<p><br>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hurricane Erin tore across the ocean, intensifying from a modest Category 1 storm into a ferocious Category 5 system in just over a day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-thousand-years-extreme-storms-are-becoming-much-more-frequent/">storm</a> stayed offshore, but its power rippled across the Caribbean and along the Eastern Seaboard, bringing dangerous weather to millions of people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-erin-s-massive-wind-field">Erin’s massive wind field</h2>



<p>At its peak, Hurricane Erin grew into a truly massive storm - not just because of its strength, but due to how far its winds spread. </p>



<p>The National Hurricane Center reported that hurricane-force winds extended roughly 575 miles from the storm’s center. That meant the storm’s reach was enormous, touching wide stretches of ocean and coastal regions even without making landfall.</p>



<p>Coastal regions braced as Erin sent pounding surf, intense rain, and strong winds to Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and U.S. states from Florida to New York.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-intensification-of-hurricane-erin">Rapid intensification of Hurricane Erin</h2>



<p>Erin reached hurricane strength on August 15 and then stunned forecasters with a rapid intensification rarely seen. </p>



<p>By the following day, it had exploded into a Category 5 monster, with sustained winds topping out at 160 miles per hour northeast of Puerto Rico. That speed put it among the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic.</p>



<p>“Several environmental factors facilitated Erin’s rapid intensification, including light wind shear and a compact storm structure, according to a blog post by meteorologist Bob Henson,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154694/hurricane-erin-roils-in-the-atlantic">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>Warm waters across the Atlantic served as fuel, and the storm’s swift pace over the ocean meant it didn’t churn away its own heat source. The combination gave Erin the perfect environment to gain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/">strength</a> almost overnight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-and-early-event">A rare and early event</h2>



<p>Erin joined a small group of storms in history. Since official records began in 1851, only 43 Atlantic hurricanes have reached Category 5.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Erin also stood out as the earliest storm of this intensity in its part of the basin. For scientists who track weather extremes, it was another reminder of how unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/">conditions</a> can line up to create powerful storms.</p>



<p>As the hurricane continued westward, it went through eyewall replacement cycles. This process often weakens peak wind speeds but spreads the force over a broader area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By August 18, satellite images from NASA’s Terra spacecraft captured a strikingly clear eye, a hallmark of its strength even as it began to lose some intensity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-feel-the-outer-bands">Islands feel the outer bands</h2>



<p>Though Erin never came ashore, outer bands from the storm slammed into nearby islands. Puerto Rico endured heavy rain and high winds on August 17, leaving more than 147,000 customers without power.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas faced tropical storm conditions, with coastal flooding and strong wind gusts persisting into August 19.</p>



<p>These impacts showed how storms hundreds of miles offshore can still disrupt daily life, from flooded streets to downed power lines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-u-s-east-coast-on-alert">U.S. East Coast on alert</h2>



<p>Forecasts projected Erin would curve northward and run parallel to the U.S. coast as a Category 2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricanes-help-oceans-fight-climate-change/">hurricane</a>, with warnings stretching from Florida to Canada.</p>



<p>Officials across the region acted quickly. North Carolina’s Outer Banks came under an evacuation order, and the state declared a state of emergency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In New York and New Jersey, authorities urged people to stay out of the ocean as conditions grew increasingly dangerous.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-2025-hurricane-season">The 2025 hurricane season</h2>



<p>Hurricane Erin may be the first of 2025, but experts expect more storms before the season ends.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/">Warmer waters</a> and shifting weather patterns continue to set the stage for powerful hurricanes that could impact communities from the Caribbean to the Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Erin’s sudden growth highlights the challenge of predicting storm behavior and the importance of staying prepared, even when landfall seems unlikely.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Hurricane Erin explodes into first Category 5 storm of 2025

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke plumes stretching across the Iberian Peninsula, as wildfires suddenly intensified across Spain and Portugal.</p>



<p>The image was captured on August 15 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-breaking-fire-season-nbsp">Record-breaking fire season&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Hot, dry conditions pushed fire risk to extreme levels, leaving vast landscapes scorched. The fires aren’t just dramatic visuals - they are shaping the year’s record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-weather-seasons-are-overlapping-more-than-ever-before/">fire season</a>.</p>



<p>“As of August 19, fires in Spain had scorched more than 382,000 hectares (944,000 acres) since the start of the year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS),” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154691/smoke-blankets-the-iberian-peninsula" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>This exceeds any previous yearly total in the EFFIS records, which date back to 2006. Firefighters were stretched thin, tackling roughly 20 major blazes nationwide, with a particularly severe cluster near Ourense.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-devastation-in-portugal">Fire devastation in Portugal</h2>



<p>Portugal faced a similarly devastating season. By mid-August, more than 347,000 hectares (857,000 acres) had been consumed by fire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre reported 10 large fires burning across the country at that time. The largest fire, near Trancoso, alone had already scorched over 39,000 hectares.</p>



<p>The blazes forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Essential services were disrupted, including the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Galicia, which had been closed for nearly a week.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Firefighters worked tirelessly under extreme conditions, navigating both flames and smoke to protect people and property.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-pollution-and-far-reaching-effects">Smoke, pollution, and far-reaching effects</h2>



<p>The fires didn’t stay local. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-delivers-a-double-hit-to-air-quality/">Smoke</a> from the Iberian Peninsula carried high into the atmosphere, drifting across France, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It even mixed with smoke from wildfires in Canada, creating hazy skies across parts of Europe. Carbon emissions from these fires hit record levels in Spain and near-record levels in Portugal, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.</p>



<p>Black carbon, a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released by wildfires, poses serious health risks. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially aggravating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Residents in affected regions were warned to limit outdoor activity and monitor air quality as smoke lingered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-spain-and-portugal">Wildfires in Spain and Portugal </h2>



<p>Spain and Portugal are no strangers to wildfires, but the 2025 season is unusual for its speed and scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Heatwaves have become more frequent in southern Europe, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-2024-record-heat-and-rising-seas/">rising temperatures</a> and prolonged droughts creating tinderbox conditions for forests and grasslands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Experts link this increase to ongoing climate change, which has amplified the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events in the region.</p>



<p>The EFFIS database shows that Spain’s burned area this year surpassed previous records, while Portugal’s figures ranked second only to the catastrophic fires of 2017. These trends highlight the growing challenge of managing wildfires in a warming climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-wildfires-nbsp">The human toll of wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Beyond environmental impacts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-are-changing-the-quality-of-our-air/">wildfires</a> take a heavy toll on communities. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and homes, farms, and critical infrastructure have suffered extensive damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emergency services scrambled to coordinate evacuations and protect residents, while volunteers and local authorities provided support on the ground.</p>



<p>Firefighters faced particularly difficult conditions, battling flames under record heat and through thick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">smoke</a>. The work was physically demanding and dangerous.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-technology-and-firefighting">Satellite technology and firefighting</h2>



<p>NASA’s Terra satellite and the MODIS sensor provide crucial monitoring for wildfire activity. These tools allow authorities to track the spread of fires in near-real time, identify hotspots, and deploy resources more efficiently.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data feeds into systems like EFFIS and the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), offering a broader picture of wildfire patterns and trends across Europe.</p>



<p>This combination of satellite monitoring, on-the-ground firefighting, and coordination among emergency services is vital for managing the ongoing crisis. As wildfires continue to grow in frequency and intensity, technology can help limit damage and protect communities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Wildfires scorch Spain and Portugal amid extreme heat

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. </p>



<p>The striking image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.</p>



<p>“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



<p>NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/">light pollution</a>. </p>



<p>The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



<p>According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”</p>



<p>“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-galaxies">Star formation in galaxies</h2>



<p>Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies. </p>



<p>These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.</p>



<p>As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rates-of-star-formation">Rates of star formation</h2>



<p>The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.</p>



<p>On the other hand, starburst galaxies experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions.</p>



<p>These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.</p>



<p>The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As galaxies evolve over time, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puppis-constellation-nbsp">The Puppis constellation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.</p>



<p>This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/">star clusters</a> and nebulae. </p>



<p>Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography.<br></p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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Eye in the sky: A galaxy that appears to be gazing back

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features a large phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Maine.</p>



<p>The image was captured on June 21, 2025, by the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on NASA’s PACE satellite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In summer 2025, waters in the Gulf of Maine popped with vivid swirls of blue and green. The cause was a massive bloom of phytoplankton - microscopic plant-like organisms that often float near the ocean surface,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154472/a-booming-bloom-returns-to-the-gulf-of-maine">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“Scientists say it was one of the largest blooms of its kind to show up in the Gulf’s waters in recent years.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bloom-in-the-gulf-of-maine">Bloom in the Gulf of Maine </h2>



<p>Catherine Mitchell is a satellite oceanographer at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. She noted that the Gulf of Maine bloom contained coccolithophores, a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-phytoplankton-that-feed-ocean-life-are-rapidly-disappearing/">phytoplankton</a> that makes the water appear milky blue.</p>



<p>“The tiny organisms, along with other types of phytoplankton, including diatoms that bloom here in spring, lie at the base of the marine food web,” explained NASA.</p>



<p>“Their presence - or absence - in Gulf of Maine waters can affect the entire ecosystem, from finfish to shellfish, and the region’s fisheries that depend on them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-conditions-and-plankton-communities-nbsp">Shifting conditions and plankton communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mitchell said that coccolithophore blooms like this one became less common in the Gulf’s waters starting around 2010. But in recent years, they’ve started to come back.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists have also seen more dinoflagellates (a type of phytoplankton that move with tiny tails) and an overall drop in phytoplankton productivity over the past few decades.</p>



<p>These changes in plankton are linked to shifting ocean conditions. For instance, heavy rainfall from 2006 to 2009 made the Gulf’s waters fresher. Then, starting in 2008, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-forest-of-phytoplankton-thrives-in-a-warming-climate/">warm water</a> from deep in the North Atlantic began heating the Gulf from the bottom up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, by spring 2025, bottom-water temperatures were cooler than they’ve been in 20 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-efforts">Ongoing research efforts</h2>



<p>“The relationship between these changing water conditions and phytoplankton communities in the gulf remains unclear, but ongoing research could begin to provide some answers,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>“In fact, Mitchell and colleagues scrutinized this PACE image just days before heading out on a research expedition to study the bloom and other ocean properties up close. The cruise, the third so far this year, offers scientists the chance to validate ocean color data collected by PACE with real-world ocean samples.”</p>



<p>Mitchell pointed out that a major benefit of the PACE satellite is its ability to “see the rainbow,” which makes it easier for scientists to distinguish between groups of phytoplankton.</p>



<p>“With our continuing field measurements, we will validate ocean color observations from PACE, enabling satellite observations in the Gulf of Maine and supporting the region’s fisheries and aquaculture industries.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-signs-of-ocean-health">Vital signs of ocean health</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/">Phytoplankton blooms</a> like the one captured in the Gulf of Maine are vital signs of ocean health. These microscopic organisms form the foundation of marine food webs, feeding everything from tiny zooplankton to large fish, whales, and seabirds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When conditions are right - such as warm temperatures, abundant sunlight, and available nutrients - phytoplankton populations can grow rapidly, creating colorful blooms that are visible from space.</p>



<p>The Gulf of Maine is particularly sensitive to environmental change. Located at the intersection of cold northern currents and warmer waters from the south, it’s a dynamic ecosystem where small shifts in temperature or salinity can have outsized effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This region is also one of the fastest-warming ocean areas on the planet, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-are-rising-faster-than-expected-and-likely-to-accelerate/">temperatures</a> rising more than three times the global ocean average in some years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-changes-with-ocean-monitoring-nbsp">Forecasting changes with ocean monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Changes in water temperature and salinity have ripple effects across the food chain. Warmer waters can favor certain types of phytoplankton over others, shifting the balance of species in ways that affect what fish and shellfish are available to predators - and to the region’s fisheries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, coccolithophores may thrive in clearer, warmer waters, while traditional spring-blooming diatoms do better in colder, more nutrient-rich conditions.</p>



<p>Long-term monitoring is essential to understand and predict these shifts. Satellites like PACE provide a global view of ocean color, which reflects the presence and composition of phytoplankton.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By combining these observations with ship-based sampling, scientists can get a more complete picture of how plankton communities are evolving and how that affects everything from carbon cycling to fisheries sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-the-gulf-of-maine-nbsp">Warming in the Gulf of Maine&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Gulf’s warming trend has already caused noticeable ecological changes. Some species of fish have moved farther north or into deeper waters in search of cooler temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lobsters, a key commercial species, have shifted their range as well. Meanwhile, harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-algae-in-lake-erie-may-be-hiding-toxic-deadly-compounds/">algal blooms</a> - caused by certain types of phytoplankton - have become more frequent in some parts of the Gulf, threatening shellfish harvests and public health.</p>



<p>Scientists are working to better predict how blooms will respond to future climate conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding which species are likely to dominate under warmer, fresher, or more acidic conditions can help predict changes in fish stocks, shellfish safety, and ecosystem stability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This kind of forecasting is especially important in the Gulf of Maine, where marine resources are closely tied to local economies.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Giant bloom in the Gulf of Maine signals change

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features Lake Chad in central Africa. The photograph was taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154407/lake-chads-water-wetlands-and-dunes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, Lake Chad once ranked among the largest natural lakes in the world. It was a critical resource for millions of people and animals, supporting agriculture and fishing across the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lake Chad straddles the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The shallow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/">lake</a> is primarily fed by the Chari River, which brings water from the Central African Republic. </p>



<p>The water levels are also influenced by seasonal rainfall. The rainfall patterns vary significantly across the basin but generally follow a wet-dry seasonal cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-decline-and-shrinkage-nbsp">Environmental decline and shrinkage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the lake lost more than 90 percent of its surface area. It transformed from a vast expanse of open water into a patchwork of wetlands, reed beds, and scattered pools.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This environmental decline has had severe consequences for local communities, leading to food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-security-relies-on-the-origins-of-rainfall/">water insecurity</a>, loss of livelihoods, and increasing competition over scarce resources.</p>



<p>“Ongoing droughts and the rising demand for fresh water have shrunk the lake to less than a tenth of the area it covered in the middle of the last century,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>“Although the lake has experienced dry and wet periods for thousands of years, there has been a significant decline in the amount of lake water available since the 1960s.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-culture-and-economy">Conflict, culture, and economy</h2>



<p>Lake Chad is a geopolitical hotspot. The region has been affected by conflict, including the insurgency led by Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and further complicated efforts to manage and protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, regional governments and international organizations are working to restore and sustain the lake, including ambitious proposals to divert water from the Congo River basin.</p>



<p>Culturally and economically, Lake Chad remains vital. It is a hub for trade and social exchange among diverse ethnic groups and continues to provide fish and fertile land despite its reduced size.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The future of Lake Chad hinges on sustainable water management, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/">climate</a> resilience, and political cooperation across national boundaries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-lake-chad-nbsp">Evolution of Lake Chad&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to NASA, the evolution of Lake Chad has been documented by astronaut photography over the past 60 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“During the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, an astronaut acquired an oblique <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=AS07&amp;roll=8&amp;frame=1932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photograph</a> of the lake as one large body of water. In 1982, another photo from the space shuttle mission STS-5 recorded receding water levels and encroaching sand dunes.”</p>



<p>“A photo taken in 2015 during space station Expedition 42 captured the lake’s remaining waters and wetlands in dark green, blue, and brown, contrasting with the sandy shades of the surrounding land.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-chad">Wildlife of Lake Chad</h2>



<p>Lake Chad still supports wildlife, though species diversity and abundance have declined significantly due to ecosystem degradation</p>



<p>The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to several species of fish, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, which are important both ecologically and economically.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fish support a major regional fishing industry, although overfishing and changes in water conditions have put pressure on fish populations.</p>



<p>Birds are another key component of the ecosystem. The lake serves as a crucial habitat and stopover point for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/">migratory birds</a> traveling along the African-Eurasian flyway. </p>



<p>Species such as herons, storks, ducks, and geese can be found in the region, especially during the wet season when parts of the lake flood and create rich feeding grounds.</p>



<p>Mammals that depend on the surrounding floodplains and wetlands include hippos and various antelope species, yet their numbers have declined.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-and-challenges">Conservation efforts and challenges</h2>



<p>Reptiles like Nile crocodiles and turtles also inhabit the lake's waters and marshy areas. In the past, larger wildlife such as elephants and lions may have roamed the wider Lake Chad basin, but they are now mostly gone from the immediate lake area due to habitat loss and human activity.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, Lake Chad remains an important, yet increasingly fragile, refuge for wildlife in a region where water and natural habitats are becoming more scarce.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conservation efforts aim to balance the needs of people and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-freshwater-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">wildlife</a>, but the success of such efforts depends on managing the lake’s limited resources in the face of climate change, political instability, and population growth.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Lake Chad: A vanishing lifeline in Central Africa

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features the Bear Gulch Fire, which has persisted for weeks on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.  </p>



<p>The fire was ignited on July 6, 2025. Over the past month, it has grown into one of the most significant wildfires in the region's recent history. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154682/fire-burns-through-olympic-wilderness">image</a> was captured by the Landsat 8 satellite on August 12. “On that day, smoke reached a height of nearly 30,000 feet because of significant fuel consumption and unstable atmospheric conditions,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progression-of-the-bear-gulch-fire-nbsp">Progression of the Bear Gulch Fire&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By August 12, the fire had expanded by approximately 1,200 acres in just 24 hours, burning a total of 7,390 acres.  </p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/">rapid growth</a> was fueled by a combination of high temperatures - reaching 93°F - and dry vegetation that had been primed by weeks of drought. Firefighting efforts were further complicated by the region's rugged terrain, making containment challenging. </p>



<p>The fire's progression into the forest canopy in certain areas has been particularly concerning.  Flames have spread with the help of hanging moss. </p>



<p>Rock outcrops - which normally act as natural firebreaks - have been consumed due to the burning of moss on them. This behavior demonstrates the fire's intensity and the unusual conditions contributing to its spread. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-and-environmental-response">Community and environmental response</h2>



<p>In response to the fire's advancement, the Staircase area of Olympic National Park, along with several trails and campgrounds in the adjacent Olympic National Forest and Mount Skokomish Wilderness Area, were closed as of August 14, 2025.  </p>



<p>These closures aim to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-escalating-public-health-emergency/">public safety</a> and allow firefighting efforts to proceed without interference. As of the latest reports, no structures have been damaged, but the situation is still evolving. </p>



<p>Firefighters continue to battle the Bear Gulch Fire. They are using a number of strategies to contain its spread, including bucket drops from helicopters.  </p>



<p>The coming days will be critical in determining the fire's trajectory and the effectiveness of suppression efforts.  Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow all safety advisories. </p>



<p>The Bear Gulch Fire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, especially under the influence of climate change.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wildfire highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, preparedness, and adaptation in the face of evolving environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-and-ecological-toll">The human and ecological toll</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">Wildfires</a> don’t just threaten trees and wildlife - they disrupt communities. Evacuations and road closures become part of life during fire outbreaks. </p>



<p>Residents often have to adjust daily routines to reduce exposure to smoke, taking steps ranging from keeping windows closed to limiting outdoor activities. Local health services may see an increase in respiratory issues, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions. </p>



<p>At the same time, fire crews and emergency responders face heightened risks as they work to contain the flames - highlighting the human effort required to protect both communities and the environment during these events.</p>



<p>Smoke can travel miles from the blaze, affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-delivers-a-double-hit-to-air-quality/">air quality</a> and public health in nearby towns. </p>



<p>Wildlife faces habitat loss, and even small changes to forest ecosystems can have ripple effects on biodiversity, soil health, and water quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-wildfire-risks">Climate change and wildfire risks</h2>



<p>The Bear Gulch Fire reflects a broader pattern affecting the Pacific Northwest. Increasing temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting precipitation patterns are making forests more susceptible to wildfires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past few decades, wildfire seasons in Washington and neighboring states have lengthened, and fires have become more intense and harder to control.</p>



<p>Scientists say climate change doesn’t just make fires more likely - it changes the way they behave.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Forests stressed by heat and dry conditions burn faster and hotter, with flames that can leap into tree canopies and travel across areas that would have naturally slowed a fire in the past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The combination of high winds and dry vegetation can turn small ignitions into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/">fires</a> that cover thousands of acres within days.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Bear Gulch Fire rages across Washington forests

<span style="font-weight: 400;">This </span><b>Image of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from the </span><a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA Earth Observatory</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and features a look at orange snow in eastern Europe. The snow has been tinted orange. Orange snow in eastern Europe shown in image above. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong winds kicked up large amounts of dust from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-falls-sahara-desert/">Sahara Desert</a>, turning the snow a slight orange color.</span><i></i>

Orange snow in eastern Europe

<p>South America is on a hot streak. In Ecuador’s Zamora-Chinchipe province, new drill results include ultra-high grades at Fruta del Norte South and confirmation that a copper and gold porphyry system sits right next door at Trancaloma, as outlined by Lundin Gold’s May 2025 <a href="https://lundingold.com/site/assets/files/111540/lundin_gold_inc__lundin_gold_reports_strong_exploration_results.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disclosure</a>.</p>



<p>Guyana is stirring too. Omai Gold’s latest holes at the historic Omai mine cut rich zones at Wenot, while an April 2024 economic <a href="https://omaigoldmines.com/site/assets/files/5864/2024-04-04_omg_nr_wenot_pea_final-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> lays out a long-life open pit plan for that deposit.</p>



<p><a href="https://lundingold.com/about/management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andre Oliveira</a>, Vice President of Exploration at Lundin Gold, is identified as the Qualified Person who reviewed the technical content supporting these Ecuador updates, per the company’s public filing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-gold-deposit-numbers">Reading gold deposit numbers</h2>



<p>Grades like these can be confusing if you do not spend your day reading core logs. </p>



<p>The industry often reports grams per ton of gold, which simply measures how much gold sits in a ton of rock, so when a number spikes into the triple digits, it signals a very rich slice of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-white-gold-a-lithium-deposit-valued-at-1-5-trillion-has-been-discovered-in-the-u-s/">deposit</a>.</p>



<p>The porphyry label matters because these deposits supply a large share of the world’s copper and can also carry gold. </p>



<p>That combination of scale and metal mix is the reason explorers celebrate long runs of consistent mineralization.</p>



<p>You will also see the term <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/sir20105070Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epithermal</a> in this news. Epithermal systems form closer to the surface and can deliver pockets of very high grade, which is a common pairing near porphyry centers in many districts described by USGS models.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-year-of-drilling-in-ecuador">Record year of drilling in Ecuador</h2>



<p>At Fruta del Norte East, one hole reported 7.12 grams per ton <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mineral-exploration-project-discovers-20-metric-tons-of-gold-deposits-odisha-india/">gold</a> across about 46.9 feet.</p>



<p>Also, deeper in the hole, 4.62 grams per ton over about 76.0 feet, which points to a broad mineralized corridor a short distance from the existing mine. That is not a single narrow vein, it is a stacked system with multiple zones.</p>



<p>“We will accelerate the delineation of these new exploration opportunities,” said <a href="https://lundingold.com/about/management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ron Hochstein</a>, President and CEO of Lundin Gold, after releasing the new results. </p>



<p>The company’s next decisions, from drilling priorities to engineering studies, flow from data like this.</p>



<p>Fruta del Norte is not new to geologists. Its discovery and geologic character have been <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/segweb/economicgeology/article/111/5/1043/172161/Discovery-Geology-and-Origin-of-the-Fruta-del" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">documented</a> in the scientific literature, including an overview in <em>Economic Geology</em> that set the deposit in its regional context. The district-scale picture is getting sharper as new targets are tested.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porphyry-confirmation-at-trancaloma">Porphyry confirmation at Trancaloma</h2>



<p>Trancaloma sits immediately adjacent to the mine area and now carries confirmation of a copper and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-high-grade-gold-mine-found-in-an-unexplored-area-of-south-america/">gold</a> porphyry at surface. </p>



<p>Company updates since May describe a several mile-long corridor with multiple porphyry targets aligned beside the epithermal system that hosts Fruta del Norte.</p>



<p>That geometry matters. A porphyry at surface can support very long intercepts and, if the rock behaves economically, large tonnages that benefit from scale.</p>



<p>Geologists often find epithermal veins and porphyry centers living in the same neighborhoods. Seeing both in one compact area is the kind of pattern that encourages sustained exploration programs and patient follow up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guyana-s-gold-deposit-past">Guyana’s gold deposit past</h2>



<p>The Omai mine in Guyana produced more than 3.7 million ounces of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/copper-and-gold-deposit-found-near-canadas-golden-triangle-just-59-feet-below-the-surface/">gold</a> between 1993 and 2005, and the company’s 2024 study outlines a plan for 1.84 million ounces over 13 years from the Wenot open pit if developed. That history, plus a defined plan, keeps attention on each new drill result.</p>



<p>In May, Omai reported a highlight interval grading 28.04 grams per tonne over roughly 30.5 feet, with a one yard section running 252.36 grams per tonne, at the Wenot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-white-gold-a-lithium-deposit-valued-at-1-5-trillion-has-been-discovered-in-the-u-s/">deposit</a>. </p>



<p>The team also cut additional multi-interval hits along the 1.55 mile strike length of Wenot, which helps push resource potential outward.</p>



<p>“Today’s results exemplify the continued resource expansion potential of our Wenot shear-hosted orogenic deposit,” said <a href="https://www.alamosgold.com/about/board-of-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=e901e0cf-ca47-42d6-8651-53aca29a96b2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elaine Ellingham</a>, President and CEO of Omai Gold Mines. </p>



<p>Management has flagged near term updates to the resource model and future economic analysis that could incorporate new zones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methods-quality-and-caution">Methods, quality and caution</h2>



<p>When results move fast, it is worth asking how the numbers were produced. </p>



<p>Lundin Gold’s release outlines assay preparation and analysis at accredited labs and a quality control program that includes standards, blanks, and duplicates, with oversight by a named Qualified Person as required by Canadian disclosure rules.</p>



<p>Investors should also remember that early intercepts may be reported as downhole lengths, not true thickness. </p>



<p>Regulators expect companies to name the Qualified Person who approves technical disclosure and to follow <a href="https://www.osc.ca/en/securities-law/instruments-rules-policies/4/43-101/national-instrument-ni-43-101-standards-disclosure-mineral-projects-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NI 43-101 standards</a>, which are designed to keep reports consistent and clear.</p>



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



<p>Lundin Gold has stated that studies are underway to assess how Fruta del Norte South could fit into the 2026 long term mine plan if results keep lining up. </p>



<p>The company’s first quarter 2025 update points readers back to the detailed drill tables and maps that guide those decisions.</p>



<p>In Guyana, Omai’s Wenot focus remains on extending mineralization at depth and along strike, while using fresh data to refresh both the resource and the project’s economics. </p>



<p>As the work advances, step changes could come from adding nearby targets into a single mine plan.</p>



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High-grade gold discovered in northern South America

South America is on a hot streak. In Ecuador’s Zamora-Chinchipe...

<p>You know that feeling when everyone tells you something is impossible, so you never even try? That is what happened in chemistry for a hundred years. Students memorized a rule, one called Bredt's rule, and then everyone obeyed it. Professors taught it. Nobody questioned it. And it was wrong.</p>



<p>The team of chemists behind this study didn't set out to break Bredt's rule, it just happened. </p>



<p>They made molecules that supposedly couldn't exist. Not only did they make them - they used them to create novel compounds that could become tomorrow's medicines. </p>



<p>This is not a tiny correction. It is like learning that you can divide by zero under narrowly defined conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-bredt-s-rule">Understanding Bredt's rule</h2>



<p>Back in 1924, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Bredt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius Bredt</a> examined certain molecules and concluded it could not happen. He was talking about molecules where two rings connect at a bridge point - the bridgehead. </p>



<p>Bredt argued you cannot place a double bond there in small molecules. The bond would be extremely twisted and break.</p>



<p>For a century, every chemistry textbook repeated this. They called these impossible molecules "anti-Bredt olefins." Students learned to spot them and cross them out. Case closed.</p>



<p>However, <a href="https://garg.chem.ucla.edu/about-neil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neil Garg</a>, a distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, disagreed. His team went ahead and made these "impossible" molecules anyway. </p>



<p>"People aren't exploring anti-Bredt olefins because they think they can't," Garg pointed out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proving-bredt-s-rule-false">Proving Bredt's rule false</h2>



<p>The UCLA team took a strategic approach. They knew these molecules would fall apart quickly, so they never tried to isolate them. Instead, they set up a chemical relay.</p>



<p>When fluoride is added, the molecule expels the leaving group and forms the forbidden, twisted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capturing-carbon-directly-from-the-air-is-now-much-more-efficient-thanks-to-new-material/">double bond</a> at the bridgehead. Before it can fall apart, another molecule quickly captures it. The sequence happens quickly.</p>



<p>The anti-Bredt olefin exists just long enough to react, then transforms into something stable. It is like crossing hot coals - you keep moving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-formation">Evidence of formation</h2>



<p>So how can you prove something existed if it vanished instantly? You look at what is left behind. The products tell the story.</p>



<p>When the team made a twisted molecule with a specific handedness - left-handed versus right-handed - the final product preserved the same twist. </p>



<p>That outcome occurs only if the anti-Bredt olefin formed in between. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-fingerprints-could-be-key-to-early-cancer-detection/">molecular fingerprints</a> are consistent with that conclusion.</p>



<p>Computer simulations supported the findings. The calculations predicted what they observed in the lab. When theory and experiment align, the result is compelling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medicine-needs-3d-shapes">Medicine needs 3D shapes</h2>



<p>This is why drug companies are interested. Many molecules lie relatively flat, but bodies are full of pockets and grooves that need three-dimensional shapes to fit properly. These techniques build molecules with pronounced three-dimensional features.</p>



<p>"There's a big push in the pharmaceutical industry to develop chemical reactions that give three-dimensional structures like ours because they can be used to discover <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/generic-drugs-are-not-created-equal-and-a-new-study-reveals-why/">new medicines</a>," Garg explained.</p>



<p>Each new shape is a potential key for a biological lock we have not opened yet. The anti-Bredt olefins are doorways to thousands of molecular structures nobody could make before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-bredt-s-rule">Rethinking Bredt's rule</h2>



<p>Bredt was not entirely wrong - his rule works most of the time. But treating it as an unbreakable law was the mistake. Science advances when exceptions are discovered.</p>



<p>"We shouldn't have rules like this - or if we have them, they should only exist with the constant reminder that they're guidelines, not rules. It destroys creativity when we have rules that supposedly can't be overcome," Garg said.</p>



<p>Now <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chemistry-of-wine-what-actually-shapes-its-texture/">chemistry</a> teachers face an interesting problem. How do you teach something that was "never" but is now "sometimes"? How do you tell students about rules while also telling them to question everything?</p>



<p>The answer is to teach the rule and the exception together. Show how clever chemistry can outsmart the limitations. That is more honest.</p>



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



<p>Labs everywhere are already planning experiments. Some groups want to make new drugs. Others are exploring additional “impossible” molecules. Materials scientists are considering plastics and electronics with novel properties.</p>



<p>"What this study shows is that contrary to one hundred years of conventional wisdom, chemists can make and use anti-Bredt olefins to make value-added products," Garg noted.</p>



<p>The techniques keep improving. Each successful reaction teaches chemists something new about controlling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-may-have-just-solved-the-mystery-of-sleep/">unstable molecules</a>. Today's impossibility becomes tomorrow's routine procedure.</p>



<p>But the real victory is not just about molecules. It is about mindset. When you stop accepting "can't" as final, you start finding ways around it. </p>



<p>The UCLA team did not discover a new element or invent a new instrument. They simply refused to accept that something was impossible without checking for themselves.</p>



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



<p>Most of us are not going to synthesize anti-Bredt olefins in our kitchens. But we all encounter rules that might be more like suggestions. </p>



<p>Sometimes the biggest advances come from people brave enough (or stubborn enough) to test the boundaries.</p>



<p>The chemists did not break physics. They found a path nobody thought to look for. The mountain was still there - they just discovered a tunnel. After a hundred years of going around, someone finally went through.</p>



<p>Next time someone says something is impossible, ask whether anyone has actually tried it recently. You might be surprised by what is possible when you stop assuming and start experimenting.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq3519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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100-year-old chemistry rule proven false, textbook updates needed

You know that feeling when everyone tells you something is...

<p>Your genome carries quiet traces of meetings your ancestors once had with other kinds of humans. Some of those traces come from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-had-multiple-waves-of-contact/">Denisovans</a>, a population that science met first in DNA, then slowly in bone.</p>



<p>A new wave of research is turning these strangers into neighbors by stitching together where they lived, when they thrived, and what they left behind in people today. </p>



<p>The work draws on cave sediments, ancient proteins, and high resolution timelines to replace mystery with detail.</p>



<p>Zenobia Jacobs, <a href="https://scholars.uow.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wollongong</a>, and an international team are among the scientists leading this effort. Their latest results map a full history of Denisova Cave across hundreds of thousands of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-in-the-denisovan-cave">DNA in the Denisovan cave</h2>



<p>In 2010, researchers extracted mitochondrial DNA from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-juluensis-new-human-species-vanished-just-fifty-thousand-years-ago/">a tiny finger bone</a> in Denisova Cave and realized it did not match modern humans or Neanderthals, introducing a previously unknown hominin lineage.</p>



<p>That first genome built the case for a population that had been invisible to the fossil record.</p>



<p>Follow up nuclear DNA <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature09710" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> showed Denisovans and Neanderthals were sister groups and, crucially, that ancestors of people from Melanesia carry Denisovan ancestry. </p>



<p>Those findings suggested that it contributed 4-6% of its genetic material to the genomes of present-day Melanesians.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-places-thin-air">High places, thin air</h2>



<p>Clues soon appeared far from Siberia. In 2019, proteins extracted from the Xiahe mandible found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/">Baishiya Karst Cave</a> on the Tibetan Plateau tied that jaw to Denisovans, placing them at high altitude roughly 160,000 years ago.</p>



<p>The fossil filled a geographic and ecological gap. Genetics in living people already hinted at this story. </p>



<p>A 2014 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13408" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> showed that a Tibetan haplotype for low oxygen adaptation can only be convincingly explained by introgression of DNA from Denisovan or Denisovan related individuals into humans. </p>



<p>That is one practical way the Denisovans still matter in human health today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-with-many-branches">Family with many branches</h2>



<p>The Denisovan trail is uneven. Some fossils are sparse, and some identifications remain debated. </p>



<p>In 2021, a large skull from Harbin, China, was <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34557770/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described</a> as species <em>Homo longi</em>, a proposed species whose traits differ from both Neanderthals and modern humans. The specimen’s story is still unfolding.</p>



<p>Fresh analyses are testing whether such East Asian fossils could represent Denisovan populations scattered beyond Siberia. That debate is sharpening how researchers read teeth and skulls against genomes and proteins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sediment-stories-in-denisova-cave">Sediment stories in Denisova Cave</h2>



<p>The newest advance is not a spectacular skull but the steady accumulation of DNA. and precise optical dating. </p>



<p>Jacobs and colleagues combined 150 new ages with genetic data from all three chambers of Denisova Cave and analyzed 963 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreating-the-face-of-dragon-man-harbin-skull-denisovans-an-ancient-human-cousin/">sediment samples</a> to reconstruct a whole cave timeline across the last 300,000 years, substantially enlarging the record of Denisovan presence after 80,000 years ago. </p>



<p>Their integrated chronology links shifts in hominin DNA with environmental and faunal changes through time.</p>



<p>The same cave yielded a one of a kind individual: Denisova 11, the daughter of a Neanderthal mother and a Denisovan father. That single life shows contact was not just theoretical, it was personal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60140-6/figures/3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/denisova-cave_denisovans-human-ancestors_excavation_NatureCommunication_1s.webp" alt="Microstratigraphy (micromorphology) of sediment blocks from South Chamber. Credit: Nature Communications" class="wp-image-1982836"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Microstratigraphy (micromorphology) of sediment blocks from South Chamber. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Communications</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-off-the-beaten-path">Fossils off the beaten path</h2>



<p>Evidence for Denisovans did not all come from caves. A robust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jawbone-discovery-taiwan-adds-to-the-mystery-of-our-denisovan-ancestors/">lower jaw</a> dredged near Taiwan, published in 2015, shows archaic features that some researchers compare with Denisovan-like teeth, expanding the possible range of late hominin diversity in East Asia.</p>



<p>A lone tooth from northern Laos, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35581187/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">described</a> in 2022, resembles Denisovan molars and places a Denisovan like signal in Southeast Asia’s tropics. These finds add breadth to an otherwise DNA heavy picture.</p>



<p>A complementary technique lifted the approach beyond bones. </p>



<p>A 2021 study showed how dense grids of sediment sampling can reveal occupation pulses by Denisovans, Neanderthals, and later modern humans, even when no skeletal remains survive. This method is now central to turning scattered traces into lifelike timelines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-echoes-in-living-people">Genetic echoes in living people</h2>



<p>Denisovan DNA is not a museum piece, it is a living inheritance. A 2021 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33753512/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported that the Ayta Magbukon people in the Philippines “possess the highest level of Denisovan ancestry in the world.” </p>



<p>Denisovan ancestry is also widespread in parts of Island Southeast Asia and New Guinea.</p>



<p>Multiple episodes of Denisovan gene flow into different human groups now look likely. </p>



<p>Analyses of modern genomes point to more than one Denisovan population contributing DNA across Asia, which matches the geographic scatter hinted at by fossils and cave sediments. </p>



<p>Those echoes help researchers follow population movements and contacts that left only thin archaeological footprints.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-denisova-cave-matters">Why the Denisova cave matters</h2>



<p>Denisovans force us to rethink labels. They were close kin to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/28000-year-old-hybrid-child-confirms-interbreeding-between-humans-and-neanderthals/">Neanderthals</a> yet adapted to high altitudes, present in cold Siberia and warm Southeast Asia, and contributors of useful traits to our species. </p>



<p>Those facts point to a flexible, resilient people who met and sometimes mixed with others in a changing Pleistocene world.</p>



<p>They also show how methods change what we can know. </p>



<p>DNA captured from soil, proteins preserved in mineral crusts, and calendar year chronologies let researchers track hominin populations through layers and climate swings, not just dates on a chart. </p>



<p>That is how a “ghost population” becomes part of a human story that is still being written.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60140-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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



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

What appeared to be a simple cave concealed the history of a forgotten human lineage

Your genome carries quiet traces of meetings your ancestors once...

Bandung,,Indonesia,:,People,Collect,Trash,That,Can,Be,Recycled

<p>Efforts to hammer out a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution have once again hit a wall. After years of work and six formal negotiation rounds, talks wrapped up in Geneva without an agreement. </p>



<p>Delegates from 185 countries worked past the deadline and into the early hours, but the gap between two opposing sides proved too wide to bridge.</p>



<p>This round of negotiations - billed as a last-chance summit after a similar breakdown in South Korea last year - was seen as a potential turning point. Instead, frustration ruled.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-holding-back-a-plastic-treaty">What's holding back a plastic treaty?</h2>



<p>The main split was clear. One group, known as the <a href="https://hacfornatureandpeople.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Ambition Coalition</a>, includes countries like Canada, the UK, and members of the EU. </p>



<p>They’re pushing for limits on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-treaty-talks-slow-progress-yet-restored-hope/">plastic</a> production and a gradual phase-out of harmful chemicals used in plastics.</p>



<p>On the other side, oil-producing nations grouped under the "Like-Minded Group" - including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Kuwait, and Malaysia - want a treaty focused only on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-zero-waste-a-global-commitment-to-a-sustainable-future/">waste management</a>, not production cuts. </p>



<p>These countries argue that targeting production would penalize resource-rich developing nations.</p>



<p>"Our views were not reflected without an agreed scope, this process cannot remain on the right track and risks sliding down a slippery slope," said Kuwait.</p>



<p>Bahrain added that it supported a treaty that "does not penalize developing countries for exploiting their own resources."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tensions-boil-over">Tensions boil over</h2>



<p>The emotional toll was visible. France's Ecological Transition Minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, didn’t mince words. "I am disappointed, and I am angry," she said. </p>



<p>"A handful of countries, guided by short-term financial interests, had blocked the adoption of an ambitious treaty. Oil-producing countries and their allies have chosen to look the other way."</p>



<p>Tuvalu, speaking on behalf of 14 Pacific island nations, voiced deep frustration.</p>



<p>"For our islands this means that without global cooperation and state action, millions of tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-think-their-biotech-breakthrough-could-end-plastic-waste-forever/">plastic waste</a> will continue to be dumped in our oceans, affecting our ecosystem, food security, livelihood and culture."</p>



<p>Colombia was equally direct, nothing that the negotiations were consistently blocked by a small number of states who simply don't want an agreement.</p>



<p>"We have missed a historic opportunity but we have to keep going and act urgently. The planet and present and future generations need this treaty," said Cuba. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-treaty-process-in-chaos">Plastic treaty process in chaos</h2>



<p>Midweek, as talks looked increasingly fragile, the chair of the negotiations, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, issued a draft treaty based on overlapping areas. It was rejected across the board.</p>



<p>The High Ambition Coalition said it was too weak. The Like-Minded Group said it was too broad.</p>



<p>Valdivieso scrambled to salvage the talks with closed-door meetings and a revised draft. But shortly before sunrise, it was clear: no deal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plastic-problem-by-the-numbers">The plastic problem, by the numbers</h2>



<p>Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year. Half of that is used once and tossed.</p>



<p>Only 15% of plastic waste is even collected for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/">recycling</a>. Of that, only 9% ends up actually recycled.</p>



<p>Nearly half goes straight to landfills. Another 17% is incinerated. The remaining 22% ends up polluting landscapes, oceans, and waterways.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/">Microplastics</a> have now been found on Mount Everest and in the Mariana Trench. They’re in our lungs, our blood, and our food.</p>



<p>And the problem is accelerating. </p>



<p>According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (<a href="https://www.oecd.org/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OECD</a>), plastic production could nearly triple by 2060, reaching 1.2 billion tons a year. </p>



<p>Plastic waste is expected to top one billion tons annually.</p>



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



<p>No one is quite sure what happens next. Some countries called for a seventh round of talks. South Africa insisted that it cannot end here. The EU called the latest draft a "good basis for a resumed session."</p>



<p>Whether or not countries return to the table will depend on political pressure, shifting alliances, and the mounting cost of inaction. </p>



<p>Scientists and environmental groups are urging negotiators not to let the momentum slip away.</p>



<p>In the meantime, national governments may move forward with their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-packaging-is-leaking-harmful-chemicals-into-meals/">plastic</a> restrictions, bans, or recycling mandates. </p>



<p>But without a global plan, the patchwork approach will struggle to keep up with a problem that knows no borders.</p>



<p>Consumers, too, are becoming more vocal. The failure to reach a deal may only fuel public demand for action, transparency, and accountability from industries driving plastic production.</p>



<p>The urgency remains. Plastic pollution isn't slowing down - and neither should the effort to stop it.</p>



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



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

Global plastic treaty negotiations end in failure with no solution in sight

Efforts to hammer out a global treaty to tackle plastic...

conciertos-madrid-2026-fechas-artistas-entradas - 1

<p>New analysis of ancient household burners from Qurayyah in northwest Saudi Arabia points to smoke from <em>Peganum harmala</em> seeds being inhaled in daily life nearly 2,700 years ago. </p>



<p>The work opens a window onto how Iron Age communities used scent, smoke, and bioactive plants to manage health and mood without leaving written manuals.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12102341/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> comes from residues preserved inside clay fumigation devices recovered in domestic courtyards and storage areas. Researchers report plant signatures that hold up even after centuries of heat and decay.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.gea.mpg.de/person/100725/2944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Barbara Huber</a>, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology (MPI GEA), and <a href="https://uha.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/staff-members/scientific-staff/associate-and-assistant-professors/marta-luciani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Marta Luciani</a>, University of Vienna, led the study with the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peganum-harmala-residue"><em>Peganum harmala</em> residue</h2>



<p>The team detected two beta-carboline alkaloids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabians-burned-harmal-plants-to-heal-and-protect/">harmine and harmane</a>, inside three Iron Age burners from Qurayyah. These molecules are hallmarks of <em>Peganum harmala</em>, a hardy desert shrub often called Syrian rue.</p>



<p>One additional burner from the same settlement lacked those alkaloids but held a different class of plant compounds, α-amyrin and β-amyrin. That pattern hints at alternating or mixed substances burned in the same kinds of devices.</p>



<p>“Our findings represent chemical evidence for the earliest known burning of harmal, not just in Arabia, but globally,” said Barbara Huber, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>The devices were not found in graves or temples, but in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/home-fragrances-impact-indoor-air-quality-and-the-health-risks-are-alarming/">houses</a>. That domestic context suggests ordinary uses tied to health, sanitation, or mood rather than large public rites.</p>



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



<p>The study used targeted <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2359828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HPLC-MS/MS</a> to read a molecular fingerprint from residue trapped in the clay matrix. In short runs, the instrument looked for specific ion transitions that match harmine and harmane with high confidence, even at low abundance.</p>



<p>“The integration of biomolecular analysis with archaeology has allowed us to identify not just what kind of plants people were using, but also where, how, and why,” said Prof. Luciani. </p>



<p>In archaeology, this kind of precise mass spectrometry helps answer not only what plant was there, but also how it was used.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Three burners carried harmine and harmane, while a fourth did not. That contrast matters because it rules out random contamination and points to intentional selection of materials for specific effects.</p>



<p>The context also matters. One burner with harmala signatures sat in a household courtyard, and another was linked to food production areas. Those findspots align with routine, indoor smoke use.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-peganum-harmala-does">What <em>Peganum harmala</em> does</h2>



<p>Harmine and harmane are reversible inhibitors of <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antidepressants-may-help-the-immune-system-fight-cancer/">monoamine oxidase A</a></em>, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. </p>



<p>Temporarily slowing that enzyme can lift neurotransmitter levels, which helps explain mood and sensory shifts.</p>



<p>These alkaloids occur in several plants, but regional distribution narrows the list of plausible sources for Iron Age Arabia. </p>



<p>Reviews catalog harmala alkaloids across taxa, including South American vines and some Passiflora species, yet those grow far from ancient Qurayyah.</p>



<p>Dose and route shape the experience. Small exposures can relax or mildly stimulate, while larger exposures can bring on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-were-drinking-beer-in-china-over-10000-years-ago/">vivid effects</a>. </p>



<p>High amounts may cause sickness, which modern case <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4075715/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> document in clinical settings after ingestion of concentrated seeds.</p>



<p>Smoke is a different route than tea or tincture. Inhalation can deliver a quick, shorter-lived exposure in rooms where airflow, fuel, and seed load all change the outcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signals-from-other-residues">Signals from other residues</h2>



<p>The amyrin-rich burner adds another layer. Pharmacology reviews note anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions for these isomers in preclinical models.</p>



<p>Finding amyrins without harmala alkaloids in one device, and together in another, suggests people alternated recipes or blended resins with seeds depending on purpose. That kind of flexibility lines up with practical home use.</p>



<p>These chemical signatures do not name a resin to species. They do, however, flag a class of botanicals that humans have burned for centuries for their scent and perceived health effects.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Peganum-harmala_psychoactive-plant_arabians_2700-years-ago_Nature-journal_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Peganum-harmala_psychoactive-plant_arabians_2700-years-ago_Nature-journal_1s.webp" alt="The oasis settlement of Qurayyah, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Dried fruits of Peganum harmala, which, as shown here, were already used 2,700 years ago for their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. One of the old fumigation devices used to inhale harmal. Credit: A. M. Abualhassan/Barbara Huber/Hans Sell" class="wp-image-1982804"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The oasis settlement of Qurayyah, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Dried fruits of Peganum harmala, which, as shown here, were already used 2,700 years ago for their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. One of the old fumigation devices used to inhale harmal. Click image to enlarge. Credit: A. M. Abualhassan/Barbara Huber/Hans Sell</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wider-cultural-thread">A wider cultural thread</h2>



<p>Ethnobotany and pharmacognosy track how communities use plants both as medicine and as part of everyday life. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4075715/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reviews</a> of <em>Peganum harmala</em> describe continued roles in West Asia and North Africa, including pain relief, calming, and household fumigation traditions.</p>



<p>The antimicrobial angle has support, too. A laboratory study of smoke condensates from <em>P. harmala</em> seeds reported clear antibacterial activity and identified harmine as a major constituent in the smoke matrix.</p>



<p>Households in an oasis settlement needed tools to manage pests, odors, and illness in tight quarters. A pungent seed with antimicrobial constituents and mood effects would be a practical choice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peganum-harmala-adds-to-arabian-history"><em>Peganum harmala</em> adds to Arabian history</h2>



<p>Written sources for medicinal plants in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-lava-tubes-for-homes-middle-east-saudi-arabia/">Arabia</a> become richer much later. For the Iron Age, physical residues tell the story. </p>



<p>They show people selecting a local shrub with psychoactive and antibacterial properties, then burning it in domestic spaces.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6575/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qurayyah</a> finds help to push beyond broad claims about ancient drugs. They connect a plant to a device, a device to a room, and a room to routines that touch health and emotion.</p>



<p>This work also shows how careful chemistry can recover silent practices. Even when seeds are gone and recipes are lost, compounds cling to clay and speak for themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-research-goes-next">Where the research goes next</h2>



<p>Future work can test more burners from other rooms and towns to see if this pattern holds. It can also examine how resin mixtures changed the experience, from scent to smoke quality to perceived relief.</p>



<p>The method can scale. Each new residue map helps reconstruct a more precise history of household care, sanitation, and sensory life across ancient Arabia.</p>



<p>Modern science can also reevaluate forgotten botanicals. Some may carry leads for safe, targeted therapies, while others serve as cautionary tales about dose and context.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08096-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Biology</em></a>.</p>



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



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

People were getting high and hallucinating from smoking this psychoactive plant 2,700 years ago

New analysis of ancient household burners from Qurayyah in northwest...

<p>The most complete view yet of the human genome has arrived, and it tackles the messy parts scientists used to skip. </p>



<p>The new work assembles nearly all of the repeat-rich, shape-shifting DNA that helps explain disease risk and drug response across different people.</p>



<p>It is not a single tidy sequence, but rather 65 complete genomes drawn from diverse ancestries and resolved with unusual clarity. </p>



<p>That scale and quality move the field toward practical use in precision medicine, where care adjusts to each person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-parts-of-the-human-genome-have-finally-been-decoded/">genetic</a> wiring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-dna-s-hidden-changes">Uncovering DNA’s hidden changes</h2>



<p>The hardest regions to read are home to structural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-an-organism-that-defies-the-definition-of-life-sukunaarchaeum/">variants</a>. These include large insertions, deletions, inversions, duplications, and translocations that often change how genes work. </p>



<p>If you ignore these variants, risk models fall short, and rare disease diagnoses stall. Getting them right is the difference between a vague genetic hint and a confident clinical answer.</p>



<p>The study was co-led by Christine Beck of The Jackson Laboratory and <a href="https://health.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UConn Health</a>, as part of the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium (<a href="https://www.internationalgenome.org/human-genome-structural-variation-consortium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HGSVC</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-genome-map-shows">What the genome map shows</h2>



<p>Across 130 haplotypes, the team reports closing 92 percent of the assembly gaps that lingered after earlier references and bringing 39 percent of chromosomes to telomere to telomere status. </p>



<p>That level of finish lets researchers track long, tangled stretches end to end instead of guessing across voids.</p>



<p>The experts resolved 1,852 previously intractable complex structural variants that older methods could not untie. </p>



<p>The team also validated 1,246 human centromeres - the control hubs needed for proper chromosome segregation in cell division. These regions long stymied assemblies because of their repeating DNA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sequences-that-rewire-gene-activity">Sequences that rewire gene activity</h2>



<p>The team cataloged 12,919 insertions from transposable elements, the mobile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ground-oaks-genetic-secrets-may-inspire-new-medicines-and-pesticides/">sequences</a> that can rewire gene activity - accounting for nearly 10 percent of all structural variation detected here. </p>



<p>This catalog turns what used to be background noise into an interpretable signal for disease studies.</p>



<p>The research provides contiguous sequences for the immune related Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), along with other regions that influence digestion and development. Each of those regions matters directly to diagnosis or treatment decisions in clinics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-representation-matters-in-genetics">Representation matters in genetics</h2>



<p>For many years, genetic reference data left out large parts of the world’s population. This new study was designed to address that gap by creating a more inclusive and complete resource.</p>



<p>Only recently has technology advanced enough to allow scientists to sequence entire genomes without the large gaps that once limited the field. </p>



<p>Using these tools, researchers estimate they can now capture more than 95 percent of structural variants within each genome they study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hard-places-practical-payoffs">Hard places, practical payoffs</h2>



<p>The MHC carries dense immune variation associated with more than 100 human diseases, so fully charting it helps clinicians weigh risk with more nuance across populations. </p>



<p>When the reference is biased or incomplete, those associations skew toward the few ancestries that dominate the data.</p>



<p>The study delivers complete sequences for the following genes: SMN1 and SMN2, which are the drug targets in spinal muscular atrophy. That matters because therapies like nusinersen improve infant survival, and better maps speed diagnosis and treatment eligibility.</p>



<p>The researchers also finished especially stubborn parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/y-chromosome-is-disappearing-may-already-be-causing-problems-for-men/">Y chromosome</a>, building on a 2023 effort that first produced a gapless Y sequence. </p>



<p>Closing and comparing many Ys provides cleaner baselines for fertility research and forensic work that depend on those repeats and palindromes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-global-genome-map">Building a global genome map</h2>



<p>This breakthrough research stands on two recent pillars. In 2022, the Telomere to Telomere Consortium published the first complete sequence of a single human genome. </p>



<p>This achievement proved that full chromosomes were feasible with the latest approaches.</p>



<p>In 2023, the Human Pangenome Reference expanded representation by assembling 47 individuals from many ancestries - a shift from a one genome yardstick to a family of references that reflect global diversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genome-map-and-health">The genome map and health</h2>



<p>When reference genomes miss common variations, clinical pipelines struggle. Expanding structural variant catalogs improves read mapping, variant calling, and interpretation. </p>



<p>Ultimately, this strengthens rare disease diagnosis and risk prediction across ancestries.</p>



<p>When a rearrangement sits next to a dosage-sensitive gene or flips an enhancer away from its target, the biological effect can be large, and it can be missed by short-read tools. This study makes those events visible at a scale that finally matches clinical need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moving-parts-of-genomes">The moving parts of genomes</h2>



<p>The new assemblies also clarify how endogenous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-viruses-can-reactivate-and-fuel-cancer-development/">retroviruses</a> and other transposable elements to contribute regulatory switches.</p>



<p>Recent work shows that long terminal repeats from ancient viruses form distinct subfamilies with their own enhancer motifs. These motifs can rise or fall across primate lineages in ways that influence gene regulation.</p>



<p>At everyday scales, the finished amylase region helps connect gene dosage to diet. People from high starch diet populations tend to carry more copies of salivary amylase - an example of structural variation with clear physiological impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-the-genome-map">What’s next for the genome map</h2>



<p>Open methods and shared datasets mean other teams can now reach the same level of completeness. That is essential if the benefits of precision medicine are going to reach everyone, not just those already overrepresented in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-dormant-virus-punuivirus-discovered-in-algae-could-revolutionize-gene-editing/">genetic research</a>.</p>



<p>The muscle, immune, and neurodevelopmental regions that used to be black boxes are now spelled out with far fewer interruptions. This clarity sets a new bar for reference genomes, clinical pipelines, and the science that connects DNA to health outcomes.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads9164" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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

New human genome map could transform medicine

The most complete view yet of the human genome has...

<p>In the depths of&nbsp;Costa Rica’s tropical forests, a surprising story has emerged. Spectral bats - the world’s largest carnivorous bats - are not the solitary hunters many once believed them to be. Instead, these creatures lead richly social lives, filled with affection, cooperation, and care.</p>



<p>A new study led by Marisa Tietge at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum für Naturkunde</a> - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science&nbsp;in Germany has revealed remarkable details about their behavior. The findings, published in&nbsp;<em>PLOS One</em>, provide the first clear window into the private world of these elusive animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-cameras-capture-bat-lives">Hidden cameras capture bat lives</h2>



<p>Studying bats is never simple. Their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/">nocturnal</a> lifestyle and hidden roosts make close observation challenging. </p>



<p>To overcome this, the researchers installed a motion-sensitive infrared camera inside a hollow tree in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Here, a family of four spectral bats (<em>Vampyrum spectrum</em>) became the focus of months-long monitoring.</p>



<p>These bats, with wingspans reaching up to three feet, were once thought to forage alone. But three months of footage told a different story - one of social cooperation and emotional bonds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-affection-documented">Rare affection documented</h2>



<p>The researchers observed that the bats displayed eight distinct behaviors, ranging from grooming and vocal exchanges to playful interactions and even a unique form of greeting. </p>



<p>In this greeting, one bat would wrap its wings around another in a gesture resembling a hug, a form of physical affection rarely documented in wild carnivorous species.</p>



<p>Beyond social gestures, food sharing also emerged as a central behavior. Adult bats returning from hunts often transferred their prey to younger members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-have-acoustic-mental-maps-to-navigate-total-darkness/">colony</a>. </p>



<p>This not only provided nourishment but also served as a form of training, allowing the younger bats to practice handling prey.</p>



<p>At the same time, it eased their gradual transition from relying on milk to consuming a carnivorous diet, preparing them for independence as skilled hunters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-cooperation-revealed">Family cooperation revealed</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the recordings captured instances of cooperative foraging. Adults sometimes left or returned to the roost together, and males transferred prey to females nursing young. </p>



<p>These behaviors suggest teamwork, which is a rarity among carnivorous mammals. The observations also revealed a long-term family structure. </p>



<p>The presence of two young bats, likely born in different years, showed that offspring may remain with parents longer than expected. This hints at extended parental care beyond what is typical for many bat species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-bonds-and-care">Complex bonds and care</h2>



<p>The study paints a picture of spectral bats as deeply connected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-dont-get-cancer-now-scientists-think-they-know-the-reason/">animals</a>. Both parents participate in raising the young, forming strong monogamous bonds and investing heavily in offspring survival. </p>



<p>Such biparental care is uncommon in bats and especially rare among carnivorous mammals.</p>



<p>“Spectral bats exhibit a level of cooperative behavior and biparental care that is rarely documented in bats - a fascinating area for future research,” Tietge said. “We were astonished by how gentle and cooperative these apex predators are.” </p>



<p>“The most endearing behavior was forming a tight cuddle-ball when falling asleep: each bat wrapping one wing around its nearest neighbor, all snouts touching.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectral-bats-even-recognize-humans">Spectral bats even recognize humans</h2>



<p>Their social complexity extended beyond family life. Tietge herself experienced something extraordinary. </p>



<p>"I was astonished to find that the bats seemed to recognize me after several consecutive weeks of visiting the roost," she said. "At first, I was greeted with threat-like calls, and the bats broke their roosting formation to hide in the corners." </p>



<p>"But over time, their response shifted to just a few curious looks - no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marmosets-call-each-other-by-names-with-distinct-vocalizations/">vocalizations</a>, and they remained in a relaxed roosting formation. Even after nine months away, they appeared to recognize me immediately when I returned the following season."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-spectral-bats-teach-us">What spectral bats teach us</h2>



<p>These findings transform our understanding of spectral bats. Rather than solitary hunters, they appear as nurturing creatures that rely on cooperation and affection.</p>



<p>“Rather than hunting and raising young in isolation,&nbsp;<em>V. spectrum</em>&nbsp;shows complex cooperation behavior, strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-show-signs-of-divorce-before-the-breeding-season/">monogamous pair</a> bonds, as well as extended parental investment and biparental care - traits highly unusual in carnivorous mammals, especially bats,” Tietge concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321338" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Spectral bats lead social lives with hugs, play, and food sharing

In the depths of&nbsp;Costa Rica’s tropical forests, a surprising story...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-people-s-reactions-influence-children-s-eating-habits">Other people's reactions influence children's eating habits</h2>



<p>Many children are finicky eaters, but research explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching others eat and social modeling</a> influence the eating habits of children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Study Methodology Demonstrates Social Learning Impact</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a> have published findings in Frontiers in Psychology that illuminate the neurobiological foundations of food preference development through observational learning. The investigation employed controlled video stimuli featuring adults consuming raw broccoli while displaying systematically varied facial expressions to measure participant responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Asymmetrical Response Patterns Identified</h2>



<p>The research, conducted with 204 female participants, revealed a pronounced asymmetry in social modeling effects. Negative facial expressions during vegetable consumption significantly diminished observer food preference ratings, while positive expressions failed to produce corresponding increases in vegetable appeal. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about the bidirectional nature of social influence in dietary behavior formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolutionary Psychology Framework Applied</h2>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards and her research team propose that these results reflect adaptive mechanisms developed through evolutionary processes. The heightened sensitivity to disgust expressions likely functions as a protective system, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful foods through social cues without direct risk exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clinical and Educational Implications</h2>



<p>These findings carry substantial implications for pediatric nutrition interventions and family meal dynamics. The research suggests that parental expressions of distaste during vegetable consumption may inadvertently reinforce children's existing food aversions through unconscious social transmission pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions</h2>



<p>The study establishes a foundation for expanded investigation into real-time social modeling effects and cross-demographic applicability. Researchers emphasize the necessity for longitudinal studies examining actual consumption behaviors rather than preference ratings alone, particularly within family contexts where social learning occurs most frequently.</p>



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



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



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The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-in-aging-research">Future directions in aging research</h2>



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



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



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



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



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Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A dust storm above the Mediterranean Sea is seen here in this </span><b>Image of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the </span><a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA Earth Observatory </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong winds kicked up dust from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-falls-sahara-desert/">Sahara Desert</a> and blew it over the water toward southern Europe.</span><i></i></p>


Dust storm above the Mediterranean Sea

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Winter over the Caucasus Mountains in Russia is captured in this </span><b>Image of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from the </span><a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA Earth Observatory</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> It features a look at the snow-covered Caucasus Mountains in Russia during winter. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to its location, where cold, dry air from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-decreasing-america/">Asia</a> meets humid air from the Mediterranean, precipitation levels are very uneven across the range.</span><i></i>

Dust storm above the Mediterranean Sea

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