A team in central China has done something simple and bold, they directly dated dinosaur eggs instead of the rocks around them. The eggshell calcite from the Qinglongshan site yielded an age of 85.91 ± 1.74 million years.



This matters because it turns eggs from interesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/">fossils</a> into reliable timestamps for life on land during the Late Cretaceous, a time of shifting climates and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-eggshells-dated">Dinosaur eggshells dated</h2>



The fossils come from Qinglongshan in the Yunyang Basin of Hubei Province, where thousands of intact eggs rest in stacked layers with little distortion.&nbsp;



“We show that these dinosaur eggs were deposited roughly 85 million years ago, in the Late Cretaceous period,” said <a href="https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/3140051/overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Bi Zhao</a>, from the Hubei Institute of Geosciences (<a href="https://en.cug.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIG</a>).



The group used carbonate <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/zircon-u-pb-dating" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U-Pb dating</a> on eggshell material, measuring uranium and lead atoms to calculate time since the shell formed. 



In their tests, the radiogenic signal sits in biogenic calcite, the carbonate built by the egg-laying animal, which behaved as a semi-closed system for uranium uptake after burial.



The <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1638838/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> relied on <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/laser-ablation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser ablation</a>, a micro laser that vaporizes pinpoint spots of carbonate which are then analyzed by a mass spectrometer for uranium and lead ratios.&nbsp;



The resulting age is not from ash fall or nearby minerals, it is from the eggshell itself, which frees researchers from indirect age constraints that can mislead if volcanic layers formed earlier or later than the nest horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-carbonate-u-pb-works">How carbonate U-Pb works</h2>



Uranium isotopes in carbonates decay into lead at known, constant rates, and the proportion of parent to daughter isotopes reveals elapsed time. 



Cross checks, like repeated spots in different shell areas and agreement between fragments, keep the numbers honest, and the reported uncertainty of ± 1.74 million years reflects instrument precision and sample scatter, not guesswork.



Indirect <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1367912012005019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approaches</a> have anchored many Asian egg sites by dating interbedded tuffs, for example zircon based SIMS ages from the Tiantai Basin that bracket egg layers in the Laijia and Chichengshan formations at roughly 96 to 99 million years and 91 to 94 million years. 



That prior dating set a framework that eggshell ages can now refine where ash is missing.



Carbonate geochronology has matured fast, with careful comparisons between uranium thorium and U-Pb techniques on the same samples showing strong consistency over wide timescales. 



That broader look at geochronology <a href="https://gchron.copernicus.org/articles/7/335/2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methods</a> helps explain why a tiny eggshell can carry a credible age.



The study team also separated signals, finding consistent ages from biogenic carbonates, and noisy or unusable signals from late pore filling calcite, a reminder that not all carbonates are equal for keeping time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-eggshell-site">Dinosaur eggshell site</h2>



The Qinglongshan reserve preserves egg clutches in red siltstones and sandstones, with many eggs still three dimensional and minimally deformed, a rare condition that helps both taphonomy and dating. 



The sampled clutch belonged to an oblate style of egg typical of the family <a href="https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Dendrobatidae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dendroolithidae</a>, which is known for highly porous shells.



Those Yunyang eggs have been assigned to Placoolithus tumiaolingensis by <a href="https://www.app.pan.pl/archive/published/app63/app005232018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> that cleaned up the taxonomy and emphasized the diagnostic shell microstructure. That classification anchors the site in a broader Chinese record of dendroolithid eggs.



Porous eggshell architecture affects gas exchange and incubation, and the microstructure varies in ways that may reflect nesting style in a semi arid fluvial landscape. 



The new age puts those choices in a tight slice of time, late Coniacian to early Santonian, rather than a vague Late Cretaceous window.



Thousands of eggs across stacked horizons also open the door to building a basin scale timeline where shell ages from different levels track local ecological change, sedimentation rates, and any shifts in the nesting fauna.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-eggs_dating-method_china_credit-Bi-Zhao_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-eggs_dating-method_china_credit-Bi-Zhao_1s.webp" alt="Egg clutch sampled for chronological studies. Credit Dr. Bi Zhao" class="wp-image-1985991"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Egg clutch sampled for chronological studies. Click image to enlarge. Credit Dr. Bi Zhao</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-climate-context">Dinosaur climate context</h2>



Marine records indicate the Late Cretaceous did not stay uniformly hot. 



One North Atlantic sea surface temperature <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24937202/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record</a> shows a drop of about 7 degrees Celsius (12.6 degrees Fahrenheit), from around 35 degrees to below 28 degrees, between the earliest Campanian and the Maastrichtian.



Independent <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18187651/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> from oxygen isotopes suggests brief glaciation episodes punctuated parts of the mid Cretaceous greenhouse, showing that climate could swing even when the world was generally warm. 



Inland Asia would have felt those shifts in precipitation, seasonality, and vegetation.



Pinned ages on terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-extinction-theories-are-challenged-by-new-research/">fossils</a> let scientists ask tighter questions about whether nesting density changed across cooler intervals or whether certain egg types rose or fell with climate. 



The eggshell ages at Qinglongshan now give one fixed point for such tests, and more layers can add the sequence needed to see patterns.



Cause and effect claims are premature at a single site, but a direct eggshell chronology makes it practical to compare neighboring basins and see whether bird and non avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-sized-baby-dinosaur-unearthed-after-166-million-years/">dinosaur</a> nesting moved, paused, or persisted during regional climate transitions.



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



The team plans to sample eggs from additional horizons at Qinglongshan, then from basins to the north and south, to build a regional timeline that can be compared with dated marine and volcanic records. 



That will clarify which changes are local quirks and which ones reflect broader environmental forcing across East Asia.



Applying the same protocol to eggs in the Xixia, Jiaolai, and Nanxiong basins would close large age gaps where ash beds are absent. 



Those basins have different egg assemblages, so a uniform clock could test migration ideas and turnover hypotheses without assuming rock ages transfer cleanly between sites.



Direct dinosaur eggshell dating also complements existing zircon frameworks rather than replacing them, since both tools answer different parts of the age question. 



Zircons pin eruptive or depositional moments for ash, while eggshells date the biological event of nesting, and together they can resolve the tempo of life on land.



With better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/">timescales</a>, small details like pore geometry, clutch spacing, and shell thickness will be tied to environmental context, not guesswork. 



That is how a few careful ages can turn a crowded egg hillside into a precise chronicle of Late Cretaceous life in central China.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1638838/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>.



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These dinosaur eggs tell an incredible story from 85 million years ago

A team in central China has done something simple and bold, they directly dated dinosaur eggs instead of the rocks around them. The eggshell calcite from the Qinglongshan site yielded an age of 85.91 ± 1.74 million years. This matters because it turns eggs from interesting fossils into reliable timestamps for life on land during the Late Cretaceous, a time of shifting climates and ecosystems. Dinosaur eggshells dated The fossils come from Qinglongshan in the Yunyang Basin of Hubei Province, where thousands of intact eggs rest in...

From the human imagination to the annals of science, the concept of a 'rescue' has been dramatically transformed. The word 'rescue' in the world of science means something quite unique and equally heroic: a fight for the survival of a species like the red fox and their genetic makeup.



In the world of conservation, the primary blinkers are not night-vision goggles or tranquilizer darts, it's the microscopic realm of genetics. 



A recent study has just illustrated this point, by uncovering some fascinating insights about the montane red foxes found in the mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-fox-needs-a-genetic-rescue">Red fox needs a genetic rescue</h2>



It's not a good time to be a red fox in the Lassen Peak region of California. The numbers are scary; with approximately 30 remaining, conservationists are on edge. 



The decline of these furry <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain inhabitants</a> calls for drastic measures.



The culprit? Inbreeding. 



Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-fox-may-have-once-been-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red friends</a> have been having a rough ride ever since unregulated trapping and poisoned baits kicked them off their mountain homes back in the 19th and early 20th century. 



This has led to a lot of cousin-cousin tango, which is not exactly ideal.



Inbreeding has dramatic impacts on the health and survival of a species, and for the red fox of Lassen, it seems no truer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-knowledge-gaps">Bridging knowledge gaps</h2>



What is genetic rescue? It's when conservationists bring in new members to a population to introduce genetic variation and spur growth. 



"Nothing we found disqualifies red foxes from genetic rescue," said lead author Cate Quinn, who conducted the research as a <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> (UC Davis) postdoctoral researcher with the Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit within the School of Veterinary Medicine.



She is now a research biologist with the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a> Rocky Mountain Research Station. "The study suggests that genetic rescue could be a viable option for the Lassen population," Quinn states.



To maximize the effectiveness of this rescue plan, scientists have gone back in time with genome sequencing of the four subspecies of montane red foxes. 



This step uncovers the historical baseline genetic rescue seeks to restore and the deeper evolutionary relationships these foxes share. A journey back in time could very well be the key to their future survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-rescue-of-the-red-fox-is-controversial">Genetic rescue of the red fox is controversial</h2>



The study found that our Lassen red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-foxes-can-be-domesticated-thanks-to-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foxes</a> were once part of a connected, abundant, and diverse population of montane red foxes throughout the Western United States. 



Ten to twelve thousand years ago, these foxes were not in isolated pockets but living it large across the region. This paints a hopeful picture for the future of the Lassen foxes.



While genetic rescue offers promising solutions, it is not without its challenges and controversies. Introducing new genetic material to a population comes with its own set of risks. 



There is the potential for disrupting local adaptations, as introducing individuals from different environmental backgrounds may not be optimal for the native habitat of the Lassen foxes. 



Moreover, ethical considerations arise, questioning the extent to which human intervention should interfere with natural processes. 



Balancing the urgency of preventing extinction with respect for ecological and evolutionary dynamics remains a pivotal line of inquiry in the conservation community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-the-future-saving-fox-genetics">Hope for the future: Saving fox genetics</h2>



Despite these challenges, the narrative for the Lassen red foxes is one of optimism and progressive conservation efforts. 



Researchers, conservationists, and wildlife agencies are collaborating to develop a nuanced, evidence-based approach to genetic rescue.



Pioneering studies in genetics provide a roadmap, enabling more informed decisions that honor biodiversity while addressing urgent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dingoes-evolved-from-dogs-in-east-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation needs</a>. 



By aligning technology and ecological awareness, there is hope that these enigmatic mountain dwellers will once again thrive, not only in the Lassen region but potentially in broader territories reminiscent of their ancestral expanses. 



This holistic approach encapsulates a harmonious interaction between humans and nature, showcasing science as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of ecological balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-road-to-recovery">On the road to recovery?</h2>



If the things that caused their decline are now gone, can we bring them back to their former glory? According to Ben Sacks, director of the Mammalian and Ecology Conservation Unit at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, there is indeed hope. 



Therefore, the efforts to counteract inbreeding depression could very well light the way towards a hopeful future for these foxes.



However, Quinn offers a word of caution. An authentic genetic rescue requires reconnection of the entire subspecies, not just a single population.



"All in all, if we only consider each small pocket individually, they're in trouble. But if we look at the whole montane system, restoration is still possible," Quinn concludes.



This important study, carried out by a team of dedicated scientists, gives a glimmer of hope for the future of the montane red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-fox-dive-headfirst-into-snow-its-all-in-the-snout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foxes</a>.



With the help of genetics, we might just be able to pull off a real-life rescue mission for the red fox. Time will tell, but for the Lassen red foxes, it seems the cavalry has arrived, and their hero wears a lab coat.



-----



The study was jointly funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and UC Davis.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/41/9/msae193/7759487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Biology and Evolution</a>.



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Red foxes need a genetic rescue as they edge near extinction

From the human imagination to the annals of science, the...

Did you know that mountains, covering only a quarter of the Earth's surface, are home to 85% of the world's species? These majestic landscapes support incredible biodiversity, including amphibians, birds, and mammals.



As some of the planet's most diverse ecosystems, mountains are an essential focal point for conservationists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-biodiversity-with-altitude">Mountain biodiversity with altitude</h2>



The level of species diversity, or the range of different species in a specific area, often varies with altitude in mountainous regions. Factors such as changes in climate conditions contribute to this variance.



A recent study from the Centre for Ecological Sciences (<a href="https://ces.iisc.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CES</a>) at the Indian Institute of Science (<a href="https://iisc.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IISc</a>) has unraveled another intriguing element that influences bird species diversity at mid-elevations. 



The element in question? Ants from the Oecophylla genus.



Kartik Shanker is a professor at CES and co-author of the research, which is published in the journal Ecology Letters.



"In mountains, you often see hump-shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-fill-a-150-year-gap-in-biodiversity-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns of species diversity</a>, and for a long time, people have been intrigued by why this happens. One of the mechanisms they did not ponder much about was biotic interactions like competition," said Shanker. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ants-influence-montane-birds">How ants influence montane birds</h2>



The ants from the Oecophylla genus, notorious for their aggressive and dominant demeanor, are found at the base of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-making-mount-everest-grow-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> in the paleotropics, spanning continents from Africa and Asia to Oceania. 



These ants are ferocious predators of insects. Researchers decided to test the effects of these ants on the diversity of insect-eating birds, particularly at lower elevations.



Study co-author Trevor D Price is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago. A previous study led by Price had hinted at the presence of Oecophylla ants impacting montane birds.



The experts determined that these ants, present at the base of the eastern Himalayas, reduced the density of insects, which could potentially affect the presence of insect-eating birds. 



The current study was designed to see if this pattern extended to other insect-eating species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-patterns-in-mountain-biodiversity">Interesting patterns in mountain biodiversity</h2>



Under the leadership of Umesh Srinivasan, a professor at CES, the research team sifted through various datasets about bird species observed across different mountain ranges at multiple elevations.



The birds were categorized into dietary guilds -- essentially groups having similar dietary needs, like insectivores and omnivores. 



The team discovered patterns which aligned with Oecophylla ants competing with montane birds for food at lower elevations.



Consequently, these birds might have migrated higher up the mountains, resulting in the most significant species diversity at an elevation level of about 960 meters. 



Interestingly, bird categories like fruit and nectar eaters, which do not compete with Oecophylla ants, saw a decrease in their species diversity as the elevation increased.



The researchers concluded that the presence or absence of Oecophylla ants at the base of mountains could explain why the diversity of insect-eating birds peaked at mid-elevations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-biotic-interactions">Role of biotic interactions</h2>



Biotic interactions, such as those observed between Oecophylla ants and insect-eating birds, highlight the intricate ecological networks existing within mountain ecosystems.



These interactions are not limited to predation or competition; they extend to mutualisms and commensalism as well. 



Such relationships can significantly influence species distribution and community structure. In mountain regions, where environmental conditions change swiftly with altitude, the importance of these interactions is further amplified. 



Understanding the dynamics of mountain ecosystems can lead to more effective conservation management, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity amid environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-interactions-and-biodiversity-patterns">Species interactions and biodiversity patterns </h2>



The findings from the study emphasize the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-asexual-ants-maintain-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical role of species interactions</a> in shaping biodiversity patterns, which has far-reaching implications for conserving mountain ecosystems.



Conservationists need to factor in these interspecies relationships to maintain biodiversity. 



Protecting key species like Oecophylla ants might be essential to sustain the complex food webs that support a multitude of species, including avian insectivores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-mountain-biodiversity">Protecting mountain biodiversity </h2>



Moreover, the mid-elevational peaks in species diversity reveal zones of high ecological value that merit focused conservation efforts. 



Customized strategies that embrace the unique ecological processes at play could bolster efforts to protect these biodiversity-rich areas from the twin threats of habitat loss and climate change.



So, what does this mean for the future of mountains and their biodiversity with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> knocking on our doors? 



"With climate change, if the ants shift their ranges towards higher elevations, this might impact the bird species at higher elevations as well," noted Srinivasan.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.14497" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Ants are forcing some bird species to relocate to higher elevations

Did you know that mountains, covering only a quarter of...

Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle egg hatches underground? You're not alone. For decades, scientists have been speculating about how sea turtle hatchlings reach the surface of the sand.



A team of researchers led by Davey Dor, a PhD scholar at the <a href="https://www.southwales.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>, used tiny recording devices to study the movements of hatchlings as they emerge from their nests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Secrets of sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



Surprisingly, the team discovered that the hatchlings swim to the surface rather than dig, contrary to previous beliefs. 



Imagine being in a tight, dark space with no signs to direct you, yet you know where to go. That's the life of a hatchling in the first few days after hatching.



Picture this: newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> wriggling energetically across the sand towards the ocean. But what occurs before that? This has been a tough nut to crack for scientists since this critical stage was first observed about 64 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-backpacks-for-the-turtle-hatchlings">Tiny backpacks for the turtle hatchlings</h2>



The team used miniature accelerometer backpacks, which measure changes in speed or direction, to get a never-before-seen view into the first few days of the hatchlings' life.



After deploying these devices, the team waited eagerly, peeping into the nest every three hours. When the hatchlings finally emerged, they were quickly relieved of their backpacks. 



Analysis of the data showed that the hatchlings moved in an unexpected way, pushing forward and backward, as if swimming in the dark.



"After locating the nests, we waited for approximately 60 days for the eggs to develop,” said Dor. 



“Three days before they hatched, we put a device called a hatch detector next to 10 different nests. This unique instrument measures voltage at the nest site and lets us know when the hatchlings had hatched out of their eggs.”&nbsp;



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



This newly uncovered behavior could have significant implications for sea turtle relocation. Changes in nest characteristics could unknowingly hamper hatchling success, highlighting the importance of understanding their behavior in the most formative days.



The discovery of this swimming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-protecting-turtles-tortoises-and-their-vanishing-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> by hatchlings raises pertinent questions about their survival tactics and how they interact with altered environments - a paramount concern in conservation biology.



As climate change evokes substantial effects on nesting beaches, understanding the innate abilities of these young turtles to adapt could prove critical. 



Scientists must now explore whether these swimming movements are a universal trait among different turtle species and if they can adjust to the shifting sands and temperatures induced by global climate patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Future research on sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



This recent work by Dor and his team paves the way for new research methodologies in marine biology. 



By employing innovative technologies like accelerometer backpacks, researchers can delve deeper into the clandestine world beneath the sand.



As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of unlocking further mysteries of other subterranean life forms, providing invaluable insights that could transform our understanding of life beneath the Earth's surface.



This intersection of technology and natural science marks a promising frontier, inviting scholars and conservationists alike to rethink strategies for preserving marine biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-and-public-engagement">Collaboration and public engagement </h2>



The future of this research hinges on collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines to explore the lives of sea turtle hatchlings. Biologists, engineers, and computer scientists must work in unison to refine and expand the use of cutting-edge technologies like the accelerometer backpacks.



Such interdisciplinary approaches can enhance our understanding of marine life and promote innovations in real-time data collection in natural habitats.



Public engagement plays a crucial role in the success of conservation efforts. Through fascinating studies, scientists can inspire a wider audience to become passionate about marine conservation.



Educational programs, interactive exhibitions, and social media campaigns are powerful tools to enlighten and enlist public support for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtle conservation</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-sea-turtle-hatchlings">What's next for sea turtle hatchlings?</h2>



Impressed with the effectiveness of these accelerometers, Dor and his team plan to deploy more of them in the future. The goal is to answer even more intriguing questions about these hatchlings and their survival.



“There are lots of factors that we don't really understand because we haven't been able to observe this stage of their lives, but we hope this will change as a result of this new method, particularly in answering questions about best conservation practices,” concluded Dor.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings B</a>.



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Tiny 'backpacks' record the movements of sea turtle hatchlings

Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle...

World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the plight of farm animals and promote compassionate treatment.&nbsp;



Established in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of nonviolence and animal rights, World Farm Animals Day focuses on the billions of animals raised for food under often inhumane conditions.&nbsp;



“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Gandhi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-farm-animals-day-nbsp">Significance of World Farm Animals Day&nbsp;</h2>



Today is a time to reflect on the impact of factory farming on animals and the environment, and to pursue positive changes in our approach to food production.



Animal rights organizations and individuals come together to call for ethical farming practices and better laws to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-can-now-decipher-the-emotional-states-of-chickens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.&nbsp;



There are growing movements advocating for better welfare standards and plant-based alternatives, reflecting concerns over how farm animals are treated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatment-of-farm-animals">Treatment of farm animals</h2>



According to the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a>, an estimated 92.2 billion land animals are slaughtered in the global food system each year. This figure includes chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other livestock. 



The treatment of farm animals varies widely depending on the farming practices and regulations in place. While some farms follow humane practices, others are criticized for mistreatment.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factory-farming">Factory farming</h3>



Many large-scale industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intensive-farming-raises-pandemic-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farms</a> (factory farms) are known for poor animal welfare. Animals are kept in confined spaces, like cages or crowded pens, with little room to move. This can cause stress, injury, and disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-enrichment">Lack of enrichment</h3>



Animals like pigs, chickens, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-want-to-talk-to-their-cows-so-ai-is-helping-them-interpret-moos-and-burps/">cows</a> may not have access to natural behaviors such as rooting, pecking, or grazing, which can lead to frustration and poor mental health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-mutilations-nbsp">Physical mutilations&nbsp;</h3>



Practices like debeaking in chickens or tail docking in pigs and cows are often done to prevent injuries from aggressive behaviors that stem from overcrowding. These procedures can be painful and are sometimes performed without pain relief.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-and-slaughter-nbsp">Transportation and slaughter&nbsp;</h3>



Animals are often subjected to long, stressful transportation times to slaughterhouses.



Conditions in slaughterhouses are sometimes inhumane, with animals being killed in excruciating ways, though regulations aim to minimize suffering.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-welfare-standards-nbsp">Higher welfare standards&nbsp;</h3>



There are some farms that adopt higher welfare standards. In pasture-based systems, animals are allowed to roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors.



Organic or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-dairy-cows-have-a-much-healthier-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free-range</a> farms also have stricter animal welfare standards. When it comes to slaughter, some farms and facilities follow protocols designed to reduce stress and pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-farm-animals-important">Why are farm animals important?</h2>



Farm animals provide essential resources such as food, fiber, and labor, making huge contributions to societies worldwide.&nbsp;



In terms of food, animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep provide meat, milk, eggs, and other products, serving as primary sources of protein and nutrition for many communities.&nbsp;



Their by-products, such as leather, wool, and manure, contribute to industries ranging from fashion to agriculture, where manure is a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil.



Farm animals have also played an important role in agricultural labor. For centuries, animals like oxen, horses, and donkeys were used for plowing fields, transportation, and other heavy tasks, allowing humans to farm more efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalities-and-emotional-intelligence-nbsp">Personalities and emotional intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



Farm animals possess incredible personalities and behaviors. Chickens, for example, can recognize up to 100 different faces, while pigs are known for their intelligence and emotional depth, often being compared to dogs in terms of their social and problem-solving abilities.&nbsp;



Sheep have impressive flocking instincts and can remember human faces for years. Cows exhibit strong maternal bonds and social hierarchies within their herds.



These animals also display emotions like affection, fear, and contentment, which make them deserving of compassionate treatment.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greater-role-of-farm-animals">The greater role of farm animals</h2>



Farm animals are integral to the ecosystems in which they live. Through practices like grazing, they can help maintain landscapes, promote soil health, and contribute to biodiversity when managed responsibly.



Culturally, farm animals hold significance in various traditions, religious practices, and community life. In many societies, certain animals symbolize wealth, prosperity, or spiritual beliefs.



Ultimately, farm animals are essential not just for what they provide, but also for the balance they help maintain in sustainable farming and cultural traditions. Their importance extends far beyond food, impacting environmental health, economies, and human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-showing-compassion-on-world-farm-animals-day">Showing compassion on World Farm Animals Day</h2>



Today, we recognize the importance of showing compassion toward farm animals and raising awareness about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-concerns-more-people-than-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">welfare</a>.&nbsp;



World Farm Animals Day serves as a reminder to rethink how we treat animals in the food production system and to support efforts that promote their well-being.



Here are some ways you can show compassion for farm animals:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-plant-based-meals-nbsp">Choose plant-based meals&nbsp;</h3>



Opting for plant-based alternatives or reducing meat consumption can lower the demand for intensive farming practices that often harm animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-humane-farming-practices">Support humane farming practices</h3>



Buy products from farms that prioritize animal welfare, including free-range, pasture-raised, and certified humane labels. This helps promote better living conditions for animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-at-animal-sanctuaries">Volunteer at animal sanctuaries</h3>



By supporting sanctuaries that rescue and care for farm animals, you can provide direct assistance to animals that have been rescued from cruel conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare-laws">Animal welfare laws</h3>



By encouraging policymakers to implement and enforce stricter regulations for farm animal protection, we can help animals get treated with the dignity they deserve.



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World Farm Animals Day: Taking action for animal welfare

World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2,...

In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in rare and precious commodities, with ivory standing out as one of the most sought-after goods.&nbsp;Surprisingly, much of this ivory came from walruses, rather than elephants.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> has revealed that the Vikings were part of a global trading network that supplied walrus ivory to Europe and the Middle East. This network most likely extended to East Asia as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-journeys-in-harsh-conditions">Long journeys in harsh conditions</h2>



The study shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-landed-in-the-americas-500-years-before-columbus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings</a> regularly traveled approximately 6,000 kilometers to Pikialasorsuaq in Northwest Greenland, an area characterized by harsh climate conditions.



Professor Morten Tange Olsen is a marine mammal biologist and geneticist in the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen.



“They probably didn’t do it for the thrill of it, but to obtain this precious commodity, which they brought to Northern Europe and other parts of the world," explained Olsen. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viking-expeditions-revealed-through-dna">Viking expeditions revealed through DNA</h2>



The researchers conducted DNA analyses which revealed that the Vikings covered a greater distance than previously believed in their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-walrus-are-at-high-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walruses</a>.



To establish the extent of Viking journeys, the researchers studied fragments of walrus skulls obtained from excavations at Viking villages across Europe and settlements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a> and Canada. 



"DNA sequences from these fragments provided us with a genetic map of the place of origin of various Arctic walrus populations at the time of the Vikings," said Olsen. "This enabled us to show in which part of the Arctic the animals were caught.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-established-trade-network">Well-established trade network</h2>



The study also revealed that the Vikings had interactions with indigenous Arctic populations, including the Thule and Dorset cultures.



“Our research shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-brought-their-horses-and-dogs-to-britain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings were extremely well-traveled</a> and had a well-established network that covered a larger area than previously believed and which in time and place must have overlapped with early Greenlandic and Canadian cultures,” noted Olsen.



According to Professor Olsen, the invaluable cross-disciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists is what has significantly contributed to the overall success of this ambitious study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-ivory-trade-system">Complex ivory trade system</h2>



The new and compelling findings reinforce the notion that the Vikings possessed an impressive ability to expertly navigate and endure in extreme and harsh environmental conditions, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and adaptability as they explored and established trade routes across challenging terrains.



They played a vital role in establishing a global trade network that extended beyond the borders of Europe.



“Now, for the first time ever, we have a clear genetic map of Arctic walrus populations, which tells us where the Norsemen went to obtain the precious commodity, ivory,” said Olsen.



The researchers hope this study will illuminate the Vikings’ complex and extensive exchange system and their interactions with other cultures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-walrus-ivory">The legacy of walrus ivory</h2>



Walrus ivory was not only a highly valuable commodity for the Vikings but also a key and integral element of their rich cultural and economic identity, serving as both a material for crafting essential tools and as a symbol of their resourcefulness and adaptability in a challenging environment.



Its exceptional durability made it an ideal material for expertly crafting a wide variety of tools, intricate art pieces, and elegant decorative items that were highly sought after in bustling markets across Europe and Asia, where artisans and traders recognized its value and versatility.



The demand for walrus ivory surged dramatically during periods when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant ivory</a> became increasingly scarce due to significant trade disruptions, such as those experienced during the Crusades, which limited access to traditional sources of ivory and drove merchants to seek alternative and more readily available materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vikings-influence-on-global-trade">Vikings' influence on global trade</h2>



The Vikings’ remarkable skill in harvesting ivory from the harsh and unforgiving Arctic environments showcased their exceptional ingenuity and adaptability, highlighting their ability to thrive in extreme conditions while effectively utilizing the natural resources available to them.



Their exchange relationships with indigenous Arctic populations promoted cultural exchanges, demonstrating the Vikings' significant influence on global trade systems.



The study was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Copenhagen, the <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lund</a> in Sweden, and the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a> in the Netherlands, along with international partners from Greenland, Iceland, and Canada. 



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq4127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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The Vikings traveled great distances to hunt walruses for ivory

In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in...

Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population wave” that affects their reproduction, movement, and survival. 



This is the conclusion of a new study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks's Institute of Arctic Biology.



The research sheds light on how these patterns play out and could help wildlife managers make more informed decisions about one of the boreal forest's key predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lynx-survival-hinges-on-their-prey">Lynx survival hinges on their prey</h2>



A traveling population wave is a biological phenomenon where animal populations rise and fall across a region, like a ripple moving through water. 



For Canada lynx in Alaska, this cycle is closely tied to the 10- to 12-year boom-and-bust cycle of their main prey, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-snowshoe-hares-provide-clues-about-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowshoe hare</a>. 



When hare populations increase, lynx numbers follow a year or two later. But when hares experience a population crash, due to limited food resources, the lynx population soon declines as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-lynx-population-wave">Following the lynx population wave</h2>



The study, led by biologist Derek Arnold, ran from 2018 to 2022 and followed the lynx population through one such cycle, beginning when hare numbers were at their peak. 



The researchers tracked the reproduction, movement, and survival of lynx as the hare population collapsed.



During the study, 143 lynx were live-trapped across five national <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-wildlife-refuges-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife refuges</a> in Interior Alaska-Tetlin, Yukon Flats, Kanuti, Koyukuk, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. 



Each lynx was fitted with a GPS collar, allowing satellites to track their movements and providing a wealth of new data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-stages-of-the-population-wave">Three stages of the population wave</h2>



Arnold noted that the lynx population responded to the declining hare population in three stages, with these changes starting in the east and moving westward - an indication of a traveling population wave:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-decline">Reproduction decline</h3>



At the start of the study, during the peak of the cycle, researchers found dens with up to eight kittens. However, reproduction began to plummet first in the easternmost study areas and eventually ceased entirely across all sites by the end of the study.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-dispersal">Increased dispersal</h3>



As reproduction rates fell, the lynx started to disperse, leaving their territories in search of better conditions. They traveled in all directions, crossing mountains and swimming rivers - behavior that surprised researchers. One lynx even trekked nearly 1,000 miles to reach the Alberta border.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-decline">Survival decline</h3>



Finally, the survival rates of the lynx dropped. While some traveled eastward against the wave, those individuals had much higher mortality rates compared to those that moved westward or remained within their original territories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-cycle-plays-out">How the cycle plays out</h2>



“People like trappers have observed this pattern anecdotally for a long, long time. The data just provides evidence to support it and helps us see the big picture,” Arnold said.



The study also clarifies how this cycle plays out across the landscape. “We've long known that hares and lynx operate on a 10- to 12-year cycle, but we didn't fully understand how it played out across the landscape,” Arnold added.&nbsp;



“It wasn't clear if the cycle occurred simultaneously across the state or if it happened in isolated areas at different times. Knowing that the wave usually sweeps from east to west makes lynx population trends more predictable.” 



This newfound predictability will help wildlife managers make better decisions by allowing them to anticipate population behavior on a more localized level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-lynx-survival-the-bigger-picture">Canada lynx survival: The bigger picture</h2>



Another significant finding is the importance of maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-may-need-a-climate-refuge-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refuge</a> populations. “The lynx that disperse during population declines don't usually survive. Most of them don't make it when they leave their home areas,” Arnold said.



He emphasized the crucial role that refuge areas play in preserving lynx populations during tough times.



“The combination of these factors supports the idea of a hierarchical response to snowshoe hare population declines with a drop in lynx reproduction followed by increased dispersal, and finally reduced survival," wrote the researchers.



"All of this evidence is consistent with the expected characteristics of a population undergoing a traveling wave and supports the hypothesis that lynx presence may facilitate and mirror the underlying wave patterns in snowshoe hare."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2414052121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>,



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Canada lynx survival linked to life cycle of snowshoe hares

Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population...

You know those ants you see scuttling around your garden? Have you ever thought about how they look when they are sick? 



A research team led by the University of Oxford has unveiled a startling discovery about these industrious insects. Queen ants, instead of nursing their sick young, opt for a rather grim alternative.



The moment they notice an offspring showing signs of illness, they chow down on them. Yes, they eat their ailing larvae, transforming them into energy to produce new eggs. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-for-ant-colony-survival">Cannibalism for ant colony survival</h2>



But why such a seemingly harsh measure? Well, ant queens are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-employ-safeguards-social-distancing-to-prevent-spread-of-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">typically lone wolves</a> when it comes to setting up new colonies. 



During these early stages, the brood is extremely prone to diseases, posing a serious threat to the colony's survival. 



To combat this, the queen puts on her chef's hat and whips up a meal out of the sick larvae before they become infectious.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presenting-ant-queens-with-sick-larvae">Presenting ant queens with sick larvae </h2>



How was this discovered? Well, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a>'s Department of Biology presented the queens of the black garden ant with larvae infected with a lethal fungal pathogen. 



The infection was deadly, but not yet contagious when the queens were introduced. And then, what a feast it was. The queens devoured 92% of the uninfected larvae, leaving no trace behind.



"We observed the queens get to work immediately as they find a sick larva in their pile. They spend several hours making sure every piece is consumed," noted Dr. Chris Pull, the lead researcher and a member of Oxford's <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-the-queens-avoid-illness">How do the queens avoid illness?</h2>



Interestingly, all queens survived the feast despite the potential risk of contagion. 



The scientists believe that the queens shield themselves by swallowing an antimicrobial venom that they produce in a unique gland at their abdomen's tail end.



Some queen ants were even witnessed massaging this gland during their mealting sessions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-gives-ants-a-reproductive-boost">Cannibalism gives ants a reproductive boost</h2>



And that's not all, the queens who consumed their infected larvae saw a 55% hike in their egg production compared to their non-cannibalizing counterparts. 



This suggests that the ingested offspring's nutrients are recycled for reproduction - a process we could term, quite appropriately, 'recycling life.'



"The queens start their colonies alone, sacrificing a lot of their own sustenance to raise their first batch of workers. The queens who churn out the most workers stand a greater chance at survival," explained study co-author Flynn Bizzell.



"By eating and recycling infected larvae into brood production, invaluable resources are not lost."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-control-disease-through-cannibalism">Ants control disease through cannibalism</h2>



Interestingly, the queens did not consume larvae that had reached the infectious stage. Instead, they sprayed the larvae with their antimicrobial venom, seemingly attempting to control the infection.



However, the majority (80%) contracted the disease and later died, emphasizing the importance of nipping the problem in the bud.



The ability of ant queens to selectively consume larvae before they become infectious and to utilize antimicrobial venom as a line of defense highlights a sophisticated evolutionary strategy for disease management. 



This dual approach ensures that resources are not wasted on doomed individuals while simultaneously fortifying the remaining larvae against threats. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-the-health-of-the-colony">Maintaining the health of the colony</h2>



The venom, believed to contain potent antimicrobial compounds, plays a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-ants-have-dual-roles-as-builders-and-decomposers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining the health of the colony</a> at its most vulnerable stage. 



By employing this venom to spray infected larvae, queens attempt to curb disease spread and protect their investment in future generations. 



The chemical composition of this venom is now a subject of rigorous inquiry, as it may offer insights into developing new biocontrol agents and therapeutic compounds in broader biological applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-use-of-limited-resources">Optimal use of limited resources </h2>



This intriguing cannibalism behavior unveils the complex calculus of reproductive strategy in ants, where every action is directed towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximizing the colony's success</a>. 



The queens' decision to consume their sick offspring not only enhances their immediate reproductive output but also secures the long-term viability of the colony. 



By effectively 'recycling' the nutrients, queens ensure the optimal use of limited resources, particularly during the crucial phase of colony establishment. 



Viewing this behavior through an evolutionary lens, it becomes clear that such extreme measures are the products of natural selection, fine-tuned over millennia to increase the likelihood of survival in harsh environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hygienic-cannibalism-of-ants">"Hygienic cannibalism" of ants</h2>



The survival strategy of ant queens, known as "hygienic cannibalism," has only been witnessed among queens and never among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-ant-colonies-drove-the-evolution-of-worker-castes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mature worker ants</a>.



Unlike queens that seal themselves into the nest, worker ants can dispose of infected larvae by carrying them out of the nest. 



Ant queens, on the other hand, have found a way to turn a potential disaster into a means of long-term survival using cannibalism.



"Our findings show that cannibalism addresses disease containment and corpse disposal in the queens' underground bunker while ensuring valuable nutrients are not wasted," said Dr. Pull. "This significantly improves their odds of successfully establishing a colony."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01001-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Ant queens turn to cannibalism for controlling disease in their colonies

You know those ants you see scuttling around your garden?...

A recent study suggests that dogs could be the key to unlocking an unexpected boon for children’s mental and emotional health.



The secret lies in a hormone called oxytocin. You may know it as the "love hormone," but its job description extends further than just fluttering hearts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-boosting-hormone">Mood-boosting hormone</h2>



Oxytocin, produced in the brain's hypothalamus and released into our bloodstream, is a mood booster. It reduces stress, makes us feel more sociable, and helps us express our emotions healthily.



Now, picture this: children's bodies flooding with this feel-good hormone following playful romps with none other than man’s best friend. 



Scientists have observed higher concentrations of oxytocin in children following <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-and-human-brains-sync-up-during-eye-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engagements with dogs</a>, as compared to when kids played alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-levels-in-dogs-and-children">Oxytocin levels in dogs and children</h2>



Dr. Gitanjali E. Gnanadesikan, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>'s School of Anthropology, led this intriguing investigation.



The research was focused on 55 children aged between 8 and 10 years at the Arizona Canine Cognition Center. Over a series of visits, the young participants played with their pet dogs, an unfamiliar dog, and also had a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interacting-with-dogs-can-ease-physical-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solo play session</a>.



Throughout these engagements, the research team measured oxytocin levels in both the children and the dogs. The results? 



"To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence for an effect of affiliative social interactions with dogs on oxytocin concentrations in children," said Dr. Gnanadesikan. Both familiar and unfamiliar dog interactions led to an oxytocin boost in children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-benefit-from-children-as-well">Dogs benefit from children as well</h2>



What's more interesting is that it didn't matter whether the dog was a family pet or a stranger to the child, the oxytocin increase was noted in both cases. 



However, it’s worth mentioning that the pet dogs also exhibited a surge in their salivary oxytocin levels, but this wasn’t seen in unfamiliar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-learn-better-with-praise-and-petting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. 



This hints at the possibility that our canine friends may also reap the emotional benefits of these interactions, given that the child is a familiar companion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-better-communication-skills">Building better communication skills</h2>



Beyond the biochemical exchanges that occur, the symbiotic relationship between dogs and children also plays a crucial role in the social dimension of childhood development. 



Interactions with dogs often lead to enhanced communication skills, as children learn to interpret their pet's body language, expressions, and needs. 



This non-verbal communication can then translate into more effective interpersonal skills when interacting with peers and adults. 



Additionally, dogs can serve as a bridge to social interaction, often drawing children into conversations with other pet owners or enthusiasts, thereby expanding their social circles and fortifying their confidence in expressing themselves.



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



The implications of these findings extend beyond individual well-being and social skills, potentially influencing educational and therapeutic settings. 



Schools and therapy programs are increasingly incorporating animal-assisted interventions to support emotional regulation, decrease anxiety, and motivate learning for children who face challenges such as autism or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADHD</a>. 



The presence of a friendly dog can create a calming atmosphere, encouraging focus and reducing stress in academic settings. 



As evidence of the benefits continues to mount, educators and healthcare professionals might advocate for more widespread integration of animals in pedagogical and therapeutic practices. 



This could pave the way for children to thrive both academically and emotionally through playful and nurturing relationships with dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adult-supervision-is-needed">Adult supervision is needed</h2>



There is a catch, though. It is crucial to monitor these canine-kid interactions to ensure a fun and safe playtime.



Remember, not all dog breeds may be suited for play with children, and not all children may understand the nuances of interacting with dogs. 



A watchful adult eye is necessary, especially when it comes to infants and toddlers who are more vulnerable. "Children and dogs should not be left alone together without adult supervision," noted Blue Cross.



Ultimately, though, the science speaks for itself. Our loveable, loyal, four-legged companions could be key to enhancing our children’s emotional well-being, providing us with yet another reason to cherish our cuddly pals even more.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453024001926" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psycho-neuroendocrinology</a>.



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Children get a rush of the 'love hormone' by playing with dogs

A recent study suggests that dogs could be the key...

It's a fact as solid as gravity. Lose a limb or sustain damage to the spinal cord, and our human bodies can't self-repair. However, some members of the animal kingdom, like the African killifish, boast an extraordinary capacity to regenerate after injury.



Sequencing a precise chain of cellular events, they can restore missing body parts in a way our species can only marvel at. 



Recently, researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made strides in understanding one aspect of this regeneration process - the timing of cellular response to injury in killifish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killifish-tail-regeneration">Killifish tail regeneration </h2>



The study was led by Dr. Augusto Ortega Granillo, in collaboration with Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, President and Chief Scientific Officer at <a href="https://www.stowers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stowers</a>.



The team investigated how the African killifish can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-zebrafish-heart-regeneration-could-transform-human-cardiac-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regrow</a> its tail fin after an injury, focusing on what influences the duration and frequency of cellular engagement in the repair process.



“One of the greatest unsolved mysteries of regeneration is how an organism knows what has been lost after injury,” noted Dr. Sánchez Alvarado.



“Essentially, the study points to a new variable in the equation of regeneration. If we can modulate the rate and the length of time that a tissue can launch a regenerative response, this could help us devise therapies that may activate and perhaps prolong the regenerative response of tissues that normally would not do so.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repair-response-after-injury">Repair response after injury</h2>



What happens when the tail of a killifish gets injured? The remaining tissue has to gauge the extent of the damage. 



Then, the right number of repair cells must be mobilized to the injury site for the appropriate duration of time. This entire process rests on the coordination of damage sensing, repair cell recruitment, and timing.



The team studied different injury locations in the killifish tail fin. They discovered that skin cells – not just at the injury site, but also at distant, uninjured regions – initiated a genetic program to prepare the entire organism for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axolotls-regeneration-powers-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">repair response</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-extracellular-matrix">The extracellular matrix</h2>



These skin cells then sustained this response, temporarily altering their state to modify the surrounding material, also known as the extracellular matrix.



“We very clearly defined when and where - at 24 hours post-injury and in the extracellular matrix - the transient cell state is acting in the fin tissue," explained Dr. Ortega Granillo.



"Knowing when and where to look allowed us to make genetic disruptions and gain a better understanding of the function of these cell states during regeneration."



To comprehend how the unique cellular states convey information to the extracellular matrix during the repair process, the team turned to the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique. 



Profiling a gene known to modify the extracellular matrix, the experts found that disrupting the function of this gene led to a deficient speed in tissue growth.



“This is telling us that by changing the extracellular space, skin cells inform the tissue how much was lost and how fast it should grow,” said Dr. Ortega Granillo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-aspects-of-killifish-regeneration">Evolutionary aspects of killifish regeneration </h2>



The team demonstrated that controlling the state of the cells that modify the extracellular matrix could potentially amplify regenerative regrowth. This could lead to more robust regeneration responses, opening up exciting possibilities for regenerative medicine.



“Our goal is to understand how to shape and grow tissues. For people who sustain injuries or organ failure, regenerative therapies could restore function that was compromised during illness or following injury,” noted Dr. Ortega Granillo.



However, the matter isn't closed. Understanding why certain organisms are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-gene-expression-may-help-protect-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prodigious regenerators</a>, while others like humans have limited regenerative abilities, is still a driving force in the field of regenerative biology. 



By dissecting the principles observed in organisms with high regenerative capacity, researchers aim to apply these insights to enhance regeneration in humans. This could not only unveil the evolutionary aspects of regeneration but also instigate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regenerative-medicine-in-humans">Regenerative medicine in humans </h2>



The findings hint at the tantalizing possibility of deploying regenerative medicine in humans, bringing us one step closer to bridging the gap. 



The African killifish, in its seemingly mundane existence, unlocks a world of potential therapeutic strategies that could one day revolutionize the way humans heal.



Until then, the scientific community remains relentlessly committed to exploring the enigma of regeneration, inching closer to answers one experiment at a time.



The research was supported by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (<a href="https://www.hhmi.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HHMI</a>).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01962-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Secrets of killifish regeneration may help us heal humans

It's a fact as solid as gravity. Lose a limb...

A recent study reveals a startling development for two endangered primate species in Bangladesh. Phayre's langurs and capped langurs might be headed for an unexpected twist in their evolutionary tale - hybridization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-langur-hybridization-in-bangladesh">Langur hybridization in Bangladesh</h2>



A research team led by Tanvir Ahmed, a PhD student at the <a href="https://www.dpz.eu/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Primate Center</a>, took on the monumental task of studying langur populations in northeastern Bangladesh.



Over a five-year period, from 2018 to 2023, the researchers chipped away at the mysteries hidden within these populations.



Out of the 98 langur groups studied, the experts discovered that 8 were mixed groups that consisted of both Phayre's and capped langurs.



In three of these mixed groups, some individuals presented as unique blends of the two species. But what did this mean, and does it hold any significant implications?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-evidence-from-hybrid-langurs">Genetic evidence from hybrid langurs</h2>



When faced with an intriguing puzzle, every scientist knows that the key to deciphering it lies within the data's fine details. 



Once the team collected genetic samples from these hybrid individuals, they were transported to the lab at the German Primate Center for analysis. 



The tests confirmed that there had been an instance of hybridization. In this case, the hybrid langur was born to a capped langur mother and a Phayre's langur father. 



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



Hybridization among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-primates-struggle-more-with-extreme-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> - the blending of two different species - is a rare phenomenon in itself. Typically, it only occurs where two related species find their territories overlapping. 



Unnatural activities such as deforestation, trapping, and hunting can lead to population thinning. This restricts the movement of individuals, and thus, can unintentionally spur such hybridization. 



"The existence of fertile hybrids is particularly alarming because it suggests that gene flow between these two endangered species could irreversibly affect their future genetic composition," said Tanvir Ahmed, lead author of the study. 



"This is not just a local problem. When habitats are destroyed, animals mix unnaturally and form mixed groups and hybridization might occur. This can even mean the extinction of one or both species," noted study co-author and lead scientist Christian Roos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-conservation-an-urgent-priority">Forest conservation: An urgent priority</h2>



The study also revealed that forests which are better protected host bigger langur populations.



However, the situation is never as simple as it seems. Even these protected forests are often too small and fragmented to guarantee the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primate-bonds-are-not-just-about-love-theyre-strategic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of the species</a>. 



Ahmed emphasized that forest conservation should become a national priority. Otherwise, we risk losing these langurs and a significant chunk of Bangladesh's biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-langur-hybridization">Impact of langur hybridization</h2>



Ongoing research efforts are needed to understand the full impact of hybridization on the endangered langurs.



"This study is a wake-up call. We need more data to develop effective long-term conservation strategies," said Dietmar Zinner, a co-author of the study. 



The survival of the less than 500 Phayre's langurs and 600 capped langurs in northeast Bangladesh hangs in the balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-for-endangered-langurs">Conservation for endangered langurs</h2>



Protection is urgently needed to keep Phayre's and capped langurs from disappearing forever. The focus should be on preserving and restoring their natural habitats, making sure these amazing primates have enough resources and space to thrive. 



This means tackling issues like deforestation and illegal hunting that harm their homes and split up their populations.



Working with local communities is crucial; education and awareness can help create a strong culture of conservation and sustainable living. In addition, better laws and enforcement are needed to guard against habitat destruction, ensuring a safer future for these vulnerable species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-on-a-global-scale">Collaboration on a global scale</h2>



The findings from Bangladesh transcend national boundaries, emphasizing the need for a concerted international effort in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-who-are-facially-expressive-make-the-best-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate conservation</a>. 



Establishing global partnerships, particularly with organizations specializing in primate research and conservation, can share crucial resources, expertise, and funding. 



This collaborative approach enables monitoring and research initiatives to embrace a more comprehensive understanding of langur populations, hybridization and their ecosystems. 



Equipped with his discoveries, Ahmed is now focusing his doctoral project on a comprehensive genetic study of endangered langur populations. He aims to explore their vulnerability to climate change, a vital step in forming an effective action plan.



The study is published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10764-024-00459-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Primatology.</a> 



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Forest loss is forcing endangered primates to interbreed

A recent study reveals a startling development for two endangered...

Drones are transforming our understanding of biodiversity by exploring the treetops of rainforests, where much life has remained hidden. 



These high, dense canopies are home to countless organisms, yet they have been difficult to study due to their inaccessibility. 



For years, researchers have known that the branches and leaves are teeming with life, but uncovering it has posed a significant challenge.



Now, drones equipped with innovative technology offer a non-invasive way to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from the treetops, providing crucial insights into the species that live there. 



This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in rainforest research, allowing scientists to decode the biodiversity of these towering ecosystems without disturbing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eavesdroppers-at-high-elevations">Eavesdroppers at high elevations</h2>



In the past, these tiny organisms were virtually invisible to the human eye, their existence revealed only through the minute traces they left behind - DNA on the leaves and branches of the rainforest.



Today, however, a team of pioneers has unlocked a groundbreaking approach to uncovering this life. The experts have developed a unique adaptation to familiar technology: a drone equipped with a specialized fabric probe.



The drone soars above the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a>, gently brushing leaves and branches to collect DNA, revealing uncharted life in the canopy.



"If we want people to protect nature, we need to tell them what we are actually protecting - with our solution, we hope to better understand the life in the canopy," explained study lead author Steffen Kirchgeorg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-research-and-drone-technology">Biodiversity research and drone technology</h2>



The introduction of drone-based DNA collection is not just a technological breakthrough - it is reshaping the way scientists conduct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> research.



Traditionally, studying life in the rainforest canopies required invasive and labor-intensive methods, such as physically climbing trees or setting up elaborate sampling systems. 



With drones, this process becomes more efficient and less disruptive, allowing for repeated sampling over vast areas in a fraction of the time. This innovation opens up new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



By gathering more comprehensive data on species diversity in these remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>, researchers can better understand how ecosystems function and respond to environmental changes. The technology also helps identify species that may be at risk, guiding targeted conservation actions before it's too late.



Drones also allow for global collaboration, with scientists worldwide able to adopt this technology to explore previously inaccessible ecosystems, creating a unified strategy for biodiversity preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-drone-process-works">How the drone process works</h2>



The researchers designed a highly specialized drone system to collect eDNA without disturbing the environment. 



The process begins with the drone flying high above the canopy, remotely guided to position itself over the targeted tree branches. Once in place, the drone lowers a fleece-like fabric probe via a pulley system. 



The probe, reinforced with strips of fiberglass for added structure, brushes gently against the branches and leaves. This allows it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collect DNA</a> left behind by organisms in the form of mucus, feces, or dead skin cells.



To ensure smooth operation, the drone is equipped with a sensor that detects any impact with branches. If the probe gets too close to obstacles, the drone adjusts its position to avoid entanglement. 



After the collection is complete, the probe is retrieved by the drone and brought back to the research team for analysis. 



In a successful field test conducted in a Southeast Asian rainforest, the collected samples revealed a variety of species, including spiders, ants, long-tailed macaques, and a species of fly known as the gall midge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-for-conservation">A new frontier for conservation</h2>



This pioneering study not only demonstrates the remarkable potential of drones in biodiversity research but also highlights the critical importance of understanding these remote and often overlooked ecosystems.



The ability to gather crucial data with minimal disturbance ensures that these fragile environments can be better protected, preserved, and restored for future generations.



As conservationists and researchers continue to explore innovative ways of monitoring and safeguarding biodiversity, drone technology will undoubtedly play a central and transformative role in unlocking the hidden secrets of the natural world, starting with the uncharted life thriving in the rainforest canopies.



The research is published in the ACS journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Drones reveal hidden biodiversity in rainforest canopies

Drones are transforming our understanding of biodiversity by exploring the...

You may wonder, how climate factors such as temperature, rainfall, snow, and extreme weather events impact wildlife. More specifically, how do our friendly forest rovers, the deer, respond to changes in climate?



Scientists recently conducted a comprehensive study based on 20 years of research on 10 main deer species in boreal and temperate regions: moose, roe deer, wapiti, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, white-tailed deer, mule deer, caribou, and reindeer.



The team analyzed a whopping 218 articles to draw conclusions on the effects of climate change on the behavior, physiology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pronghorn-lessons-conservation-crucial-preventing-species-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population dynamics of these creatures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacts-on-deer">Climate change impacts on deer</h2>



The climate, as it turns out, plays a dual role in the lives of deer. While warmer temperatures seem to be beneficial in some ways, they can also tip the scales the other way. 



Reduced energy usage and improved food availability during milder winters, initially seem like a great deal for many deer populations. But the catch lies in those species thriving in colder climates like the reindeer or caribou.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-climate-change-on-deer">Consequences of climate change on deer</h2>



Winter temperature variations cause the snow to melt and refreeze, locking food sources under a sheet of ice. Such conditions make it impossible to access lichens, which deer typically feed on. 



Likewise, hotter and drier summers might push deer populations’ physiological tolerances to the edge due to heat stress and parasites.



The immediate consequence is a deterioration of the animals’ physical condition. It might also trigger a long-term shift in their distribution, with some species like the moose moving further north. 



In comparison to deer species who cope with these issues by seeking cooler habitats and decreasing their daily activities during peak heat hours, moose are considerably more heat sensitive. This results in smaller body mass and ultimately leading to decreased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ungulate-migration-new-maps-united-states-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population growth</a> in future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-climate-change">Adapting to climate change</h2>



Deer exhibit remarkable adaptability, altering their behavior to mitigate the impacts of changing climates. 



In response to fluctuating temperatures, certain species like white-tailed deer adjust their foraging patterns, seeking food sources that provide both nutritional value and a measure of environmental comfort. 



During periods of excessive heat, deer are known to restrict their activity to dawn and dusk, thereby minimizing exposure to the harsh midday sun. 



Additionally, migratory patterns may undergo transformation, with deer traversing greater distances in search of suitable habitats that offer more temperate conditions.



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



As climate change continues to accelerate, the evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-tailed-deer-migrating-north-caribou-country-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implications for deer populations</a> are profound and far-reaching. 



Genetic diversity plays a critical role in shaping how well these species can adapt over time. Populations with higher genetic variation are more likely to develop beneficial traits that enhance survival in changing environments. 



For instance, we might witness a natural selection process favoring deer that are better equipped to cope with heat stress or those that can efficiently exploit new, emerging food sources. 



This evolutionary dynamic highlights the challenges posed by climate change, as well as the incredible resilience and potential for adaptation inherent within wildlife species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-migration-patterns">Changing migration patterns</h2>



Climate change also contributes to altering migration patterns of deer. Spring and autumn temperature hikes reduce snow coverage and depth, inducing deer to migrate earlier in spring and later in autumn.



If this trend continues, species like the caribou and red deer could possibly elimination migration altogether.



Furthermore, the study has identified several avenues for future research, focusing mainly on the potential impact of extreme weather events, snow type, and wetter autumns on deer.



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



The findings from National Research Institute for Agriculture,&nbsp;Food and Environment (<a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a>) could prove invaluable for wildlife, forest, and park managers to comprehend how deer populations might react to future climate conditions and adapt their population management strategies accordingly to protect these animals.



The interaction between climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-has-a-strong-effect-on-wildlife-in-remote-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> is complex and intricate, and understanding it requires patience and dedicated research.



"Climate change causes far-reaching disruption in nature, where tolerance thresholds already have been exceeded for some plants and animals," noted the researchers.



"In the short term, deer may respond to climate through individual physiological and behavioral responses. Over time, individual responses can aggregate to the population level and ultimately lead to evolutionary adaptations."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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How does climate change affect deer? It's complicated

You may wonder, how climate factors such as temperature, rainfall,...

<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...

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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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" 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.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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