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mothering-challenges">Mothering challenges</h2>



<p>“Mismothering behavior - also known as ‘displaced epimeletic behavior’ to scientists - might be due to their limited opportunities to care for young,” explained Giles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our research has shown that due to malnutrition, nearly 70% of Southern Resident killer whale pregnancies have resulted in miscarriages or calves that died right away after birth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-animals">Complex animals</h2>



<p>The exact motivations behind porpoise harassment by these whales may remain elusive.&nbsp;The study confirms that porpoises are not included in the Southern Resident killer whale's diet, as these whales feed almost exclusively on Chinook salmon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Killer whales are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. We found that porpoise-harassing behavior has been passed on through generations and across social groupings. It’s an amazing example of killer whale culture,” said Teman.</p>



<p>“Still, we don’t expect the Southern Resident killer whales to start eating porpoises. The culture of eating salmon is deeply ingrained in Southern Resident society. These whales need healthy salmon populations to survive.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-conservation">Salmon conservation </h2>



<p>This dietary constraint underlines the crucial need for salmon conservation efforts in the Salish Sea to ensure the Southern Residents' survival and the health of the region’s ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study received funding and support from numerous institutions, including Wild Orca, SeaDoc Society, University of Exeter, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Orca Behavior Institute, NOAA, Cascadia Research, The Whale Museum, Center for Whale Research, ORCA at Everett Community College, Bay Cetology, North Gulf Oceanic Society, George Mason University, and Marine-Med.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13073"><em>Marine Mammal Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Wild Orca</em></p>



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Killer whales have been killing porpoises for decades, but why?

In a recent study, scientists have investigated some curious behavior...

<p>Individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder may have a heightened risk of facing major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, according to a new study.</p>



<p>The researchers found that people with cannabis use disorder are at a 60% higher risk of experiencing a major heart-related event compared to individuals who do not misuse the drug.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was focused on information from five databases, including close to 60,000 cannabis users – half of whom were diagnosed with cannabis use disorder.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicate a “substantial association between cannabis use disorder and the increased risk of first-time adverse cardiovascular events,” said lead researcher Dr. Anees Bahji, a clinical assistant professor of Psychiatry at the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca/safer-substance-use/cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-cardiovascular-risks">Potential cardiovascular risks</h2>



<p>However, he emphasized that the research doesn't necessarily prove that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-use-reduces-demand-for-prescription-drugs/">marijuana</a> abuse causes heart problems, but indicates a potential higher risk for those diagnosed with cannabis use disorder.</p>



<p>The study further highlights the need for a better understanding of the cardiovascular risks linked to cannabis use disorder. Such risks might have been previously underestimated or ignored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-cannabis-use-disorder">What is cannabis use disorder?</h2>



<p>Cannabis use disorder is defined as a pattern of marijuana usage that leads to significant distress or impairment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Symptoms and related behaviors include:</p>



<ul>
<li>Unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control usage</li>



<li>Spending excessive time obtaining or using cannabis</li>



<li>Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not consuming it</li>
</ul>



<p>"The diagnosis of cannabis use disorder depends on meeting specific criteria, and it is not solely based on frequency or quantity of use," said Dr. Bahji. "Individuals can develop this disorder even with relatively infrequent cannabis use if their use leads to significant impairment in their daily life, relationships or overall well-being."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underlying-factors">Underlying factors</h2>



<p>The underlying cause driving the link between elevated heart risk and cannabis use disorder remains unclear.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Bahji noted that cannabis could affect heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation levels in the body, blood clotting, and the ability of blood vessels to dilate and relax.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-relationship">Complex relationship</h2>



<p>"The relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular events is complex and may also be influenced by factors such as the method of cannabis consumption, the presence of other co-occurring health conditions, and individual variations in response to cannabis," said Dr. Bahji.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and the overall impact on cardiovascular health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-opinions">Conflicting opinions</h2>



<p>Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, disagrees with the findings.</p>



<p>"The presence of cannabis use disorder isn't very accurate in helping us to determine anything," said Dr. Grinspoon, noting that individuals with this disorder may have had other medical conditions that they were using the cannabis to treat. This could mean they were less healthy and could explain the higher rates of heart disease."</p>



<p>"There are too many possible variables that could skew the results, so I don't make much of the study or its results. It is more anti-cannabis porn, in my humble opinion," said Dr. Grinspoon.</p>



<p>"That said, if you take too high a dosage of cannabis, it can cause anxiety which, in turn, can trigger an arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) or possibly a coronary event, so, inpatients with a history of coronary disease, particularly recent, unstable coronary disease, or with a history of arrhythmia, I treat very carefully if at all with medicinal cannabis."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16337"><em>Addiction</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cannabis use disorder linked to increased heart risks

Individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder may have a heightened...

<p>A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain regions of New York City are either sinking or rising, and it's not just due to modern human intervention - some of the reasons trace back to the last Ice Age.</p>



<p>While the elevation changes are just fractions of inches per year, the experts noted that they can increase or diminish local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-flood-risks-plague-the-us-housing-market/">flood risks</a> associated with sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The detailed analysis was conducted by experts from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-study-pinpoints-areas-of-new-york-city-sinking-rising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in California and Rutgers University in New Jersey.</p>



<p>The researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2016 to 2023. This advanced remote sensing technique merges multiple 3D observations of an area to expose surface movements or changes in topography.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-implications-nbsp">Profound implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A considerable amount of the movement was detected in areas previously altered by human activity, such as land reclamation or the establishment of landfills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such activities made the underlying ground more susceptible to compression, especially under the weight of new constructions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-ice-burden">Heavy ice burden</h2>



<p>However, not all of the alterations were recent. The last ice age, which peaked around 24,000 years ago, saw vast parts of New England blanketed in ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This heavy ice burden impacted the Earth's mantle. Areas like New York City, which were located just outside the ice sheet's periphery, have been undergoing a "rebalancing" of sorts, leading to the current sinking pattern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertical-land-motion-nbsp">Vertical land motion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>On average, the metropolitan area saw a decline of approximately 0.06 inches (1.6 millimeters) per year. To put it in perspective, that's roughly the pace at which a toenail grows monthly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But certain landmarks and neighborhoods in New York have been sinking faster than this average. </p>



<p>Brett Buzzanga, the study's lead author, expressed excitement at the granularity of the data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve produced such a detailed map of vertical land motion in the New York City area that there are features popping out that haven’t been noticed before," said Buzzanga.</p>



<p>Understanding these local elevation shifts is pivotal for flood mapping, especially given the global climate crisis and rising sea levels, noted David Bekaert, a JPL scientist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-change">Zones of change</h2>



<p>A significant finding from the study highlights two regions in Queens, both associated with landfills, which are subsiding at alarming rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One such area is runway 13/31 at LaGuardia Airport, descending at approximately 0.15 inches per year. The other notable location is the Arthur Ashe Stadium, sinking about 0.18 inches each year.</p>



<p>Other affected zones include parts of Governors Island, areas near Brooklyn's Coney Island and Queens' Arverne by the Sea built on artificial fill, and parts of New Jersey crisscrossed by Route 440 and Interstate 78.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upward-movement">Upward movement</h2>



<p>Yet, not all areas are on a downward trajectory. Surprisingly, regions in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens, showed uplift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Woodside rose a notable 0.27 inches annually between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University said that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role, but further investigation is needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I’m intrigued by the potential of using high-resolution InSAR to measure these kinds of relatively short-lived environmental modifications associated with uplift,” said Kopp.</p>



<p>The scientists noted that cities like New York, which are investing in coastal defenses and infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, can benefit from high-resolution estimates of land motion.</p>



<p>With billions invested in coastal defenses and infrastructural adaptations, understanding and accounting for these subsiding and rising zones might just be the blueprint they need for a more resilient future.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Parts of New York City are sinking, while others are rising

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain...

<p>An emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-sea-stars-more-susceptible-to-disease/">disease</a> that was believed to only cause hoof deformation in elk appears to trigger molecular changes throughout the entire animal system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is the conclusion of an epigenetic study by experts at <a href="https://vetmed.wsu.edu/departments/veterinary-microbiology-and-pathology/elk-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU), who set out to gain a better understanding of elk treponeme-associated hoof disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-spreading-disease-nbsp">Rapidly spreading disease&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a previous <a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2021/09/16/wsu-researchers-discover-one-way-elk-become-infected-devastating-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study from WSU</a>, researchers discovered that healthy elk can contract the disease by simply walking on soil contaminated by infected hooves. </p>



<p>The experts described the disease as "devastatingly painful," noting that it often leads to death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Affected elk suffer with deformed hooves, lameness, and increasingly poor health as a result of the infection," said the report.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The disease is spreading unabated and has been found in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physiological-changes-nbsp">Physiological changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the latest study indicate that the molecular changes caused by hoof disease might not be limited to where the infection is visible, but could potentially be affecting the entire physiology of the elk.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the illness severely impairs the elk’s ability to find food and escape predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heritable-impacts">Heritable impacts</h2>



<p>The research suggests that the disease-induced changes may be heritable, but it is not yet clear whether this means subsequent generations of elk may be more prone to catching the disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s not just the absence or presence of the infection. It’s affecting the animal’s entire physiology, all the cells,” said study senior author Michael Skinner, a WSU biologist. “It shows that there's a molecular impact by the presence of the disease organisms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-changes-nbsp">Epigenetic changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Epigenetics refers to stable molecular processes that influence gene behavior, independently of the DNA sequence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These changes in an organism’s epigenetics can be brought about by various factors such as nutrition or the environment. The current study suggests that infectious diseases can also play a part.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team analyzed cells from the leg tendons of 55 Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, both infected and uninfected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These specimens were provided by hunters and procured by wildlife agencies across five states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and South Dakota.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the findings reveal epigenetic changes associated exclusively with the disease in the infected elk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Considering that the tendon cells were located away from the hoof infection, this suggests that the changes induced by the treponeme-associated hoof disease could be systemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Margaret Wild, this research is only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re building foundational knowledge to understand this disease,” said Wild. “By doing this epigenetic study, we can see apparent systemic impacts from the infection, even though we don't see those pathological changes when we look at the elk.”</p>



<p>The disease's name originates from the treponeme bacteria. However, researchers now theorize that it might be caused by multiple bacterial strains.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Wild and her team are currently undertaking studies in captive elk to identify the transmission mode of the disease. This research could also shine a light on factors like diet that may alter the animals' vulnerability to the infection.</p>



<p>While elk remain the only wild species detected with the disease, WSU researchers are exploring possible connections to bovine digital dermatitis found in cattle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There's also an ongoing effort using computer modeling to identify environmental factors, such as soil type, moisture, and geography, which might determine where elks are more susceptible.</p>



<p>“This is a brand-new emerging disease that hardly anything is known about,” Wild said. “We are taking a multi-pronged approach and conducting a broad range of exploratory studies."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our goal is to do as much research as we can to learn about all the impacts this disease is having on individuals and elk populations to help wildlife managers address the disease.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42546-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Emerging hoof disease may cause physiological changes in elk

An emerging disease that was believed to only cause hoof...

Date	Citation Page	Title
05/30/1989	54 FR 22906 22907	ETWP; Chinese River Dolphin; Final Rule; 54 FR 22906 22907
05/30/1989	54 FR 22906 22906	Addition of the Chinese River Dolphin to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
05/18/1988	53 FR 17735 17736	Proposed End. Status for Chinese River Dolphin; 53 FR 17735-17736