Two iconic dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus rex and Brachylophosaurus canadensis - have yielded a fresh line of evidence that traces of their original biology can survive for tens of millions of years. 



In new work, researchers at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> identified hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in blood - and its iron-bearing heme group in bone extracts from both animals.



The finding strengthens a growing body of data showing that certain biomolecules can persist in exceptional fossils. It also clarifies how they change as fossils form.



Researchers have debated and re-examined soft, stretchy tissues from these same specimens for nearly two decades. 



Teams have used high-resolution imaging, antibodies, and protein sequencing to argue that the materials are genuine remnants of dinosaur biology rather than modern contaminants. The latest study adds another tool - and another confirmation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-unlocks-dinosaur-chemistry">Light unlocks dinosaur chemistry</h2>



The team turned to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/resonance-raman-spectroscopy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy</a>. In this method, laser light is tuned to a molecule’s electronic transitions. This causes only that molecule to “sing” back with a strong signal.



“Raman spectroscopy essentially uses light waves to identify a molecule’s energetic ‘fingerprint,’” said physicist Hans Hallen, the study’s corresponding author. 



“Resonance Raman, which we use here, takes that process one step further by using light already tuned to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-the-origins-of-the-molecule-that-made-the-universe/">molecule</a> of interest - so only that type of molecule will resonate.”



That resonance dramatically boosts the signal from specific bonds - crucial when your targets are rare, damaged molecules embedded in a complex fossil matrix.



“This strong signal allows us to find the needle (hemoglobin remnants) in the haystack (messy fossil) to see how this molecule has changed from the functional living state, revealing the chemical changes molecules undergo in deep time,” Hallen added.



RR spectra from T. rex and Brachylophosaurus extracts showed signatures consistent with heme still bound to globin proteins. In addition, they indicated heme bound to goethite, an iron oxide mineral linked to oxidized iron.



The researchers cross-checked those signals against demineralized modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-a-cretaceous-ostrich-mexidracon-longimanus-with-extremely-long-arms/">ostrich</a> bone and human blood to anchor their interpretations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-molecules-traced-to-dinosaurs">Blood molecules traced to dinosaurs</h2>



Because Raman detects bonds rather than whole molecules, skeptics often point out that generic signals could arise from modern microbes or other contaminants. 



That’s where the extra selectivity of RR - and the structural information in the spectra - matters.



“RR identifies both bonds and structure," said paleobiologist Mary Schweitzer, a co-author on the work. 



"We know that heme is there and that it is still bound to hemoglobin protein - contaminants like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reusable-water-bottles-are-breeding-ground-for-strep-and-fecal-bacteria/">bacteria</a> don’t have those specific bonds, so we can say that the molecules are from the animal, or in this case, the dinosaur,”



The team also mapped how those spectral fingerprints shift as hemoglobin decays. After death, the protein breaks down, damaging the heme ring and oxidizing the iron inside it. 



RR data show that goethite forms on that iron, and the heme can bind to the mineral surface.



Tellingly, the researchers observed the early stages of the same degradation pathway in modern samples, suggesting that key steps happen relatively quickly and then stabilize.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-blood-survived-fossilization">Dinosaur blood survived fossilization</h2>



Beyond confirming what the molecules are, the spectral changes reveal a plausible route for how they survived. 



Goethite is a bio-related mineral - it often forms in association with biological activity - and the new data hint that it doesn’t just grow near proteins; it can latch onto and stabilize fragments. "We didn’t know that it could bind to and stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-modified-plant-proteins-to-create-delicious-meat-alternatives/">protein</a> fragments,” Hallen said.



That matters because it shows a mechanism that locks delicate organics in place and protects them during fossilization. 



Researchers already know that heme persists in sediments far older than the age of dinosaurs, but the path from fresh blood to ancient rock has remained murky.



Pinning down the chemistry helps explain why hemoglobin, in particular, shows up as a survivor - and why some fossils preserve molecular vestiges while others do not.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-view-of-fossil-preservation">A new view of fossil preservation</h2>



The study reinforces a shift in paleontology: under the right conditions, original biochemistry can endure deep time, and modern tools can detect and interpret it. 



Instead of a binary “preserved or not,” researchers are piecing together degradation pathways, mineral partnerships, and microenvironments that favor survival.



For dinosaur biology, that means more than just curiosity. Hemoglobin and heme in blood play key roles in metabolism, oxygen transport, and overall physiology. 



Their presence, and the way they degrade, defines how tissues fossilize and what information we can still extract.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-bone_hemoglobin_preserved_NCSU_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-bone_hemoglobin_preserved_NCSU_1s.webp" alt="Vessels isolated from Tyrannosaurus cortical bone by demineralization in EDTA. Credit: NC State University" class="wp-image-1985867"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vessels isolated from Tyrannosaurus cortical bone by demineralization in EDTA. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NC State University</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-chemistry-spans-eons">Blood chemistry spans eons</h2>



For dinosaur fossil science, mineral–organic interactions like heme–goethite may help preserve blood proteins and molecular fragments throughout Earth’s history.



“Heme has been identified in sediments that are much, much older than dinosaurs, so we know that it persists,” Schweitzer noted. 



“Understanding why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-human-genetics-could-optimize-medical-care/">hemoglobin</a> preserves, and the role that heme plays in the process, is really important if we want to know how these ancient molecules survive through time.”



The upshot is both practical and provocative. Resonance Raman pinpoints specific ancient molecules within messy fossils, and the chemistry it reveals also serves as a preservation roadmap. 



That’s a powerful combination for anyone trying to read life’s oldest diaries written in stone.



The study is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspa.2025.0175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences</a>.



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Hemoglobin and other blood molecules found preserved in dinosaur fossils

Two iconic dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus rex and Brachylophosaurus canadensis - have yielded a fresh line of evidence that traces of their original biology can survive for tens of millions of years. In new work, researchers at North Carolina State University identified hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in blood - and its iron-bearing heme group in bone extracts from both animals. The finding strengthens a growing body of data showing that certain biomolecules can persist in exceptional fossils. It also clarifies how they change as fossils form. Researchers...

Beekeeping in vibrant urban cityscapes has brought bees, including nearly 4,000 native species, into the spotlight. These native bees, residing across the United States, are largely responsible for pollination in our agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes.



However, the narrative becomes more complex when non-native honey bees, managed and domesticated, are added to the equation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-beekeeping-and-native-populations">Urban beekeeping and native populations</h2>



Initial concerns were that managed honey bee populations may have negative impacts on native wild bees, mainly due to potential resource competition and disease sharing.



However, a comprehensive study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> points to a different pattern - one that might not be as adverse.



The findings reveal that out of 33 genera of native bees studied, only a few showed any negative impact triggered by the presence of honey bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-bee-species-identified">Vulnerable bee species identified </h2>



The research sheds light on the groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-prefer-flowers-with-large-bullseyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> that are potentially more vulnerable to the effects of urban beekeeping, which will aid in devising conservation strategies.



The researchers identified a correlation between managed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bee</a> apiaries, urban land, and the reduced number of bees from six of 33 wild bee genera. The team set out to disentangle the relative influence of apiary density versus developed land.



The six bee genera responded differently to apiary density and urbanization. Long-horned bees in the genus Svastra were most affected by apiary density, whereas Florilegus, another breed of long-horned bees, was most negatively impacted by urbanization. 



Other affected genera included green bees (Agapostemon and Augochlora), sweat bees (Lasioglossum) and long-horned bees (Melissodes).



A deeper analysis of the data revealed that the bees most disrupted by apiaries and land development share some common traits: they tend to nest in the ground, forage later in the season and, in some instances, specialize in specific seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-challenges-for-bees">Urban challenges for bees</h2>



Study lead author Gabriela Quinlan is a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral research fellow in Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research and the College of Agricultural Sciences.



“Urban environments can be especially challenging for ground-nesting bees because the hardscaping - asphalt and concrete - can make it difficult to find bare ground for <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1946960&amp;action=edit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nesting</a>,” said Quinlan. 



“Small bees can’t fly very far, so they may have trouble finding nesting and flowering resources within their flight range. Moreover, specialist bees require very specific flowers, which may be difficult to find in urban settings.”



Quinlan explained that some wild bees also forage later in the season, which happens to be when honey bee colonies are at their peak size and competing for limited floral resources.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-urban-beekeeping-challenges">Solutions for urban beekeeping challenges</h2>



“Planting late-season forage and leaving bare ground as nesting resources in urban gardens could help alleviate some of the stressors that developed land and urban beekeeping can put on these bee groups,” noted Quinlan.



For the investigation, the researchers used the locations of nearly 4,000 registered apiaries across Maryland to build a state map of apiary density. They then compared this with data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-strips-can-boost-wild-bee-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild bee populations</a> within the state, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bee Monitoring and Identification Lab.



A declining number of pollinators - linked to pesticide use, pathogens, poor nutrition, and climate change - has caused global concern in recent years. 



There is also increased attention focused on how honey bees, carrying pathogens and heightening resource competition, might be affecting wild, native bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-beekeeping-and-wild-bee-abundance">Urban beekeeping and wild bee abundance </h2>



Despite these concerns, evidence to show how honey bees affect the abundance of wild bees has been scarce. The Penn State study sought a deeper understanding of how the presence of managed honey bee populations may relate to reductions in wild bee abundance.



The interconnectedness highlighted by the research prompts a shift in perspective - instead of focusing on individual species, it's crucial to consider bees as communities.



Nonlethal, automated monitoring systems for bees are being developed by the new INSECT NET graduate training program at Penn State for future studies.



In the meantime, one of the best ways to support both wild and managed bees is to bolster our landscapes with more flowering plants, including city streets and backyards.



Beekeepers can boost honey bees' resilience to climate variation by skillfully managing pests and diseases within their colonies, consequently reducing the odds of honey bees spreading diseases to wild bees.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969724059394" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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How does urban beekeeping affect native wild bees?

Beekeeping in vibrant urban cityscapes has brought bees, including nearly...

On a crisp fall morning, a team of scientists ventured into a Danish forest with an unusual mission: to "vacuum" animal DNA straight from the air. Among them was Christina Lynggaard, a dedicated researcher intrigued by the invisible clues floating around us.



Carrying plastic boxes equipped with DNA air samplers, the researchers carefully attached them to tree trunks. 



Once powered on, these devices began to hum softly, pulling in air through filters designed to capture tiny particles. 



Over the next three days, the team from the Globe Institute at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> made several trips back to the forest to replace the filters, each time eager to see what secrets the air had given up.



"We saw relatively few animals in the short time we spent in the forest when we changed the air filters. A squirrel, the sound of a woodpecker, a pheasant squawking, and a white-tailed eagle flying above us one day," Lynggaard recounted



Despite the serene and seemingly quiet woods, the DNA they collected painted a picture of a bustling ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacuum-dna-reveals-hidden-world">Vacuum DNA reveals hidden world</h2>



By sequencing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep forest</a> DNA particles trapped in the filters, the team identified traces from 64 different animal species in an area roughly the size of a football field. 



Domestic animals like cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and dogs made the list, as did exotic pets such as parakeets and peacocks. 



More remarkably, they detected DNA from about 50 wild species, including red deer, roe deer, Eurasian badgers, red foxes, various vole species, Eurasian red squirrels, common toads, smooth newts, cranes, great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, grey herons, marsh tits, woodcocks, and more.



This wasn't the first time the team experimented with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne DNA</a>. Earlier, they had successfully detected animal DNA in the air at a zoo, mapping out many of its inhabitants. 



"In a zoo, the animals are present in large numbers in a relatively small area, while in nature they are much less concentrated," Professor Kristine Bohmann pointed out. 



"Therefore, we were unsure how well we could make the method work in nature. And that is where we have to get it to work if we want to use it to monitor biodiversity." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-monitoring-with-vacuum-dna">Biodiversity monitoring with vacuum DNA</h2>



The ability to detect so many species without direct observation is a game-changer. 



"We are in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity crisis</a>, and tools are needed to understand how ecosystems change as a result of human impacts, to guide management strategies and to assess the risk of the spread of diseases in areas where animals can come into contact with people," Lynggaard explained. 



This method offers a non-invasive way to monitor wildlife populations and could be crucial for conservation efforts.



Working with airborne environmental DNA isn't without its challenges. The team had to ensure that their findings were accurate, especially when unexpected results appeared. 



When the DNA of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peacock-feathers-evade-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peacocks</a> showed up in their samples, they questioned whether it was a mistake. 



However, further investigation revealed that local residents occasionally spotted peacocks during their walks, confirming the DNA results. This validation emphasized the method's sensitivity and accuracy.



"It's absolutely crazy! Although we have worked hard to optimize the method, we did not dare to hope for such good results. We didn't think we would succeed so well in the very first attempt in nature," exclaimed Professor Bohmann. 



Their enthusiasm reflects the potential this technique has for future research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-environmental-dna-edna">Science behind environmental DNA (eDNA)</h2>



Animals constantly shed DNA into their environment through hair, feathers, skin cells, and other biological materials. These tiny fragments become part of the surrounding ecosystem, including the air. 



By capturing and analyzing these particles, scientists can identify the species present in an area without needing to see or disturb the animals themselves. 



This approach is particularly valuable for studying elusive or nocturnal species that are hard to observe directly.



The success of this method highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling environmental challenges. 



By combining expertise in genetics, ecology, and technology, the team has developed a tool that could revolutionize how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitor and protect wildlife</a>. It emphasizes that innovation often comes from thinking outside traditional boundaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-communities-and-citizen-science">Engaging communities and citizen science</h2>



There's also potential for this technique to involve local communities in scientific research. Imagine hikers or nature enthusiasts equipped with portable air samplers, contributing to a global database of biodiversity. 



This citizen science approach could vastly expand the reach of environmental DNA sampling and foster a greater connection between people and nature.



As habitats shrink and species face increasing threats, understanding the dynamics of ecosystems becomes ever more critical. 



Traditional methods of wildlife monitoring can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes disruptive to the animals themselves. 



Airborne DNA sampling offers a less invasive alternative that can provide comprehensive data more efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-vacuum-dna">What's next for vacuum DNA?</h2>



The team plans to test the method in different environments and refine the technology to detect even more species. 



They are exploring the possibilities of scaling up the approach, potentially using drones to collect air samples over larger areas. This could transform conservation efforts on a global scale.



The idea that we can "vacuum" the air to uncover the hidden tapestry of life is both astonishing and inspiring. It reminds us that innovation can come from the simplest observations -- like realizing that the air itself holds the secrets of the forest. 



As we look to the future, methods like this give us hope that we can rise to the challenges facing our planet.



So, the next time you take a deep breath of fresh air, consider the invisible connections it carries. The air isn't just empty space; it's a living library of the world around us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00515-8">Current Biology</a>.



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Vacuuming animal DNA from the air in a forest yields surprising results

On a crisp fall morning, a team of scientists ventured...

We all love a good mystery, don't we? But when it comes to the mysteries of our vast oceanic realm, they may not always have a comforting conclusion. A recent conundrum involving the disappearance of sperm whales has been puzzling marine scientists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-act-of-gulf-sperm-whales">Disappearing act of Gulf sperm whales</h2>



A study in the acclaimed scientific journal PeerJ Life and Environment has uncovered a strange occurrence; the sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are making a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swift exit</a> from the central part of the Gulf of California.



So what's driving them away, you might wonder? It seems the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) population collapse has a part to play in this aquatic drama.



Msc. Héctor Pérez-Puig from <a href="https://prescott.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prescott College</a> and Dr. Alejandro Arias Del Razo from Universidad de las Américas Puebla (<a href="https://www.udlap.mx/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDLAP</a>) are the dynamic duo leading the investigation, unravelling this marine mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survey-of-sperm-whales-in-the-gulf">Survey of sperm whales in the Gulf</h2>



Over 9 years, these committed researchers scoured the eastern Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California, using a combination of survey data and photo-identification techniques to follow the trail of the disappearing sperm whales. 



Their findings? A strong link between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jumbo-squid-declines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vanishing jumbo squid</a> and the sperm whales' departure. The whales were nowhere to be seen from 2016 to 2018.



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



Jumbo squid, or Humboldt squid, are remarkable and formidable marine creatures inhabiting the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Mexico and Peru. 



Growing up to seven feet in length and weighing as much as 100 pounds, they rank among the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-suckers-the-future-of-underwater-adhesives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">squid species known</a>. 



Equipped with sharp beaks and strong tentacles lined with serrated suckers, these squids are adept hunters, preying on fish, shrimp, and even smaller squid. 



They often hunt in large, coordinated groups, referred to as "squid squads." When they detect prey, their quick reflexes allow them to ambush and overpower it, showcasing a surprising level of intelligence.



In addition to their size and aggressive hunting tactics, jumbo squids possess a fascinating ability to communicate through color. By flashing different hues, such as red and white, across their skin, they signal to one another or deter potential threats. 



Their increasing prevalence in recent years, including sightings along the California coast, raises intriguing questions about ecological shifts. Scientists hypothesize that this migration may be influenced by changes in ocean temperatures and fishing pressures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sperm-whale-population">Sperm whale population</h2>



From 2009 to 2015, the sperm whale population in the central Gulf fluctuated between a modest 20 to a whopping 167, with a "super population" peaking at 354. 



But between 2016 to 2018, things took a downturn; no sightings of sperm whales were recorded at all. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-are-what-we-eat">We are what we eat</h2>



There's a positive relationship between squid landings and whale sightings (R² = 0.644). Essentially, this means as the squid population dwindled, so did the presence of sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flexible-diets-are-key-to-killer-whale-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> in the Gulf.



And what's the culprit behind this calamity? 



Well, it's none other than environmental changes. Sustained ocean warming and intense El Niño events have thrown the Gulf's ecosystem balance off-kilter.



And this is bad news for the jumbo squid, which shows a shift towards smaller sizes, possibly too scrawny to feed our large predator friends, the sperm whales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture">Bigger picture</h2>



Let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Sperm whales, as the top-dogs of the ocean food chain, control the energy flow within marine ecosystems. 



Their exit from the Gulf of California paints a distressing image of wider environmental changes and raises alarm bells about the region's long-term health.



"The departure of sperm whales from the Gulf of California serves as a sentinel signal, reflecting significant shifts in marine ecosystems. As the environment changes, so too does the delicate balance between predators and prey," noted Héctor Pérez-Puig, the lead investigator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



So where do we go from here? This study urges for a more detailed analysis to fully grasp the movement patterns of sperm whales and their prey. 



Especially considering the ongoing "tropicalization" of the Gulf of California, it's crucial to keep monitoring these changes and evaluate their impact on marine life and overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ever-footage-of-a-blue-whale-nursing-its-calf-captured/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact">Human impact</h2>



Natural phenomena are important for ecosystem dynamics, but human activities also greatly affect marine life. 



Overfishing, especially of jumbo squid, along with pollution and boat traffic, puts extra stress on fragile ecosystems. These actions disturb sperm whales and threaten their food sources. 



To create effective conservation strategies, we need to understand our impact. By adopting sustainable fishing practices and cutting down on pollution, we can help restore balance in the Gulf of California’s marine environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect">Ripple effect</h2>



This isn't just a whale of a tale. The research plays a key part in the field of marine biology and ecology, with potential repercussions for conserving both the sperm whales and the broader marine environment in the Gulf of California. 



It underscores the crucial role long-term data collection plays in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding population trends</a> and the effects of climate change on marine species.



In conclusion, the story of the vanishing sperm whales is an eerie reminder of how our actions can tip the balance of nature. While we've taken a glimpse into this marine mystery, it's clear there's still much to uncover. 



Will we be able to turn the tide in time? Or will the tale of the sperm whales become a cautionary echo in our oceanic depths? The future of the Gulf of California hangs in the balance, and we hold the scales.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18117/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



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Where have all the sperm whales gone? Scientists think they know

We all love a good mystery, don't we? But when...

The Hell Creek Formation, spanning what are now the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming, is best known for housing some of the most famous dinosaurs, such as Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. 



In particular, this site was home to SUE, one of the largest and most complete T. rex fossils ever discovered.&nbsp;However, these iconic dinosaurs weren't the only creatures inhabiting this prehistoric world.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skilled-predatory-birds-nbsp">Skilled predatory birds&nbsp;</h2>



In a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310686" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>, scientists have described two newly identified species of birds that coexisted with these dinosaurs approximately 68 million years ago.&nbsp;



Remarkably, the researchers were able to name these species based on just one bone each -- specifically, a sturdy foot bone, which suggests that these birds were skilled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-ancient-saber-toothed-predators-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> capable of capturing and carrying off prey.



“Based on clues in their foot bones, we think these birds would have been able to catch and carry prey, similar to what a modern hawk or owl does,” said lead author Alex Clark, a PhD student at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> and the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>.&nbsp;



“While they might not be the first birds of prey to ever evolve, their fossils are the earliest known examples of predatory birds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealth-of-information-in-foot-bones">Wealth of information in foot bones</h2>



The three fossil specimens Clark analyzed for this study were collected in recent years by other researchers but had not received much detailed attention.&nbsp;



At first glance, Clark recalls that the fossils weren’t particularly remarkable -- each was a single foot bone, known as a tarsometatarsus, to which the bird’s toes would have been attached. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bird_Avisaurus-darwini_predatory_cretaceous-period_credit-Ville-Sinkkonen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bird_Avisaurus-darwini_predatory_cretaceous-period_credit-Ville-Sinkkonen_1s.webp" alt="Reconstruction of an avisaurid (e.g., Avisaurus darwini). Morphology of the tarsometatarsus suggests that these large birds engaged in raptorial behavior and could carry proportionally large prey. Illustration done by Ville Sinkkonen." class="wp-image-1947059"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reconstruction of an avisaurid (e.g., Avisaurus darwini). Morphology of the tarsometatarsus suggests that these large birds engaged in raptorial behavior and could carry proportionally large prey. Illustration done by Ville Sinkkonen.</figcaption></figure>



These bones were found without more eye-catching body parts like claws or skulls, and while they were considered large for bird foot bones, they were still only about the size of an adult human thumb.&nbsp;



However, these unassuming bones turned out to hold a wealth of information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-bird-fossil-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient birds</a>’ lives and behaviors.



“Every nook and cranny and bump that occurs on a bone can tell us something about where the muscles or tendons attached and how big they were,” Clark explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-features-of-predatory-birds-nbsp">Unique features of predatory birds&nbsp;</h2>



One particularly interesting feature on these bones was a large bump, known as a tubercle, which is a muscle attachment point. 



The size and location of this tubercle were unusual -- it was much larger and positioned farther down the bone than is typical in most birds. 



“When we see tubercles this large and this far down in modern birds, they're in birds of prey like owls and hawks,” noted Clark.&nbsp;



“That’s because when they hunt and pick up their prey with their feet, they're lifting proportionally heavy things and holding them close to their bodies to stay as aerodynamically efficient as possible. These fossil ankle bones look like they're built to do something similar.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predatory-birds-with-strong-feet-nbsp">Predatory birds with strong feet&nbsp;</h2>



To further investigate their hypothesis, Clark and his team conducted biomechanical analyses of the fossilized foot bones, comparing them to the bones of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-skull-dinosaurs-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern birds</a>.&nbsp;



“The muscles and bone of the ankle work like a lever, and by comparing how far down on the bone the muscle attaches, we can get a good idea of how it would have moved and how strong it would have been,” explained Clark.&nbsp;



The findings confirmed that the structure of these birds' feet would have been strong enough for them to grasp and carry off small mammals and even baby dinosaurs, similar to modern hawks and owls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-new-bird-species-named">Two new bird species named</h2>



From these three foot bones, Clark and his team identified and named two new species: Avisaurus darwini, named after Charles Darwin, and Magnusavis ekalakaenis, named in honor of the town of Ekalaka, Montana, where one of the fossils was discovered.&nbsp;



The third bone may represent another new species, but its degraded condition made it difficult to draw firm conclusions.&nbsp;



These birds belong to a group called avisaurids, which are part of a larger extinct group of birds known as enantiornithines. 



Like most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-are-helping-astronomers-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, the enantiornithines went extinct when the asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-ancient-bird-species">Diversity of ancient bird species</h2>



Study co-author Jingmai O’Connor is the associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum and Clark’s advisor.



“These discoveries have effectively doubled the number of bird species known from the Hell Creek Formation and will be critical for helping us to better understand why only some birds survived the mass extinction that wiped out T. rex and the avisaurids described here,” said O’Connor.



The findings shed new light on the diversity of ancient bird species that lived alongside dinosaurs and highlight the important role that even isolated fossils can play in understanding ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-sea-creatures-built-ecosystems-that-diversified-ocean-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.&nbsp;



While the bones may have seemed unimpressive at first glance, they have provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some of the earliest predatory birds.



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Earliest known predatory birds lived alongside dinosaurs 

The Hell Creek Formation, spanning what are now the Dakotas,...

We all know geckos for their sticky feet and ability to climb walls, but it turns out they have another secret up their scaly sleeves. Scientists have discovered that these little reptiles possess a hidden "sixth sense" that's reshaping our understanding of how animals hear.



Catherine Carr and her team at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> found that geckos use a part of their inner ear called the saccule to detect low-frequency vibrations. 



Traditionally, the saccule is associated with balance and body positioning, not hearing.



The researchers published their findings in the journal Current Biology. 



Their study reveals that this "sixth sense" plays a complementary role to the geckos' normal hearing, offering new insights into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cnemaspis-vangoghi-new-gecko-species-discovered-india-named-after-van-gogh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these creatures</a> sense the world around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-gecko-hearing-pathway">Ancient gecko hearing pathway</h2>



"The ear, as we know it, hears airborne sound. But this ancient inner pathway, which is typically linked to balance, helps geckos detect vibrations that travel through mediums like the ground or water," said Carr. 



"This pathway exists in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/inaudible-screams-amphibians-use-ultrasound-to-deter-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a> and fish, and now it's proven to be preserved in lizards as well. Our findings shed light on how the auditory system evolved from what you see in fish to what you see in land animals including humans."



So, what's so special about the saccule? It can pick up faint vibrations ranging from 50 to 200 Hz, well below what geckos usually hear <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-leaf-tailed-gecko-discovered-in-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">through their ears</a>. 



This suggests that the saccule isn't just a backup system but serves a unique function that complements their regular hearing.



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



While geckos can hear airborne sounds, many of their reptilian cousins can't. This discovery hints that other reptiles might also use similar mechanisms to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geckos-can-recognize-their-own-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perceive their environment</a>.



"A lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sandy-soil-reptiles-face-extinction-threat-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snakes and lizards</a> were thought to be 'mute' or 'deaf' in the sense that they do not vocalize sounds or hear sounds well," explained Dawei Han, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at UMD. 



"But it turns out they could potentially be communicating via vibrational signals using this sensory pathway instead, which really changes the way scientists have thought about animal perception overall."



This shared sensory pathway in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-reptile-or-the-egg-come-first-scientists-have-changed-their-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> offers a peek into the evolutionary journey of how vertebrates sense the world. 



It suggests that the move from water to land involved more intricate and gradual changes in hearing mechanisms than we previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-connection">Human connection?</h2>



Even though these findings aren't directly linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how humans hear</a>, they remind us that there's often more going on than we realize.



"Think about when you're at a live rock concert. It's so loud that you can feel your whole head and body vibrate in the sound field. You can feel the music, rather than just hearing it," Carr explained.



"That feeling suggests that the human vestibular system may be stimulated during those loud concerts, meaning our sense of hearing and balance may also be linked closely."



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



Carr and Han hope their work will inspire more studies into how mammals hear, especially regarding this sensory pathway. 



They believe that understanding the link between hearing and balance could lead to new research avenues, including exploring connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human hearing</a> and balance disorders.



"The implications of this research extend beyond the world of reptiles," Han said. "As we uncover these hidden mechanisms, we're also gaining a richer and more nuanced picture of how animals perceive and interact with their environments -- and potentially, new insights into our own sensory experiences."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gecko-hearing-and-the-bigger-picture">Gecko hearing and the bigger picture</h2>



So next time you see a gecko scurrying up a wall, remember that there's a lot more to these creatures than meets the eye -- or ear. 



Who knows what other hidden talents they might have?



This discovery not only changes how we think about geckos but also opens up new questions about the evolution of hearing in all animals. 



It shows that sometimes, the answers to big questions can come from the smallest and most unexpected places.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224012272" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Geckos have a hidden 'sixth sense' that's challenging our grasp of animal perception

We all know geckos for their sticky feet and ability...

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed an adhesive inspired by octopus suckers, capable of quickly gripping and releasing challenging underwater objects. 



This breakthrough, detailed in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.202407588" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>, could potentially revolutionize underwater salvage, rescue operations, and even technological applications that require manipulating difficult objects in wet environments.



The development team, which was led by Professor Michael Bartlett, included undergraduate researchers Austin Via, Aldo Heredia, and Daniel Adjei, as well as first author Chanhong Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-underwater-adhesive-nbsp">Challenge of underwater adhesive&nbsp;</h2>



The primary goal of the study was to overcome the longstanding challenge of creating an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-mussels-make-underwater-glue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater adhesive</a> that can both hold onto objects securely and release them instantly - just as an octopus can.



“I am fascinated with how an octopus in one moment can hold something strongly, then release it instantly. It does this underwater, on objects that are rough, curved, and irregular - that is quite a feat,” Bartlett said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-anatomy-of-octopus-suckers">Unique anatomy of octopus suckers</h2>



To solve the challenge of gripping underwater, the team turned to the unique anatomy of an octopus’s sucker, particularly focusing on a structure called the infundibulum.&nbsp;



This outer section of the sucker allows the octopus to grasp and manipulate objects with incredible precision and strength.&nbsp;



By mimicking this structure, the researchers developed an adhesive featuring an elastic, curved stalk and an active, deformable membrane that changes shape to achieve adhesion across multiple surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredibly-efficient-adhesive">Incredibly efficient adhesive</h2>



The octopus-inspired adhesive significantly improves adaptability. Its curved stalk can attach to large-scale curvatures while its deformable membrane accommodates smaller surface irregularities.&nbsp;



This combination allows the adhesive to maintain a strong grip on objects that vary in texture, shape, and size.&nbsp;



The result is an adhesive that is 1,000 times stronger when activated compared to its easy-release state. 



Even more impressively, this switch between gripping and releasing occurs in about 30 milliseconds, making the adhesive incredibly efficient for rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-will-soon-be-able-to-use-air-to-move-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object manipulation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-precision-for-grip-and-release-nbsp">Remarkable precision for grip and release&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers demonstrated this adhesive’s capabilities across a range of surfaces and fluids. The tool provides a powerful way to grip and release slippery underwater objects, such as heavy rocks or soft, jelly-like beads, without the need for excessive force.&nbsp;



Divers using this technology could snatch up objects quickly and with precision, a significant advancement for underwater operations.



One key demonstration of the adhesive’s abilities involved constructing an underwater cairn - a carefully balanced pile of rocks. These rocks varied in size, shape, and roughness, and required careful manipulation to stack without tipping over.&nbsp;



The octopus-inspired adhesive allowed the researchers to grab and release the rocks with precision, mimicking how an octopus arranges objects in its environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-difficult-objects-underwater-nbsp">Manipulating difficult objects underwater&nbsp;</h2>



“These types of manipulations are performed by an octopus as they arrange objects around their den,” said Lee. “This demonstration highlights the ability of the octopus-inspired adhesive to precisely manipulate difficult underwater objects.”



The adhesive also proved durable in long-term tests. It maintained consistent attachment strength over 100 cycles and was able to hold a rough, curved rock underwater for more than seven days, releasing it on demand.&nbsp;



This kind of performance is especially critical in salvage operations, where holding objects over extended periods is necessary before release.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-inspired-by-octopus-suckers-nbsp">Technology inspired by octopus suckers&nbsp;</h2>



Bartlett and his team have previously developed the <a href="https://news.vt.edu/articles/2022/07/eng-bartlett-octaglove.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octa-Glove</a>, an octopus-inspired glove equipped with LIDAR sensors that detect nearby objects and use a similar adhesive to capture and release them. 



Described in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.abq1905?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D90780648708216300104417575982572668868%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1728551990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, the Octa-Glove allows for strong, gentle bonding to objects without the need for excessive force, making it ideal for rescue divers, underwater archaeologists, and health care workers needing to manipulate wet or underwater objects.



The new research could make this technology even more versatile. “We hope to utilize our new adhesive design to further improve Octa-Glove,” Bartlett said. "Underwater environments present a long list of challenges, and this advance gets us over another hurdle." 



"We’re now closer than ever to replicating the incredible ability of an octopus to grip and manipulate objects with precision, opening up new possibilities for exploration and manipulation of wet or underwater environments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-in-diverse-fields-nbsp">Potential applications in diverse fields&nbsp;</h2>



This new adhesive technology holds immense promise not only for underwater work but also for a variety of fields that require the manipulation of difficult-to-grip materials.&nbsp;



With its ability to quickly grip, hold, and release diverse objects - including those with smooth, rough, or curved surfaces - the octopus-inspired adhesive could be used in a variety of environments where traditional adhesives or mechanical grips fail.&nbsp;



It offers potential applications in fields as diverse as underwater exploration, salvage, medical technology, and robotics.



With the ability to grip objects securely without relying on excessive pressure, the technology may also reduce the risk of damaging delicate materials - a significant advantage in fields like archaeology, where the recovery of fragile artifacts is crucial.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-octopus-inspired-adhesives-nbsp">The future of octopus-inspired adhesives&nbsp;</h2>



The team’s future plans include scaling up their experimental circuits and embedding them in larger, more complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-with-space-to-think-will-become-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> that can operate in challenging conditions, such as monitoring power plants or exploring underwater environments.



By mimicking nature’s design of octopus suckers, Bartlett’s team has taken another step toward creating more dexterous, adaptive, and powerful robots. 



As technology advances, the potential for these octopus-inspired adhesives to transform how we interact with the underwater world and beyond is increasingly clear.



The research was supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> through its Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future program. 



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Octopus suckers: The future of underwater adhesives

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed an adhesive inspired by...

Endangered species in Australia’s waters are facing imminent peril. From coral reefs bleaching and marine habitats deteriorating to dwindling fish populations, the state of our oceans is worsening at an alarming rate.



Yet, despite these dire conditions, some of Australia’s most endangered fish species are legally exported, exposing critical flaws and loopholes in existing environmental protections.



New research raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current laws in safeguarding the future of endangered fish, particularly those that continue to be exported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-the-legal-loophole">Exposing the legal loophole</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> has identified four threatened species - the orange roughy, blue warehou, school shark, and southern bluefin tuna - that are still finding their way into international markets.



This is despite that fact that these species are listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, legislation the was designed to protect threatened species. 



"Since the inception of the Act, 10 percent of all Australian seafood exports, or 107 kilotons, have been of these four listed threatened species," said study lead author Rosa Mar Dominguez-Martinez.



"You might naively believe that there are plenty more fish in the sea, but these species, are in real danger."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-fish-being-exported">Endangered fish being exported</h2>



In fact, Australia's Threatened Species Scientific Committee, the expert group responsible for providing listing advice and recovery strategies, found that all of these species were eligible for listing in higher threat categories. 



But how did these endangered species end up being sold internationally? The researchers identified a loophole within the legislation that allows this to happen.



The EPBC Act includes a category unique to Australia, known as "Conservation Dependent," which applies only to marine fish species. Eight species are listed under this category, and all are caught in commercial fisheries.



"When a species is listed as threatened under the EPBC Act, conservation advice and in some cases a recovery plan, are developed to assist its recovery," noted the researchers. "However, Conservation Dependent species are not eligible for recovery plans, and currently none have conservation advice."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protection-for-commercial-fish-species">Protection for commercial fish species</h2>



The status of these species, except for the southern bluefin tuna, has not improved. They either remain overfished or are unassessed in Australia.



"While the EPBC Act is under federal review, we're calling for Australia's new legislation to treat commercially harvested threatened species the same as other threatened species," said Dominguez-Martinez.



Their current classification exempts the species from the stricter regulations that would apply if they were listed under standard threat categories such as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-reviews-for-threatened-species">Regular reviews for threatened species</h2>



Study senior author Professor Carissa Klein recommends two significant changes that could be made to better protect Australia’s threatened marine species.



"Australia’s new environmental protection legislation must mandate regular review of the conservation status of all threatened species," said Professor Klein.



If more regular reviews were conducted, species like the southern bluefin tuna would be de-listed from the EPBC Act more swiftly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-species-legislation">Threatened species legislation </h2>



Professor Klein also suggests that species acknowledged as threatened under international listings, such as the IUCN Red List or global conventions, should be assessed in Australia’s new threatened species legislation. 



According to Professor Klein, these recommendations are nonnegotiable to prevent further extinctions in Australian waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-law-reform">Environmental law reform </h2>



As the call for environmental law reform amplifies, we are reminded that protecting our marine biodiversity is not merely a moral obligation but also an economic necessity.



Preserving endangered species goes beyond saving individual creatures - it's about protecting entire ecosystems.



Each species contributes to the delicate balance of marine environments, which are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the resources people rely on. 



When species like the orange roughy or southern bluefin tuna dwindle in numbers, the impact ripples through the ocean, affecting other marine life and even human livelihoods.



Ensuring the survival of these species is essential to keeping our oceans healthy. By closing legal loopholes and bolstering environmental protections, we can help secure vibrant, diverse seas for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00085-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Ocean Sustainability</a>.



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How are endangered fish being legally exported?

Endangered species in Australia’s waters are facing imminent peril. From...

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the lively leaps of Mexican jumping beans? 



Sold as popular souvenirs along bustling boardwalks, these seemingly animate objects are actually seeds that host the larvae of a small moth species. 



The beans "jump" when the larvae stir within, knocking against the seed wall. But could there be more to this intriguing phenomenon beyond just random movement?



Recently, an in-depth study by researchers at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> has revealed some surprisingly complex behavior within this fascinating microcosm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-beans-react-to-the-light">Jumping beans react to the light</h2>



Lindsey Swierk, an assistant research professor of biological sciences, was intrigued to find out how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unusual-jumping-behavior-recorded-in-beetle-larvae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larvae</a> respond to their surroundings. 



The landscapes where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-seeds-reveal-plant-migration-path-from-asia-to-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeds</a> fall can vary dramatically, from sun-drenched plains to shadowy groves. This prompted Swierk and her students to investigate how the larvae inside the jumping beans react to varying light conditions.



The researchers found that these larvae are capable of registering different light colors, asserting more vigorous jumping actions under specific hues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-to-escape-the-heat">Jumping to escape the heat </h2>



"When a seed drops to the ground from shrubs, the moth larva inside is at the mercy of whatever environmental temperature the seed experiences,” said Swierk.



“The ground could be scorching hot in direct sunlight. A little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-moths-develop-smaller-wings-survive-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moth</a> larva inside of a seed like this can only withstand so much heat - and so they jump away.”



Interestingly, the bean acts as an "extended architecture" for the larvae - a naturally occurring structure that the organism utilizes without constructing itself.



Much like a hermit crab finds refuge in a borrowed shell, the Mexican jumping bean becomes the adopted home for the larva, offering both shelter and a means of responding to the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-light-influences-survival">How light influences survival</h2>



To explore this intriguing relationship further, Swierk and her team designed experiments to understand how different light colors influence the behavior of these seed-bound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-use-their-hair-to-detect-predators-static-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a>. 



Contrary to expectations, the researchers discovered that light penetrates the seed wall only minimally - less than one percent -suggesting that the larvae rely on incredibly faint cues to sense their surroundings.



Despite this, the larvae respond differently to different light spectra, moving the most under red light and the least under purple light.



"Somehow larvae are picking up on these differences. Whether that's because of very minute temperature changes or because of extremely sensitive photoreceptors, we're not sure yet," noted Swierk. 



“But they're using light somehow as a cue to change their behavior, which probably has to do with the fact that these different lighting spectra are correlated with different environmental conditions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-beans-under-environmental-stress">Jumping beans under environmental stress</h2>



Continuing their line of investigation into the impact of environmental factors on these larvae, Swierk and her students uncovered an intriguing dilemma. 



The researchers found that larvae possess the ability to repair their host seeds using silk threads, but this might compromise their heat evasion abilities.



The experiments revealed that when seed walls were damaged, the larvae's ability to respond to high heat by jumping decreased. This suggests that the disruption caused by the damage could disconnect the internal silk threads that enable the larva's movement.



Swierk noted that these animals are extremely sensitive to temperature. "A common story here is that we see these larvae using very nuanced cues to change their behavior in response to heat, and we're also seeing that additional stressors like predation attempts can impair their ability to appropriately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-has-increased-seasonal-insect-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respond to temperature</a>.”



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



The research does more than shed light on the remarkable world of Mexican jumping beans. The findings have broader implications for our understanding of insect behavior in the era of climate change.



"Responding to temperature change is a big deal. As the climate changes, we need to learn how animals detect imminent thermal stress and what limits their adaptive responses," said Swierk. 



"What we learn about Mexican jumping bean larvae might help us better understand how other insects with limited movement cope with heat stress in their environments."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0376635724001086" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavioural Processes</a>.



-----



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What makes Mexican jumping beans jump?

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the lively...

In the current environmental crisis, how valid is the old saying: There are plenty more fish in the sea?



Well, this perennial fish tale might have a fresh twist. A recent study reveals that environmental conservation efforts have made a significant contribution to the amount of fish on coral reefs.



The international research team used survey data to estimate fish abundance on 2,600 tropical reef locations. Fish biomass is an important indicator of the health of coral reefs.



The experts developed a model which indicated nearly 10% of reef fish biomass can be attributed to environmental protection measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-of-overfishing">Threat of overfishing </h2>



The research was led by Professor Joshua Cinner in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney, who worked closely with lead analyst Dr. Iain Caldwell from the Wildlife Conservation Society.



Professor Cinner emphasized the issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overfishing</a>, a threat to the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide.



"Millions of people depend on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef fish</a> for their livelihoods and nutrition. Overfishing is severely threatening the well-being of coastal communities right across the globe. Protection can help boost fish stocks and have flow-on benefits for people," said Professor Cinner. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coral-conundrum">The coral conundrum</h2>



Coral reefs, the vibrant underwater ecosystems, are buckling under human-induced pressures including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine protected areas</a> (MPAs) have been established by several governments. These areas restrict human activities to preserve marine habitats. However, currently only about 8% of the world’s oceans are covered by MPAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolder-framework-for-fish-conservation">Bolder framework for fish conservation </h2>



In a refreshing commitment towards preserving biodiversity, at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference, 196 countries pledged to protect 30% of the world’s terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. 



This initiative, referred to as 30x30, is expected to significantly expand the reach of marine protected areas.



Professor Cinner elaborated on the enormous potential of the 30x30 initiative. "Our modeling showed that we could get up to 28 percent more fish on coral reefs globally by increasing the coverage of fully protected reefs to 30 percent - but only if these reefs are chosen strategically.”



On the other hand, Dr. Caldwell believes no-take zones aren't the only solution. "No-take zones are punching above their weight, especially when they are well complied with, but they aren't the only way to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish populations</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-coral-reef-fish-stocks">Increasing coral reef fish stocks</h2>



The study revealed that more than half of the coral reefs surveyed had no fishing constraints. The research team estimated the potential benefits of fishing restrictions on these reefs.



The predictive model indicated that the implementation of fishing restrictions on all currently unmanaged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> could further increase global coral reef fish stocks by an additional 10.5 percent.



"Fisheries restrictions aren’t as effective as no-take MPAs on a per area basis, but they tend to be less controversial with fishers, which means compliance can be better, and they can be implemented at very large scales," said Professor Cinner. "Sustaining coral reef fish populations will require using every tool in the toolbox.”



Can we, then, truly claim that there are still plenty more fish in the sea? The answer lies in strategic environmental protection measures, balanced fishing practices, and a collective commitment to marine conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-local-communities">Empowering local communities </h2>



Local communities play a vital role in marine conservation, especially in regions where fishing is a primary livelihood. In many tropical areas, coastal communities depend heavily on fish not only for food but also as a source of income.



Recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, several conservation programs now include community-led initiatives to monitor and manage fish stocks effectively.



Community-managed marine areas (CMMAs) have proven successful in regions like the Pacific Islands, where local fishers actively enforce sustainable fishing practices. 



These initiatives are designed to complement marine protected areas (MPAs), allowing communities to take an active role in preserving their marine resources while ensuring their livelihoods.



Incorporating local knowledge and building a sense of ownership can lead to higher compliance rates and more effective conservation outcomes. 



As the global push towards marine biodiversity gains momentum, community-driven solutions could be crucial for protecting fish populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Plenty more fish in the sea? This depends on conservation efforts

In the current environmental crisis, how valid is the old...

On most sunny days, the sight of bees buzzing around flowers brightens our day. They fly around with a certain zest, full of purpose. 



But what if these hardworking bees can feel the weight of the world like we do? Fascinating new research reveals that bees experience stress, and it drives them to make pessimistic choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-and-its-influence-on-bees">Stress and its influence on bees</h2>



Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered that bees, just like us humans, exhibit emotion-like responses to stressful events.



What does this mean? Well, the research findings tell us that when stressed, bees lower their expectations of rewards, which eventually influences how they approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>.



So, how did the researchers find this out? The team trained the bees to decipher whether a specific color signaled a good or bad outcome.



The bees learned to associate different colors with different outcomes. One color pointed to a location full of sweet rewards, while another led them to a location with fewer rewards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-induced-pessimism-in-bees">Stress-induced pessimism in bees</h2>



The experiment further divided the bees into different groups where some experienced a simulated predatory attack, a cause of stress, while others did not. The results were intriguing



"Our study shows that bees are more pessimistic after stress as their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-nutrition-is-key-to-honey-bee-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> suggests that they do not expect to get rewards," explained study co-author Dr. Vivek Nityananda.



“Emotions are complex states and in humans involve a subjective understanding of what you are feeling. We might never know if bees feel something similar, however, what this research can say is that bees have similar responses when they are stressed and make pessimistic choices.



“The best explanation for their behavior is that they expect high rewards to be less likely and exhibit traits of pessimistic people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-stressed-bees">Implications of stressed bees</h2>



Why does this matter? Well, it matters a lot, especially for our ecosystem. Stress can impact how bees approach flowers and pollinate plants, and their ability to access high-quality rewards.



So, this stress-induced shift in behavior can potentially affect the entire pollination process.



On the brighter side, this research broadens our understanding of emotions, as we found similar traits in an organism as different as an insect.



"Our research suggests that, like other animals including humans, bees may experience emotion-like states when stressed, as demonstrated by a clear shift towards pessimism," noted Dr. Olga Procenko, who led this research at <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a> and is currently a researcher at the University of Birmingham.



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



The fascinating findings of this study certainly pave the way for further exploration. The experts still need to investigate how this phenomenon may affect the pollination of flowers and plants.



"We need to figure out how bees evaluate rewards when stressed and whether these states in bees show other properties we see in emotions. We also need to investigate the neural mechanisms involved and see if bees in the wild show similar responses," noted Dr. Nityananda.



Certainly, the road to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our buzzing friends</a> better is filled with many more questions to answer. Perhaps in unraveling the mystery of the bees' world, we might also gain a better understanding of our own.



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



Understanding the emotional states of bees offers profound insights not just on a theoretical level but also in practical applications affecting agriculture and ecology. 



Bees play a crucial role in pollinating approximately 80% of flowering plants and a staggering one-third of the human food supply is dependent on bee pollination. 



Recognizing how stress influences their foraging patterns could lead to improved strategies for managing bee populations and mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stressors. 



Enhanced satellite monitoring of bee habitats, development of stress-reducing habitats, and focused conservation efforts could be devised to maintain vital bee populations, thereby ensuring the stability and sustainability of many ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-capacities-of-insects">Emotional capacities of insects</h2>



The findings from Newcastle University serve as a springboard for further studies, encouraging scientists to explore the emotional capacities of insects.



The next phase of research could focus on the long-term effects of stress on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee populations</a> and analyze whether similar emotional responses are evident in other arthropods.



Additionally, interdisciplinary approaches involving neuroscience, ethology, and environmental science might uncover the neural pathways and physiological mechanisms driving these emotion-like states in bees. 



By expanding research to include varied environmental conditions, scientists can develop a comprehensive understanding of how these emotion-like states might influence ecological interactions, ultimately helping to devise better conservation strategies to protect these vital pollinators in an increasingly changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Stressed out bees get depressed and make bad decisions

On most sunny days, the sight of bees buzzing around...

The catastrophic event that wiped out the dinosaurs some 66 million years ago wasn’t all doom and gloom - it also set the stage for a remarkable mutualistic relationship between certain ants and fungi.&nbsp;



The meteor impact that led to mass extinctions created an environment ripe for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-may-communicate-using-up-to-50-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> that thrive on organic matter, which was in abundance as plants and animals perished. 



This opened the door for the ancestor of modern leafcutter ants to begin cultivating fungi, according to a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn7179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-ant-agriculture">Origin of ant agriculture </h2>



“The origin of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-farming-ants-work-hard-to-maintain-healthy-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus-farming ants</a> was relatively well understood, but a more precise timeline for these microorganisms was lacking,” explained André Rodrigues, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ibb.unesp.br/#!/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biosciences at São Paulo State University</a> (IB-UNESP). 



“The work provides the smallest margin of error to date for the emergence of these fungal strains, which were previously thought to be more recent.”



Rodrigues coordinates the project “Collaborative research: Dimensions US-São Paulo: integrating phylogeny, genetics, and chemical ecology to unravel the tangled bank of the multipartite fungus-farming ant symbiosis,” supported by the <a href="https://fapesp.br/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo Research Foundation</a> (FAPESP) collaboration with the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation</a> (NSF). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-line-of-fungi">Evolutionary line of fungi</h2>



The research team made their breakthrough by analyzing ultraconserved elements (UCEs) in the genomes of 475 fungal species cultivated by ants. UCEs are genetic regions that remain stable across species, allowing scientists to trace evolutionary paths.



“In this case, we were interested in the regions close to these elements. They show the most recent differences between species and allow us to trace a fairly accurate evolutionary line,” explained co-author Pepijn Wilhelmus Kooij, a researcher at IB-UNESP.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-farmed-by-ants">Fungi farmed by ants</h2>



This method enabled the researchers to establish that two distinct fungal lineages, now cultivated by today’s leafcutter ants (known as Attini), emerged almost simultaneously 66 million years ago.&nbsp;



This discovery provides a clearer timeline for the development of this remarkable mutualism - where ants and fungi depend on each other for survival - occurring tens of millions of years before human agriculture.



The study also identified a second group of fungi, known as coral fungi, which began to be cultivated by ants around 21 million years ago. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-transfer-massive-amounts-of-carbon-to-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> form structures resembling tiny coral colonies and represent a fascinating diversification of this ancient relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-agriculture-expanded-under-pressure">Ant agriculture expanded under pressure </h2>



The research supports the idea that the fungi were already somewhat adapted for mutualism before ant agriculture began.&nbsp;



“It is likely that the ancestor of the leafcutter ant group lived in close proximity to fungi, possibly feeding on them or their byproducts,” Rodrigues said.&nbsp;



However, the intense environmental pressure from the meteor impact may have transformed this casual relationship into a full-blown mutual dependency, where the fungi relied on ants for survival and reproduction, while the ants depended on the fungi as a primary food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-influence-the-growth-of-fungi">Ants influence the growth of fungi</h2>



Today, four different groups of ants cultivate four types of fungi. Some ants even influence the growth of the fungi to ensure they receive specific nutrients.&nbsp;



“When we cultivate them in the lab, the fungi take the expected form of hyphae. However, inside the colony, one of these hyphae types becomes swollen and forms structures similar to grape clusters, rich in sugars. We still don’t know how the ants do this,” Kooij said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-crisis-after-meteor-impact-nbsp">Nutritional crisis after meteor impact&nbsp;</h2>



Mauricio Bacci Junior, a professor at IB-UNESP and co-author of the paper, noted that the origin of this fungus-farming practice was likely an adaptation to a nutritional crisis faced by the ants after the meteor impact.&nbsp;



“With the abundance of fungi and fewer food options, ants that already had some relationship with fungi found them to be useful when cultivated,” he explained.&nbsp;



The fungi decompose organic matter brought by the ants, which in turn consume the substances produced by the fungi that they cannot obtain from other sources. “It’s as if the fungus were the insect’s external stomach,” Bacci said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-evolutionary-partnership-nbsp">Dynamic evolutionary partnership&nbsp;</h2>



After the ants began farming fungi, another evolutionary shift occurred around 27 million years ago with the expansion of the Cerrado, a savanna-like biome.&nbsp;



The expansion opened more arid areas, which provided a second selective pressure and led to the diversification of leafcutter ants. This adaptation also likely spurred the fungi to evolve and become more efficient at both producing food for the ants and decomposing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-matter-in-a-crater-sparks-new-questions-about-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic matter</a>.



Today, enzymes produced by the fungi cultivated by ants are being studied for their biotechnological potential. These enzymes not only break down organic material but are also being researched for their ability to degrade other substances, including plastics.



The study sheds new light on the complex and ancient relationship between ants and fungi, revealing a dynamic evolutionary partnership that has existed for millions of years.



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Dinosaur extinction led to the emergence of ‘ant agriculture’

The catastrophic event that wiped out the dinosaurs some 66...

Comb,Jelly,Drifting,Underwater,In,The,Ocean,Water,Column

In a captivating intersection of science and the oddities of nature, researchers have discovered that the comb jellyfish has an incredible ability to fuse with another individual after injury.



This species pushes the boundaries of what we understand about survival mechanisms, regeneration, and the very concept of individuality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comb-jellyfish-fuse-for-healing">Comb jellyfish fuse for healing</h2>



We are all familiar with the concept of healing. A cut finger knits itself back together, while a broken bone grows new threads of cells that gradually mend the fracture. But this regeneration, scientists have found, can take a more startling form in the world of comb jellies.



Imagine two injured jellies, each struggling to recover on their own. But now, put them together and watch the magic. They begin to fuse, and before you know it, two entities have become one. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-killifish-regeneration-may-help-us-heal-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a> here is not just mutual - it's shared.



This intriguing observation was made by Kei Jokura and his team at the University of Exeter. The researchers have found that the synchronization extends not only to muscle contractions but also to their digestive systems, enabling them to feed together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-discovery-in-the-lab">Shocking discovery in the lab </h2>



It all started in a lab, with a population of comb jellies housed in a seawater tank. The researchers noticed that one unusually large jelly sported two sets of sensory apparatus where it should have had only one.



This odd sight led them to suspect that this individual might be a marvel of two injured jellies that had fused together.



To investigate, the team conducted an experiment where they removed partial lobes from individual comb jellies and placed them close together. In 9 out of 10 instances, the injured comb jellies fused into one entity, which lived for at least 3 weeks post <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-zebrafish-heart-regeneration-could-transform-human-cardiac-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fusion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-fusion-of-comb-jellies">Rapid fusion of comb jellies</h2>



Interestingly, this fusion didn't take months or weeks - it was a matter of just one night. The two original individuals became a single entity, with no apparent separation. When stimulated, the whole body reacted, indicating a complete fusion of their nervous systems as well.



“Resulting in a synchronized muscle contraction on the other side when mechanical stimulation is applied to one side of the fused ctenophore," explained Jokura.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="RWNOzoIYTC-3900257-12187" type="single"]</div>



Detailed observations revealed that the newly fused comb jellies spent their first hour exploring spontaneous individual movements. 



However, within two hours, their muscle contractions started to sync up. Astonishingly, 95% of the fused animal’s muscle contractions were completely synchronous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-comb-jellyfish-fuse">Why do comb jellyfish fuse?</h2>



Even their digestive systems weren’t left out of this merger. When one of the fused entity's mouths consumed labeled brine shrimp, both sections of the body processed and expelled the food, although not simultaneously.



Despite these fascinating observations, the reasons behind this fusion remain a mystery. How does becoming one serve as a survival strategy? With further research, the scientific community hopes to unravel this mystery and shed light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axolotls-regeneration-powers-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeper mechanisms</a> at play.



“The allorecognition mechanisms are related to the immune system, and the fusion of nervous systems is closely linked to research on regeneration,” said Jokura. “Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying this fusion could advance these crucial research areas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-implications-of-fusion">Evolutionary implications of fusion</h2>



The phenomenon of fusion in comb jellies may hold profound evolutionary implications. Such intricate interactions could provide insights into how organisms negotiate individuality versus communal living, a balance pivotal to understanding multicellular life.



Theories suggest that this ability to merge may be a primitive evolutionary trait, which in certain environments could confer significant adaptive benefits, such as enhanced mobility or shared metabolic processes. 



Further genetic studies may reveal whether this ability is conserved across other species, potentially unveiling a deep-rooted ancestral trait that challenges conventional views on organism development and identity.



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



The potential applications of understanding comb jelly fusion extend into various scientific domains, ranging from regenerative medicine to robotics. 



By uncovering the molecular and genetic factors that enable such seamless integrations, researchers hope to draw parallels that could enhance tissue engineering and wound healing processes.



The regenerative capacity displayed by comb jellies might inspire new methodologies for repairing or replacing human tissues. Furthermore, the robotics industry could design systems with autonomous repair capabilities, mimicking biological systems.



As the scientific community continues to probe these fascinating occurrences, collaborations across disciplines will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of these findings and translating them into tangible innovations. 



Ultimately, this discovery opens up a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-way-to-regenerate-old-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world of potential implications</a> for regenerative research.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01023-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Comb jellyfish can 'fuse' with a friend and become one creature after injury

In a captivating intersection of science and the oddities of...

<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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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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