If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot.



In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. 



But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things get messy. Female choices become unpredictable. This isn’t just a frog issue - it ties into a broader idea that scientists call “choice overload.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frogs-face-chaos-in-the-chorus">Frogs face chaos in the chorus</h2>



In nature, frogs gather in large, noisy groups called choruses. Picture a shallow pond in spring, with dozens of males calling out at the same time. It’s the frog equivalent of a dating scene in a packed nightclub.



The researchers found that the crowded conditions of these choruses might be too overwhelming for females to reliably pick the best mate. It’s not that they stop caring - it’s that they can’t tell who’s who.



Professor Jessie Tanner of the <a href="https://www.utk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tennessee, Knoxville</a>, led a team studying how choice overload affects evolution.



“Because female mate choice can drive evolution, our results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/">evolution</a> might happen more slowly than we thought before,” she said. 



“Some males that are fairly unattractive could still mate, especially if they take advantage of crowded spaces where females might be less able to discriminate between attractive and unattractive males.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-choices-are-too-hard">What happens when choices are too hard?</h2>



The idea of choice overload is pretty common in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-behind-predicting-and-changing-human-behavior/">human behavior</a>. You walk into a store to buy toothpaste and face 50 brands. You either freeze, grab something random, or walk away. Same goes for dating apps with endless swiping.



“We wanted to understand how having to make mating decisions in crowded environments, where choice overload could be a problem, might drive the evolution of calls,” Tanner explained. 



“Since males that are chosen by females pass on their genes to the next generation, this mate choice can cause the population to change over time.”



When animals, like people, face too many options, their decision-making can break down. That opens up a chance for less attractive mates to get picked - not because they became more appealing, but because the chooser got overwhelmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choice-overload-in-other-animals">Choice overload in other animals</h2>



This isn’t just about frogs. Scientists are now looking at how this effect shows up in other animals. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-increasingly-stressed-over-the-past-century/">Bumblebees</a>, for instance, are on the list. So are wood roaches.



“Our lab is working to understand how choice overload and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-lungs-that-cancel-out-background-noise/">noise</a> may each contribute to the difficulty female treefrogs face in making mating decisions,” Tanner said. 



“We are also working to understand whether this choice overload is something that occurs generally in many different kinds of animals or is more specific to individual species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simultaneous-cricket-songs">Simultaneous cricket songs </h2>



Tanner, who has a background in both psychology and biology, first got into animal behavior while studying mate choice as an undergrad. She later became interested in sound - especially how it plays into animal communication.



That led to earlier work on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-male-crickets-go-silent-how-females-adapt-and-respond/">crickets</a>. Like treefrogs, male crickets use sound to attract mates. A study on cricket mating showed that noisy environments might either block females from hearing calls or make them too confused to pick. It was hard to tell which was causing the problem.



“During that study, it became clear that our work was consistent with both the possibility that many simultaneous cricket songs created noise that made it hard for females to hear, and the possibility that the females were experiencing choice overload,” Tanner said. “Our current work looks to disentangle those ideas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-average-becomes-good-enough">When average becomes good enough</h2>



The research adds a new layer to how scientists think about evolution. Normally, stronger signals - like a faster frog call - are expected to win out and spread through the population over time. 



But if crowded conditions keep females from consistently picking the top performers, evolution slows down. Mediocre traits stick around longer.



That changes the math for survival. In nature, being the best isn’t always enough - and sometimes, being just okay is good enough, especially if the crowd’s loud and the choices are many.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Frogs settle for average mates when dating gets too noisy

If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot. In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things...

The plains in southwestern Africa are dry, quiet, and tense. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/">Namibia</a>, a severe drought is making everything uncertain. The situation is so serious that the government has announced that more than 700 wild animals will be killed to provide meat for communities facing desperate times.&nbsp;



The drought is the worst in a century, and officials see no other choice. They say this step might relieve pressure on local resources at a time when close to half the country’s population is struggling with extreme food shortages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empty-stomachs-dry-lands">Empty stomachs, dry lands</h2>



Namibia’s varied landscapes and wildlife have long drawn admiration, but now these lands cannot offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/">enough water</a> or nourishment. 



People have watched crops wither and pastures turn to dust. They are facing a level of food insecurity that has rattled daily life. 



The government is under immense pressure to act. It has chosen a path that many find disturbing: sacrificing wildlife to keep citizens alive. 



<a href="https://dlmp.uw.edu/faculty/davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jennifer Davis</a>, a wildlife ecologist with Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, has spent years studying these environments and says the current landscape is unrecognizable from what it was just a few years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuts-that-hurt-everyone">Cuts that hurt everyone</h2>



<a href="https://www.meft.gov.na/files/files/Culling%20of%20Wild-animals%20as%20a%20Result%20of%20Drought.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Namibia</a> says that among the more than 700 animals to be slaughtered are 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalo, 50 impala, 100 blue wildebeest, and 300 zebras.&nbsp;



Officials indicate these animals will be taken from national parks and communal lands where their numbers have grown beyond what the parched surroundings can sustain.&nbsp;



The government believes that by supplying meat to hungry families, it might ease tension, reduce competition for scarce water, and lower the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/">risk of animals</a> encroaching into villages. Officials claim that this action will help stabilize the region, at least for now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-seasons-and-tough-choices">Dry seasons and tough choices</h2>



The drought in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Namibia</a> is no passing inconvenience. It is linked to patterns influenced by El Niño and the larger climate crisis. 



The rainfall has been almost nonexistent, and the heat is relentless. Farmlands have not simply struggled; they have failed to produce what was expected. 



Across Namibia, the fields are empty. The global climate conversation often focuses on long-term impacts, but here the consequences are immediate.&nbsp;



Those with empty stomachs are pushing the government to do something drastic. Officials say their move might be the only way to prevent an even worse humanitarian disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergency-measures-under-pressure">Emergency measures under pressure</h2>



In May 2024, the government declared a state of emergency. Officials say that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/">wildlife</a> cannot survive if they are competing for resources that barely exist. They see cutting down these populations as a means to help both animals and humans.&nbsp;



Some say that if fewer large mammals roam the countryside, there will be less pressure on rivers and watering holes. 



It might also prevent elephants from wandering into human settlements, where damage and danger are inevitable. The government admits that these problems are piling up, and there seems to be no simple remedy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-an-unsettling-pattern">Following an unsettling pattern</h2>



Namibia is not the only country in the region to consider such actions. Botswana allowed elephant hunting in 2019, claiming it would control population growth and reduce conflicts with farmers.&nbsp;



Zimbabwe has also relied on regulated hunting to generate funds for conservation and to minimize animal-human tensions. Critics call these steps a short-term fix that could have long-term consequences.&nbsp;



Supporters insist that these are the only practical responses to a crisis that no one seems able to stop. People continue to argue about the ethics, while governments juggle immediate needs against future consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-for-the-people-at-the-expense-of-animals">Meat for the people at the expense of animals</h2>



Namibia has a history of using game meat for large community gatherings. This time, the effort is more direct. The government says that since the measure began, more than 150 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-17-million-animals-perished-in-brazilian-wildfires/">animals have been killed</a>, providing approximately 56,875 kilograms of meat to rural areas that need it most.&nbsp;



Officials say this immediate supply of food may bring some relief to people who have seen very little on their plates. The numbers speak to an attempt to offset the losses that ordinary households endure. Yet no one pretends it is a perfect solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weighing-survival-against-survival">Weighing survival against survival</h2>



Those who watch Namibia from afar often see wide-open landscapes, healthy wildlife, and proud communities. These images do not reflect the stress that the current drought has caused.&nbsp;



Wildlife experts and environmental advocates are worried that removing large numbers of animals will leave a mark on the country’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-megafauna-play-a-key-role-in-maintaining-ecological-balance/">ecology</a>. Others say that when people are hungry, what else can be done?&nbsp;



The tension between protecting wildlife and feeding people has become a harsh reality. No one is celebrating this choice. The idea of killing some animals to help others survive is unsettling but, in these conditions, nothing is simple.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-uncertain-future-for-these-animals">An uncertain future for these animals</h2>



The drought still holds Namibia in its grip, and many wonder how long it will last. Critics fear that these killings are a short-sighted fix.&nbsp;



Supporters believe it might be one of the few ways to handle a terrible situation. The rest of the world watches, curious or horrified, as Namibia tries to find balance in an unforgiving environment.&nbsp;



Officials insist that this step might bring a measure of relief. Still, the question lingers: what happens if the rains do not return soon, and what will this mean for both people and the wildlife that has defined these landscapes for so long?



Details of the animals to be killed are reported in this <a href="https://www.meft.gov.na/files/files/Culling%20of%20Wild-animals%20as%20a%20Result%20of%20Drought.pdf">release</a> from the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.



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Nation will slaughter 700 elephants, hippos, zebras and other animals due to drought

The plains in southwestern Africa are dry, quiet, and tense....

One of nature's most well-kept secrets is the ocean's hadal zone, a realm of darkness that harbors an unexpected predator in its most extreme depths.



This zone includes the deepest part of the ocean. It's marked by total darkness and crushing pressures - a place where you would not expect to find life.



Yet astonishingly, the hadal zone is home to a myriad of unique creatures that hold clues to understanding life's evolution in some of Earth's harshest habitats.



Now, we are shining the spotlight on a new addition to this intriguing underwater neighborhood - a predatory crustacean identified as Dulcibella camanchaca.



This creature is the first predatory amphipod to be discovered in these extreme environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fast-swimming-predator-in-the-deep-ocean">A fast-swimming predator in the deep ocean</h2>



The experts behind this discovery are scientists from the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> and the<a href="https://www.imo-chile.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía</a> at the Universidad de Concepción in Chile.



"Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator that we named after 'darkness' in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region, to signify the deep, dark ocean from where it predates," explained study co-lead author Dr. Johanna Weston.



Spanning almost 4 centimeters, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustacean</a> deploys specialized raptorial appendages to catch and feed on smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-prey-on-jellyfish-to-survive-the-polar-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphipod</a> species lurking in the food-scarce territory of the Atacama Trench.



The trench, a deep scar in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, reaches staggering depths of more than 8,000 meters (26,200 feet) off the northern Chilean coast and has long piqued scientific interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-life-in-a-harsh-environment">Unique life in a harsh environment</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shocking-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean-polluted-with-pcb-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Trench</a>, which lies far beneath the nutrient-rich surface waters and is geographically distant from other hadal environments, supports a distinctive community of native species. This new crustacean is just one of many unique species that cope with life at great depths.



"Most excitingly, the DNA and morphology data pointed to this species being a new genus too, emphasizing the Atacama Trench as an endemic hotspot," said Dr. Weston.



The fascinating discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca was part of the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System Expedition aboard the R/V Abate Molina.



The team collected four Dulcibella camanchaca individuals at an impressive depth of 7,902 meters (26,000 feet) using a lander vehicle - an untethered platform that transports scientific equipment, including baited traps, to and from the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-and-integrative-approach">A collaborative and integrative approach</h2>



Upon returning to the ship, the captured amphipods were preserved in freezing conditions before undergoing comprehensive morphological and genetic analyses at the Universidad de Concepción.



Dr. Carolina González, co-lead author of the study who tackled the sample collection and DNA analysis, noted that the team's collaborative effort and integrative approach confirmed that Dulcibella camanchaca was indeed a new species.



"The new species highlights ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-time-machine-reveals-a-century-of-biological-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> discoveries in the Atacama Trench. This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile's front yard. More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench," said Dr. González.



With each new stride in exploration technology, we can look forward to uncovering more species - each hinting at the unique evolutionary pressures and adaptions in the deep ocean.



The findings will open up new avenues to comprehend these deep-ocean ecosystems better and protect them from emerging threats like pollution and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predators-of-the-deep-ocean-nbsp">Predators of the deep ocean&nbsp;</h2>



Dulcibella camanchaca is just one example of the unique predators that thrive in the hadal zone, but it raises broader questions about how life adapts to such extreme environments.



Predators in these depths, like Dulcibella, rely on highly specialized features to hunt and survive. For instance, their enhanced sensory systems allow them to detect subtle movements in complete darkness, while their powerful appendages make quick work of capturing prey in a world where every meal counts.



These adaptations not only highlight the resilience of the deep-sea organisms, but also provide critical insights into evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-rule-of-biology-instability-key-to-evolution-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biology</a>.



Understanding how these deep-sea predators function can shed light on the survival strategies of life forms in Earth's most inhospitable habitats, offering clues about how organisms might adapt to extreme conditions on other planets or moons. 



As researchers continue to explore the Atacama Trench and other ecosystems in the deep ocean, they are likely to uncover more fascinating predators that will expand our knowledge of the intricate food webs operating miles beneath the surface.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systematics and Biodiversity</a>.



Image Credit: Johanna Weston, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution



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New predator found in one of the deepest parts of the ocean

One of nature's most well-kept secrets is the ocean's hadal...

Have you ever wondered about the first creatures to fly? Long before birds fluttered their wings and took their maiden flight, it was pterosaurs - the distant cousins of birds - that ruled the sky.



Approximately 230 million years ago, these vertebrates took an evolutionary leap, developing wings and mastering the art of flapping flight in a world still dominated by land-dwelling creatures.



A recent study has revealed new details about these flying marvels of the past. 



The research was led by Professor Oliver Rauhut and Alexandra Fernandes from the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology (SNSB).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advancements-in-pterosaur-flight">Evolutionary advancements in pterosaur flight</h2>



Over millions of years, pterosaurs refined their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight mechanics</a>. Early forms had shorter wings and long tails, limiting their aerodynamics. 



The pterodactyloids, a later subgroup, showcased slender, elongated wings and shortened tails. 



These evolutionary advancements marked the transition to highly efficient fliers -- including Quetzalcoatlus, the largest flying animal ever discovered, with a wingspan exceeding 12 meters.



The rise of pterodactyloids occurred during the Jurassic period. Fossil records suggest they first appeared around 160 million years ago. 



However, most Jurassic pterosaur fossils originate from the Northern Hemisphere. This leaves a significant gap in understanding the evolution of pterosaurs in the southern continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-back-the-timeline-of-evolution">Pushing back the timeline of evolution</h2>



The <a href="https://bspg.snsb.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SNSB</a> researchers have uncovered a remarkable piece of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaur puzzle</a>. Their team introduced&nbsp;Melkamter pateko, a new pterosaur species from the late Early Jurassic (approximately 178 million years ago).



Discovered in Chubut province, Argentina, this find predates the next-oldest known relative by 15 million years, pushing the timeline of advanced pterosaur evolution further back than previously thought.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pterosaur_Melkamter-pateko_credit-Pedro-Andrade_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pterosaur_Melkamter-pateko_credit-Pedro-Andrade_1s.webp" alt="Reconstruction of Melkamter pateko, a new species of pterosaur from the late Early Jurassic (some 178 million years ago) of Chubut province, Argentina. Credit: Pedro Andrade" class="wp-image-1953320"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reconstruction of Melkamter pateko, a new species of pterosaur from the late Early Jurassic (some 178 million years ago) of Chubut province, Argentina. Credit: Pedro Andrade</figcaption></figure>



What makes&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;unique is its inland habitat. Unlike most Jurassic pterosaurs, which thrived near marine environments,&nbsp;Melkamter&nbsp;lived far from the sea. 



The diet of this creature likely consisted of insects, while its marine counterparts fed on fish. This inland adaptation suggests pterodactyloids may have originated in such environments rather than along coastal regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-pterosaur-evolution">Insights into pterosaur evolution</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;sheds light on the potential role of ecological specialization in pterosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-mastered-land-before-dominating-the-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"It is possible that an early specialization in highly mobile prey such as flying insects contributed to the evolutionary success of the pterodactyloids," noted Fernandes.



"This find highlights not only how little we still know about the pterosaurs of the Southern Hemisphere, but also the potential that the southern continents have to improve our understanding of pterosaur evolution."
</blockquote>



This research highlights the untapped potential of the Southern Hemisphere in unraveling pterosaur evolution. The inland adaptation of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;challenges existing theories and broadens the understanding of these prehistoric fliers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-fossil-potential">Untapped fossil potential</h2>



The study emphasizes the need for further exploration of the Southern Hemisphere. With few pterosaur fossils discovered in this region, each new find like&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;reveals vital clues about their evolutionary journey.



The research highlights a potentially significant, yet largely unexplored, chapter in the history of pterosaurs.



Ultimately, the discovery of&nbsp;Melkamter pateko&nbsp;in Argentina not only rewrites the timeline of pterosaur evolution but also shifts the narrative on their habitat and feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-new-species-named-abfab-had-wings-wide-as-car/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preferences</a>.



By uncovering new species and exploring less-studied regions, researchers continue to unveil the diverse adaptations and evolutionary triumphs of these ancient fliers. The skies of the Jurassic era hold many more secrets, waiting to be revealed by dedicated paleontologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-diversity-of-pterosaurs">Remarkable diversity of pterosaurs</h2>



Pterosaurs were an incredibly diverse group of reptiles, with sizes ranging from sparrow-like creatures to giants with wingspans exceeding modern airplanes. 



Their fossil record reveals a variety of adaptations, including crests on their heads and specialized teeth, tailored for different diets and ecological niches. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-had-good-parenting-skills-but-only-the-larger-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> developed elaborate display structures, likely used in mating rituals or social interactions. 



Pterosaurs also displayed impressive bone structures, with a combination of lightweight and strong materials, allowing efficient flight. Their footprints, preserved in fossilized trackways, provide valuable insights into their behavior, showing evidence of quadrupedal movement when on the ground. 



Despite their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, pterosaurs remain a key focus for paleontologists, shedding light on the evolution of flight in vertebrates.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Pterosaurs took flight millions of years before birds, according to new discovery

Have you ever wondered about the first creatures to fly?...

Just like humans, birds also host a blend of microorganisms - both friendly and harmful - that make up their microbiome. This "little world" within living organisms plays a vital role in overall health, and it seems that the diversity of microbes is a key factor in the way the microbiome affects each individual.



If you want to fuel your immune system and absorb nutrients more efficiently, you need a rainbow of different microbes in your gut. Conversely, low diversity could leave you susceptible to illnesses.



This relationship between microbiome diversity and health has intrigued researchers for years.



To understand this link better, scientists from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science embarked on a five-year study.



The researchers examined how songbird gut microbiomes relate to traits that indicate health and breeding success. While laboratory studies have explored gut microbiome connections in captive animals, knowledge about these relationships in wild animals - particularly birds - remains limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-health-is-tied-to-microbiome">Bird health is tied to microbiome</h2>



The researchers focused on the Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), a common backyard bird known for its vivid red plumage, red beak, and black mask. This study provides the first-ever description of how a wild bird’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a> relates to its ornamentation and body condition.



The results revealed that a cardinal’s gut microbiome diversity can be predicted by its body condition and the quality of its red plumage and beak.



"Our findings confirm the hypothesis that a wild bird’s health is tied to its microbiome, and that the ‘sexiness’ of a male’s ornaments can signal his health," said Rindy Anderson, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor in FAU’s <a href="https://biology.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biological Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiomes-and-carotenoid-pigments">Microbiomes and carotenoid pigments</h2>



The Northern cardinal’s sexually selected carotenoid pigments provided a unique opportunity for this study. 



Carotenoid-based coloration reflects individual quality, making the cardinal’s vibrant red coloration a perfect subject for exploring connections between traits and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a>.



"This study has important applications for conservation biology and contributes to a better understanding of ways to improve animal health in settings such as wildlife hospitals, zoos and aquaria, and captive breeding programs for endangered species," said Morgan Slevin, first author and a Ph.D. candidate in FAU’s Department of Biological Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-northern-cardinals">Observing Northern cardinals</h2>



To investigate these relationships, the researchers sampled the cloacal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> of wild cardinals.



The team measured the birds’ body condition index, assessed the coloration of their sexual ornaments (beak and plumage), and collected blood to estimate their glucocorticoid response to stress.



This approach helped the researchers to describe the baseline relationships between various aspects of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in free-living songbirds.



"Overall, cardinal ornament redness and saturation positively correlate with individual quality," said Slevin. "Thus, deeper red coloration indicates greater carotenoid pigmentation. We were able to show that a cardinal’s coloration related to its microbiome diversity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-structures-of-birds">Microbiome structures of birds</h2>



The study revealed several important connections: Both alpha and beta <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-affect-how-we-handle-everyday-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial diversity</a> were related to individual variation in body condition and sexual ornaments.



Beak saturation related to beta diversity, suggesting birds with similar beak coloration profiles had more similar microbiome structures.



Furthermore, the team found that glucocorticoid concentrations did not correlate with microbiome diversity or ornamentation quality.



"While we anticipated that birds with the most saturated beaks would be the highest quality individuals, and that the highest quality individuals would have the most diverse microbiomes, our results suggest that maintaining a diverse microbiome might instead come at a cost to beak saturation," said Slevin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



These findings highlight the intricate relationships between gut microbiomes, physical traits, and overall health in wild songbirds. They add to a growing body of research linking avian host fitness to internal bacterial community characteristics.



"Ultimately, our study and those that follow should move us closer to answering the overall question of whether a bird’s gut microbiome can predict individual quality," said Anderson.



The research not only deepens our understanding of microbiome diversity in wild birds but also provides insights that could inform conservation efforts and animal health management. 



By continuing to explore these connections, scientists aim to unlock more secrets about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> influence the health and survival of living organisms.



In the end, understanding these microbial relationships may hold the key to promoting healthier ecosystems and wildlife populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/oik.10905?saml_referrer=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oikos</a>.



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Birds reveal a link between gut microbiome and fitness

Just like humans, birds also host a blend of microorganisms...

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the same semi-rural area show remarkable variation in their hibernation timing and patterns.&nbsp;



Some individuals begin hibernating up to three months later than others - a flexibility that researchers believe could help them adapt to climate change and urbanization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-habits-of-wild-hedgehogs-nbsp">Hibernation habits of wild hedgehogs&nbsp;</h2>



The study, carried out by researchers at <a href="https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool John Moores University</a>, tracked the hibernation behaviors of wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hedgehogs-face-extinction-as-their-habitats-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hedgehogs</a> on an unused golf course in the Wirral.&nbsp;



Using radio trackers to monitor their locations and skin temperatures, alongside nighttime observations with torches, the researchers uncovered unexpected diversity in hibernation habits.



“It was a surprise to see wild hedgehogs living in the same environment have so much variation in their hibernation pattern,” said Katie Crawford, a PhD student at John Moores University who will present the research at the <a href="https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/events/bes-annual-meeting-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Meeting</a> in Liverpool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-variability-in-hibernation-timing">Wide variability in hibernation timing</h2>



All five hedgehogs in the study entered hibernation, but with significant differences in timing. 



The first hedgehog began hibernating in mid-September, when temperatures were as high as 19°C, while another didn’t hibernate until mid-December, despite temperatures dropping to -6°C.&nbsp;



The hibernation periods also varied, with differences of up to 47 days in when they ended.



“When hedgehogs hibernate, they go through cycles of torpor in which they decrease their metabolic rate and body temperature. Torpor bouts, typically lasting a few days to weeks, are interspersed with bursts of arousal for a few hours up to a couple of days,” Crawford explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-strategies-of-hedgehogs">Hibernation strategies of hedgehogs</h2>



The study revealed that some hedgehogs used shorter torpor phases followed by extended periods of activity, possibly for foraging, particularly at the start and end of their hibernation periods. This adaptability could prove advantageous in the face of unpredictable environmental changes.



“Hibernators are at significant risk from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> because they're very reliant on ambient temperatures. When temperatures are higher, they can't save as much energy because they're not reducing their body temperature as low,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



Since hibernating hedgehogs rely on stored fat for survival, this could present challenges.&nbsp;



However, their flexible hibernation strategies may allow them to secure additional food, which could be a valuable adaptation as winters in the UK grow milder and more unpredictable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hedgehog-conservation-status-and-challenges">Hedgehog conservation status and challenges</h2>



European hedgehogs are now listed as near-threatened on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>. In the UK, rural populations are declining due to threats such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-system-detects-animals-on-roads-to-prevent-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road collisions</a>, while urban populations remain stable or are increasing in some areas.



The study, conducted from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024, recorded around 26 hedgehogs on the golf course during the summer, indicating a high local population.&nbsp;



“At the start of the experiment, we would go out to the golf course at night with big torches to find hedgehogs,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights-into-hedgehog-behavior-nbsp">Valuable insights into hedgehog behavior&nbsp;</h2>



With the assistance of her supervisor, Dr. Julia Nowack, the team tagged five individuals with radio trackers and monitored them daily throughout their hibernation period.



Although the sample size was small due to the intensive nature of the research, the findings provide valuable insights into hedgehog behavior.&nbsp;



The researchers are now expanding their study to include 11 hedgehogs across different habitats in Merseyside to determine if urban hedgehogs show even greater variability.&nbsp;



“We’re already seeing a lot of flexibility in the hibernation patterns of this year’s cohort,” Crawford added.



This ongoing work underscores the resilience of hedgehogs and their potential to adapt to environmental changes.&nbsp;



By understanding their hibernation patterns in greater detail, researchers hope to contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> and shed light on how these animals can survive in a rapidly changing world.&nbsp;



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



Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals known for their unique defense mechanism of rolling into a tight ball, which protects their vulnerable underbellies with a coat of sharp spines. 



Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, they thrive in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, and even suburban gardens. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and small invertebrates - though they are opportunistic eaters and will consume fruits and vegetables when available. 



Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but compensate with excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell, which they use to forage for food.



In many cultures, hedgehogs are symbols of good luck and have become popular pets due to their endearing behavior and manageable size. Despite this, they require specific care - including warm, quiet environments and specialized diets - to thrive in captivity.



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Hedgehogs have flexible hibernation habits that help them survive

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the...

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are likely to be more frequent avalanches as the world continues to warm.



Even though a decline in snow cover is anticipated as the climate changes, avalanches could occur more often, particularly at high elevations, which spells trouble for the bighorn sheep that inhabit these areas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-bighorn-sheep-and-their-history">Endangered bighorn sheep and their history</h2>



The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) are true survivors, built to handle some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toughest conditions</a> in North America. 



They are smaller and leaner than their relatives, making it easier for them to scale the steep, rocky slopes of the Sierra Nevada at heights of 10,000 to 14,000 feet (3,000 to 4,200 meters). Their tan coats help them blend perfectly into the rugged landscape, keeping them safe from predators like mountain lions.



John Muir, in his 1894 book The Mountains of California, described the "perfect strength and beauty" of these wild bighorn sheep - agile creatures that effortlessly jump from one crag to another.



They have managed to survive threats from diseases and overgrazing by domestic sheep introduced into the Sierra Nevada. But today, these animals are endangered. 



Now, a new menace looms in the form of avalanches, coupled with predation by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-lions-cleverly-change-their-habits-to-avoid-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain lions</a>. These threats have caused the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population to fall by half since 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avalanches-and-bighorn-sheep">Avalanches and bighorn sheep</h2>



Ned Bair, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, and his team have run simulations, analyzing the present (1990-2020) and future (2050-2080) climate. 



The researchers aim to determine how avalanches might continue to affect bighorn sheep.



"There's certainly going to be less snow in the future, and it's going to impact the sheep, which are very fragile as is," said Bair. "In dry winters, they don't have enough forage. And in the big winters, they die of starvation and avalanches."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bighorn-sheep-a-struggle-for-survival">Bighorn sheep: A struggle for survival</h2>



While bighorn sheep also inhabit other western mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada subgroup is genetically unique. The approximately 350 sheep that remain of this species live at high elevations, feeding on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. 



"They like to live in very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging environments</a>, hence the avalanche problem," Bair explained.



Snow is critical for bighorn sheep as it provides them with water. However, it can pose threats, too. 



Record-breaking precipitation during the winter of 2022-2023 in California led to approximately 18 meters (60 feet) of snow blanketing the Sierra Nevada.



That winter, avalanches led to the deaths of at least 73 bighorn sheep, with just one avalanche accounting for 12 of those deaths, as noted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-snowfall-in-the-sierra-nevada">Future snowfall in the Sierra Nevada </h2>



The researchers conducted projections on future snowfall amounts in the Sierra Nevada under climate change, basing their simulations on precipitation data from past dry years (2013 and 2018) and a wet year (2019). 



As expected, snow cover is predicted to decrease generally in the Sierra Nevada in the future. This decline, however, will mostly occur at lower elevations, where snowfall may turn to rain. Higher elevations, where bighorn sheep dwell, will experience less change in snow cover.



As climate change amplifies the number and intensity of California's atmospheric rivers, these high elevations could even witness an increase in snow accumulation. This snow could trigger more frequent avalanches at high altitudes, resulting in increased bighorn sheep fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-threats-to-the-wild-sheep">Increased threats to the wild sheep</h2>



It remains unclear how the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program will respond to the rise in avalanches caused by the harsh winters.



Additionally, recovering wolf and mountain lion populations could pose increased threats to the wild sheep. 



"It's a hard population to sustain," said Bair. "I think there are some real challenges with being assured of at least my children being able to see a bighorn sheep in the wild when they're my age."



The research will be presented by Bair at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (<a href="https://www.agu.org/annual-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU24</a>).



Bair presented these findings at <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1637990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU’s Annual Meeting</a>.



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Bighorn sheep face increasing avalanche dangers as the climate warms

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra...

Two researchers were walking near a small community in northeastern India on a warm afternoon, when they came across a creature that measured about 4 feet in length. They had no idea what they were looking at.



At first glance, it appeared to be just another dead snake. But a quick look at its oddly elongated snout had them scratching their heads, wondering what in the world it could be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-a-new-species">Documenting a new species</h2>



Sourabh Verma, a herpetologist working on reptile surveys, was one of the two scientists on that walk. He and fellow researcher, Soham Pattekar, decided to take the specimen for further examination. 



They knew something was different about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this snake</a> because it didn’t match any of the species they were familiar with. There was a hint of mystery in this discovery, and they felt a need to dig deeper.



By the time the analysis began, a larger research group had formed under the umbrella of the <a href="https://www.ncbs.res.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Centre for Biological Sciences</a> in India. 



This collaboration eventually resulted in their findings appearing in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, where these experts presented details about something never before documented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ahaetulla-longirostris">Ahaetulla longirostris</h2>



When the scientists took a closer look, they realized this snake stood out in several ways. They described it in their report as “considered ‘medium sized,’ reaching up to 4 feet in length.” 



They noted the head shape, which they described as “‘triangular’ heads tapering into ‘very long’ snouts, taking up roughly 18% of their head length.”



The research team chose to name this species Ahaetulla longirostris, which comes from the Latin words “longus” meaning “long,” and “rostrum” meaning “snout.”



They zeroed in on this distinctive feature because it clearly separated this animal from others in its group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-that-pop">Colors that pop</h2>



The researchers said the newly found snake had an orange belly, but what caught their eye even more were the colors on its back. 



“Some are ‘bright green,’ while others are orange-brown,” they reported. 



Variations like these found on Ahaetulla longirostris can sometimes help creatures blend in with their surroundings or signal something special about their environment. 



It’s not unusual for vine snakes to show a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dipsadine-snakes-have-skulls-that-evolve-to-fit-their-needs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">range of hues</a> but, in this case, the combination of a bizarre snout and a vibrant palette raised questions about how this species might behave, where it prefers to live, and how it evolved.



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



The snake was found in northeastern India, near the borders it shares with the countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.



As of now, the researchers know it exists in places like Bihar and Meghalaya. They suspect that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-coral-snakes-caught-in-rare-food-fight-over-caecilian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snake species</a> might have a wider distribution, but proving that will take more field surveys.



The scientists’ report made it clear that Ahaetulla longirostris doesn’t limit itself to deep forest hideouts. 



According to their observations, it can thrive in “human-dominated” areas, including cities and villages. This suggests that it’s somewhat adaptable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-biodiversity-woes">Local biodiversity woes</h2>



The broader region of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/bangladesh-and-northeast-india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">northeastern India</a> is known for its rich wildlife. At the same time, scientists have often pointed out that amphibians and reptiles in these parts are under-documented. 



This lack of detailed information makes it tough to protect habitats and ensure that species remain viable.&nbsp;



If people don’t know what’s living in their surroundings, they can’t make informed decisions about conservation. 



Every new species identified can help shine a light on the health of ecosystems. It can also motivate further study, giving local and international researchers a reason to keep exploring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-they-figured-it-out">How they figured it out</h2>



The team relied on DNA testing to confirm their hunches. They matched genetic sequences with those of related species that are found several hundred miles away.



Then, they checked things like scale patterns, body texture, and the shape of the animal’s head. All of these clues helped confirm that this snake was something fresh and unknown.&nbsp;



One detail was notable: they had encountered the initial specimen as a lifeless body. Normally, discovering new species involves more active searching, careful tracking, and sometimes lucky encounters with living animals.



Stumbling across a deceased individual that leads to such a finding is less common. Yet, it serves as a reminder that any encounter can bring valuable data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-ahaetulla-longirostris">What's next for Ahaetulla longirostris?</h2>



Now that Ahaetulla longirostris is in the books, what’s next? Discovering a new species can spark interest far beyond academic circles. 



It can draw attention to wildlife protection, the importance of habitat maintenance, and the need for ethical, science-based policymaking. 



Perhaps this snake’s existence will prompt more local surveys. Maybe it will encourage budding scientists to pick up a field guide and see what’s waiting right outside their homes.



The full article is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2287884X24000955" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity</a>



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Mysterious, 'long-snouted' creature found dead in India is a new species

Two researchers were walking near a small community in northeastern...

Harbor seals in icy regions rely on icebergs shed by glaciers for critical life activities. These floating ice platforms serve as safe spaces for giving birth, caring for young, and molting. 



However, as climate change affects glaciers, the size, speed, and number of icebergs change - directly affecting the seals’ habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-harbor-seals-use-icebergs">How harbor seals use icebergs</h2>



Mother <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seals-have-a-surprising-survival-strategy/">seals</a>, for example, prefer stable, slower-moving icebergs during the pupping season to ensure safety for their newborns. 



In contrast, during the molting season, both mothers and the larger seal population tend to favor faster-moving icebergs near foraging grounds. 



This seasonal preference highlights the intricate balance between the seals’ needs and their changing environment.



"Our work provides a direct link between a glacier’s advance and seals' distribution and behavior," said Lynn Kaluzienski, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://uas.alaska.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Southeast</a> who led the study.



"Interdisciplinary studies like this one, coupled with long-term monitoring campaigns, will be important to understand how climate change will influence tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-and-icebergs-at-glacier-bay-national-park">Seals and icebergs at Glacier Bay National Park</h2>



The study was focused on harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-have-genetic-scars-from-intense-hunting/">seals</a> and icebergs in Johns Hopkins Inlet and Glacier, which is part of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.



Unlike many glaciers globally, Johns Hopkins Glacier is advancing rather than retreating. 



This anomaly is due, in part, to its terminal moraine - a natural barricade of crushed rock and sediment. This barrier shields the glacier from warmer ocean water, thus slowing its melt rate.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/harbor-seals_iceberg_resting_glacier-national-park_credit-NPS_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/harbor-seals_iceberg_resting_glacier-national-park_credit-NPS_1s.webp" alt="Seal resting on an iceberg in Johns Hopkins Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park. Credit: Jamie Womble/NPS" class="wp-image-1953189"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seal resting on an iceberg in Johns Hopkins Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park. Credit: Jamie Womble/NPS</figcaption></figure>



However, the terminal moraine also limits the number of icebergs that the glacier sheds into the fjord. Fewer icebergs mean reduced habitat for seals, which fuels the need for research to understand how seals adapt to these changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-seals-and-icebergs">Observing seals and icebergs</h2>



Over the past few years, Kaluzienski and her team, in collaboration with the U.S. National Park Service, monitored the fjord using time-lapse cameras and aerial photographic surveys. They documented fine-scale variations in icebergs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seal-colony-lost-95-of-its-pups-to-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals distribution</a>.



"Icebergs are found throughout the fjord in regions of fast flow, within eddies, and close to the glacier," Kaluzienski explained. 



"We wanted to understand which of these areas seals were using and how this habitat is changing in response to advances at the glacier front and reduction in iceberg numbers."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-freshwater-runoff">The role of freshwater runoff</h2>



When an iceberg calves from a glacier, its movement is influenced by wind, ocean currents, and freshwater runoff from the glacier’s base. 



This runoff, known as a plume, brings nutrient-rich freshwater to the surface, creating a hotspot for plankton and fish. These areas act as a moving buffet for seals, which use icebergs near the plume to forage.



Using remote sensing data, the researchers pinpointed the plume’s location and compared it to seal and iceberg distributions during the pupping season in June and the molting season in August. 



The findings revealed distinct preferences. During the pupping season, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-use-sonar-signals-to-dine-deep-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> often rested on slower-moving icebergs, which traveled at speeds of less than 7-8 inches (0.2 meters) per second.



During the molting season, seals increasingly used faster-moving icebergs located in or near the nutrient-rich plumes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-seasonal-preferences">Why the seasonal preferences?</h2>



The preference for slower-moving icebergs during the pupping season likely stems from their stability, which provides a safer platform for mother seals and their pups.



Conversely, stability becomes less critical during the molting season, when seals prioritize access to food. Icebergs near the plume offer better foraging opportunities, aligning with the seals’ needs during this period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-of-glacier-dynamics">Broader impact of glacier dynamics</h2>



This study highlights the complex interplay between glacier behavior and wildlife adaptation. Changes in glacier size, speed, and iceberg distribution ripple through the ecosystem, influencing seal behavior and habitat use.



Understanding these dynamics is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protecting harbor seals</a> and the broader tidewater glacier fjord ecosystems they inhabit. 



As Kaluzienski emphasized, long-term, interdisciplinary research will play a vital role in assessing the ongoing impact of climate change on these fragile environments.



Kaluzienski presented the findings at AGU’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The meeting, scheduled to take place from December 9-13, will host over 30,000 scientists to discuss cutting-edge Earth and space science research.



The <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1710238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> was presented at AGU’s 2024 Annual Meeting.



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Harbor seals rely on icebergs for daily life, but their environment is changing

Harbor seals in icy regions rely on icebergs shed by...

Every winter, a spectacle unfolds across North America. Millions of monarch butterflies, those radiant creatures with iconic wings, embark on a journey that stretches thousands of miles to their wintering grounds in the forests and mountains of central Mexico.



However, this annual migration faces growing challenges as monarch populations experience a troubling decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-to-protect-monarch-butterflies">Proposal to protect monarch butterflies</h2>



In response to this alarming trend, U.S. wildlife officials <a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-12/monarch-butterfly-proposed-endangered-species-act-protection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposed</a> listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.



This status signifies that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-new-forests-to-assist-monarch-butterfly-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. 



The monarch butterfly, with its remarkable orange-and-black coloration, plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for various animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mounting-threats-to-survival">Mounting threats to survival</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-monarch-butterflies-vanishing-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarch’s plight</a> stems from a combination of threats, including habitat loss due to illegal logging, exposure to insecticides, and the intensifying climate crisis. These factors have disrupted the species’ breeding and migratory patterns.



The butterfly’s eastern migratory population has declined by roughly 80%, while the western population has plunged by more than 95% since the 1980s, according to U.S. wildlife officials.



Without immediate intervention, experts warn the monarch could disappear from the continent by the end of the century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change</h2>



In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature categorized the migratory monarch butterfly as endangered, citing climate change and habitat loss as primary drivers. 



Between 2021 and 2022, the monarchs’ presence in their Mexican <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-shift-to-winter-breeding-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wintering grounds</a> decreased by 22%, according to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report.



Droughts, frost, and heat across the continent are killing milkweed - the monarchs’ food source - and destroying their habitat.



Eduardo Rendón-Salinas, head of the monarch butterfly program for WWF-Mexico, highlighted the devastating effects of the climate crisis.



"Pollinators are responsible for 75% of the production of the food for humans. To save these monarchs, humans must reduce the emissions of gasses warming the atmosphere. A lot of [monarchs] are dying. That is my call to action," said Rendón-Salinas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-plan-for-preserving-monarch-butterflies">A plan for preserving monarch butterflies</h2>



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed plan aims to bolster conservation efforts by protecting nearly 4,400 acres in California as critical habitat for the western monarch population.



However, experts stress that government protections alone cannot stabilize and reverse population trends.



"Stabilizing and reversing population trends requires an all-hands approach that not only relies on government protections, but also collaboration among landowners, farmers, conservationists, and everyday citizens," said Clay Bolt, the World Wildlife Fund’s manager of pollinator conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-monarchs">Resilience of monarchs</h2>



"Despite [the monarch’s] fragility, it is remarkably resilient, like many things in nature when we just give them a chance," said Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



"Science shows that the monarch needs that chance, and this proposed listing invites and builds on unprecedented public participation in shaping monarch conservation efforts," she explained.



Williams emphasized that providing monarchs with sufficient milkweed and nectar plants, “even in small areas,” could significantly aid their recovery. "Working together, we can help make this extraordinary species a legacy for our children and generations to come," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-help">How you can help</h2>



Protecting the monarch butterfly calls for all of us to act together. You can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-gardens-are-needed-to-save-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help by planting milkweed</a> and nectar-rich flowers in your garden or community. 



Supporting conservation programs and pushing for sustainable practices can also make a difference.



Small changes, like reducing pesticide use, can have a big impact. By working across neighborhoods and nations, we can ensure the monarch butterfly continues its incredible journey for generations to come.



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



Monarch butterflies are not only famous for their striking appearance, but also for their unique life cycle.



The butterfly undergoes four life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The entire process takes about a month. 



Remarkably, the monarch’s migration spans several generations, with one generation flying north in spring and subsequent generations continuing the journey until the final one travels back to Mexico in autumn.



Another fascinating aspect is their navigational ability. Monarchs use environmental cues like the position of the sun and Earth’s magnetic field to find their way, even though no single butterfly completes the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-with-more-white-spots-are-more-likely-to-survive-their-migration-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a>.



The protection proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is reported <a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2024-12/monarch-butterfly-proposed-endangered-species-act-protection">here</a>. 



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Monarch butterflies may be added to the endangered species list

Every winter, a spectacle unfolds across North America. Millions of...

Dogs have always found unique ways to communicate with humans, but a recent study reveals that dogs trained with soundboards can piece together two-word combinations. These furry friends are not just mindlessly parroting their owners - they are making sense.



Published in the journal&nbsp;Scientific Reports, the study was focused on data from 152 dogs over 21 months, documenting over 260,000 button presses. Of these, an impressive 195,000 were made independently by the dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-using-soundboards-for-expression">Dogs using soundboards for expression</h2>



Study co-author Federico Rossano is an associate professor of cognitive science at UC San Diego and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://cclab.ucsd.edu/">Comparative Cognition Lab</a>.&nbsp;



"This is the first scientific study to analyze how dogs actually use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-learn-to-speak-by-pressing-buttons-on-a-soundboard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soundboards</a>. The findings reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-speech-changes-when-we-talk-to-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are pressing buttons purposefully to express their desires and needs, not just imitating their owners," said Rossano.



"When dogs combine two buttons, these sequences are not random but instead seem to reflect specific requests."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dog-intentions-with-soundboards">Understanding dog intentions with soundboards</h2>



The most frequently used buttons corresponded to dogs’ basic needs, such as "outside," "treat," "play," and "potty." 



Combinations like "outside" + "potty" or "food" + "water" were meaningful and occurred more often than chance would predict. These findings provide compelling evidence that dogs use soundboards intentionally rather than as random or imitative behavior.



"While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-communication-what-is-your-pet-trying-to-tell-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs already communicate</a> some of these needs, soundboards could allow for more precise communication. Instead of barking or scratching at the door, a dog may be able to tell you exactly what it wants, even combining concepts like ‘outside’ and ‘park’ or ‘beach,'" noted Rossano. 



"This could improve companionship and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-soundboard-dogs-vs-owners">Using soundboard: Dogs vs owners</h2>



The study relied on data collected via the FluentPet mobile app, where dog owners logged their pets’ button presses in real time. 



The researchers selected 152 dogs that had logged more than 200 button presses each, allowing them to analyze consistent patterns of use.



Advanced statistical tools and computer simulations ruled out randomness and confirmed the intentional nature of the button combinations. Importantly, the experts also compared button usage of dogs to that of their owners.



While humans frequently pressed buttons like "I love you," dogs used such expressions far less often, further supporting the conclusion that dogs were not merely mimicking human behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-future-research">Glimpse into future research</h2>



While the study establishes that dogs can intentionally combine two buttons to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-slower-helps-dogs-understand-what-humans-are-saying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate</a> immediate needs, the researchers aim to explore even deeper questions about canine intelligence. 



Could dogs use soundboards to reference past experiences, absent objects, or future events? Could they combine buttons to communicate ideas for which they lack specific vocabulary?



"We want to know if dogs can use these soundboards to express ideas beyond their immediate needs, like absent objects, past experiences, or future events. If they can, it would drastically change how we think about animal intelligence and communication," said Rossano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-dog-owners-and-beyond">Implications for dog owners and beyond</h2>



For pet lovers, this study opens up exciting possibilities for deepening the human-canine bond. 



With soundboards, dogs might communicate with their owners in ways previously thought impossible. Imagine your furry friend combined words like "outside" and "park" or "play" and "ball" to convey exactly what they wanted.



As future research unfolds, the potential for understanding our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal companions</a> could redefine how we think about intelligence and communication across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-collaborators">Study collaborators </h2>



The study’s co-authors include Amalia P. M. Bastos, now at Johns Hopkins University; Zachary N. Houghton, now at UC Davis; and Lucas Naranjo, an expert with CleverPet, Inc.



 While some of the researchers have ties to CleverPet, the company that manufactures the FluentPet devices, the research design and analysis were conducted independently, ensuring unbiased results. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-communication-beyond-soundboards">Dog communication beyond soundboards</h2>



Dogs have always been skilled communicators, even without soundboards. Their body language, vocalizations, and behaviors provide clues to their thoughts and feelings. 



For instance, a wagging tail can indicate happiness or excitement, while pinned-back ears may signal fear or discomfort. Dogs also use nuanced behaviors, like leaning into their owners for comfort or barking at specific objects, to express themselves.



Research into canine communication shows that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and can read facial expressions and respond to tone of voice.



For example, a soothing voice may calm a nervous dog, while a cheerful tone can encourage playful behavior. Dogs even appear to distinguish between human words, recognizing familiar commands and associating specific sounds with actions or outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-communicate-through-scent">Dogs communicate through scent</h2>



Another fascinating aspect of dog communication involves scent. Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, which they use to gather information about their environment and the emotions of other beings. 



A quick sniff can tell a dog if another animal is stressed, healthy, or on heat. Scent marking, common during walks, serves as a way to leave messages for other dogs.



While soundboards represent a technological leap in understanding canine communication, they are just one part of the puzzle. 



Traditional behaviors, combined with emerging tools like soundboards, offer an even richer view of how dogs convey their thoughts, emotions, and needs. These findings not only deepen our appreciation for our furry companions but also highlight their intelligence and emotional complexity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79517-6">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Dogs can use soundboards to express their needs

Dogs have always found unique ways to communicate with humans,...

Every year on December 10th, people worldwide come together to observe International Animal Rights Day. 



This day, which coincides with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a vital reminder that animals, like humans, deserve respect, compassion, and protection from harm. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-animal-rights">What are animal rights?</h2>



The concept of animal rights revolves around the belief that every animal, irrespective of species, deserves to live a life free from suffering, cruelty, and exploitation.



This belief stems from recognizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> as sentient beings, capable of feelings and thoughts. They are more than just resources for humans; they hold intrinsic value. 



And that’s why International Animal Rights Day stresses the importance of protecting the rights of all creatures, regardless of the protective laws that different countries have in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-animals-have-emotions">Do animals have emotions?</h2>



Numerous studies have demonstrated that animals experience emotions similar to humans. For example:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Elephants&nbsp;mourn their dead and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-elephants-perform-a-special-burial-ritual-for-their-calves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exhibit signs of grief</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs</a>&nbsp;show happiness, fear, and anxiety, often forming strong bonds with humans.</li>



<li>Crows&nbsp;and other birds demonstrate problem-solving abilities and even play, suggesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-hold-grudges-for-up-to-17-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional depth</a>.</li>
</ul>



Understanding these emotional capacities reinforces the ethical imperative to treat animals with compassion and respect. 



Recognizing that animals can feel joy, fear, and pain deepens the moral obligation to ensure their well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-support-animal-rights">How you can support animal rights</h2>



Promoting animal rights is not limited to activists or organizations; everyone can contribute meaningfully. Here are some actionable steps:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Choose cruelty-free products: Look for certifications like "Leaping Bunny" or "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cruelty-free-means/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cruelty-Free</a>" labels.</li>



<li>Donate or volunteer: Support animal welfare organizations or local shelters.</li>



<li>Advocate for laws: Push for stronger animal protection regulations.</li>



<li>Adopt or foster animals: Provide a loving home to animals in need by reaching out to local shelters, rescue organizations, or online platforms like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet. These resources connect individuals with animals looking for safe, caring environments.</li>
</ul>



Every small action counts in building a world where animals are treated with dignity and care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-a-powerful-tool-for-animal-rights">Education: A powerful tool for animal rights</h2>



Educational programs highlight issues like animal cruelty, habitat destruction, and species extinction. By informing people about the challenges animals face, education builds a foundation for advocacy.



Education helps individuals understand animals' sentience and their capacity for suffering. Empathy-driven lessons can lead to more compassionate attitudes and behavior toward animals.



Education also ties animal rights to broader environmental and ecological concerns, showing how protecting animal welfare contributes to a healthier planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnection-of-humans-and-animals">Interconnection of humans and animals</h2>



International Animal Rights Day celebrates both animal and <a href="https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human rights</a>. This reminds us of the interconnectedness of life.



The mistreatment of animals also impacts humans and the environment, disrupting ecosystems and endangering biodiversity. Recognizing these connections, we must treat all living beings with dignity for a healthier planet and society.



Victories in the fight for animals, such as bans on animal testing for cosmetics in several countries, liberation of animals from circuses, and closure of inhumane puppy mills, are truly inspirational. These success stories demonstrate that our collective actions can ignite change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-animal-rights-day">International Animal Rights Day</h2>



International Animal Rights Day offers an opportunity to reflect on our commitments to animals. Here’s how you can participate:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Raise awareness: Organize or join events like marches or online campaigns.</li>



<li>Spread the message: Share educational content on social media using hashtags like #AnimalRights and #CompassionForAnimals.</li>



<li>Volunteer or donate: Support local shelters or animal welfare organizations.</li>



<li>Make ethical choices: Opt for a plant-based diet or reduce the use of animal products.</li>



<li>Engage in dialogue: Discuss animal rights with friends and family to promote a compassionate community.</li>
</ul>



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



There's a spark of hope growing for the future of animal rights. Innovations such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-meat-and-dairy-alternatives-will-dramatically-transform-the-global-food-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab-grown meat</a> and alternatives to animal testing are encouraging advancements.



However, there are still considerable challenges, like combating wildlife trafficking, protecting habitats, and ensuring the enforcement of animal protection laws. But remember, staying informed and engaged can help shape a brighter future for all beings.



International Animal Rights Day is an important reminder of our collective responsibility towards the lives of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> and their rights.



Recognizing animal rights, and taking action to support their welfare, paves the way for a compassionate world. So, let's use this day to inspire ongoing action for a future where all creatures can live in harmony.



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International Animal Rights Day 2024: Honoring animals with justice

Every year on December 10th, people worldwide come together to...

When we think of testosterone-driven dominance, images of silverback gorillas pounding their chests or executives battling for boardroom supremacy may come to mind. 



Traditionally, the narrative of aggression and dominance has belonged to males. But in the dry savannahs of southern Africa, one species flips the script. Here, meerkats females are the competitive and dominant sex due to their testosterone.



Most meerkat mobs, small social groups of these mongoose relatives, are led by a dominant female. She commands with an iron paw - growling, biting, and shoving to maintain order.



This leadership style ensures that subordinates not only obey but also help raise her pups. Now, a recent study reveals that the dominant female’s reign comes at a price, particularly for her offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testosterone-levels-in-meerkat-queens">Testosterone levels in meerkat queens</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decoding-secret-language-of-meerkats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meerkat</a> queens owe their dominance to elevated levels of testosterone. During pregnancy, their testosterone can double, surpassing that of their male counterparts. 



This hormonal surge strengthens the matriarch’s competitive edge, enabling her to maintain control. However, this advantage comes with a trade-off.



"While this chemical boost gives her a competitive edge and helps her keep the upper hand, it can also take a toll on the health of her offspring," noted <a href="https://duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>’s Christine Drea, co-author of the new study.



The research sheds light on the impact of elevated testosterone levels on meerkat pups. Conducted at the Kuruman River Reserve in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert, the study examined 195 meerkats across juvenile and adult stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-testosterone-impacts-meerkat-health">High testosterone impacts meerkat health</h2>



The researchers analyzed the droppings of meerkat pups for signs of parasitic infections, including tapeworm eggs. 



They discovered that pups born to dominant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">females</a>, exposed to heightened testosterone levels in the womb, carried more gut parasites than those of subordinate females.



To confirm the role of maternal testosterone, the team administered a medication to some pregnant dominant females. 



This treatment reduced the effects of testosterone during their third trimester. The results were striking: pups from these treated mothers exhibited stronger immune responses and fewer parasites.



Blood tests revealed that these pups had enhanced natural defenses against bacterial infections. Additionally, their chances of surviving past their first year significantly improved. 



"The offspring from moms whose androgens were blocked actually survive significantly longer," Drea noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testosterone-and-immune-health">Testosterone and immune health</h2>



This study provides the first evidence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terror-bird-phorusrhacid-discovery-was-largest-meat-eating-bird-of-its-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> that elevated prenatal testosterone can weaken immune function. 



The impact was most evident in juvenile meerkats, with the health disparities diminishing as the animals matured.



"There's a health trade-off with testosterone," Drea explained. "It’s actually having an effect on survivorship when the animals are the most vulnerable."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-faced-by-wild-animals">Challenges faced by wild animals</h2>



The findings are part of a broader effort to understand how animals cope with infections in the wild. 



Unlike the controlled environment of a laboratory, wild meerkats face a variety of challenges, including social status, hormones, and environmental stressors.



"By studying wild meerkats, we can explore how real-world conditions — factors like social status, hormones, and environmental stressors — interact to influence immune function," said study co-author Kendra Smyth-Kabay, a former graduate student.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meerkat-dominance-beyond-testosterone">Meerkat dominance beyond testosterone</h2>



Meerkat queens do not <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-could-dominate-earth-if-humans-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rise to power</a> through sheer chance. These matriarchs typically inherit their position after the previous leader dies or is ousted.



Once in charge, they exert strict control over breeding within their groups. Subordinate females are often prevented from reproducing, either through physical aggression or by hormonal suppression caused by the dominant female’s presence.



This social structure ensures that the queen’s pups receive the majority of the group’s care and resources. Meerkat queens also have an uncanny ability to recognize and expel potential threats to their reign, including older offspring that may challenge their authority. 



Interestingly, their leadership style often involves collaboration as much as it does competition. They rely on the support of loyal subordinates to maintain their dominance and rear their young.



The lifespan of a meerkat queen can vary, but those who maintain their dominance often live longer than subordinates, benefiting from better access to food and protection from predators. 



However, the constant stress of defending their position can take a toll, making their reign both a privilege and a burden.



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



The study highlights the trade-offs in meerkat society. Dominant females gain reproductive success and control, but their pups bear the burden of weakened immunity. These findings provide a glimpse into the complex interplay of hormones, social hierarchy, and health in the animal kingdom.



As researchers continue to examine these dynamics, the fierce matriarchy of meerkats offers valuable insights into the cost of dominance - particularly the role of testosterone in shaping their leadership and its impact on offspring health.



Despite their apparent power, even queens face the consequences of their reign.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Meerkat queens have high testosterone, and their pups pay a price

When we think of testosterone-driven dominance, images of silverback gorillas...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<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>



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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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>



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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."



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



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.



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



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, 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.



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.



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



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.



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."



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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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=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<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://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<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://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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