Portrait,Of,A,Wild,Octopus,Under,Water.

The octopus is a creature that continues to surprise scientists and inspire engineers. With eight arms that move in ways no human limb can, it demonstrates flexibility and control that seem almost otherworldly. 



Each arm bends, twists, elongates, and shortens with unmatched precision, enabling these animals to hunt, hide, and explore with ease. 



Researchers hope that unlocking the secrets of these movements may guide the design of flexible robotic arms capable of lifesaving missions.



Imagine a robotic arm slipping through rubble after a building collapse, delivering food or medicine to someone trapped below. 



This vision has motivated scientists to study octopus arms in detail - both in the laboratory and in their natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dumbo-octopus-species-carnarvon-flapjack-discovered-in-very-deep-ocean-waters/">environment</a>.



Until recently, most studies were limited to tanks, where behaviors may not reflect the complexity of life in the wild. That gap is now being addressed.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-could-dominate-earth-if-humans-vanish/">Octopuses</a> are some of the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth. Unlike most animals without backbones, they can solve puzzles, open jars, and even escape from aquariums by remembering routes back to the ocean. 



Their brains are incredibly complex, with about 500 million neurons - similar to a dog. What makes them even more fascinating is that two-thirds of those neurons are in their arms. 



This means each arm can sense, move, and even make decisions on its own while still communicating with the central brain. It’s like having eight mini-brains working together with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-are-tricked-by-the-rubber-hand-illusion-like-humans-suggesting-self-awareness/">one big brain</a>.



Their intelligence also shows up in how they hunt and survive. Octopuses use tools, like carrying coconut shells to hide inside when threatened, and they can change color and texture in an instant to camouflage perfectly against rocks or coral. 



They’ve been observed watching other animals and learning from them, which is rare in the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexible-octopus-arms-inspire-robotics">Flexible octopus arms inspire robotics</h2>



A new study from the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> in Woods Hole and Florida Atlantic University has provided the most comprehensive analysis of octopus arm movements in natural habitats. 



Researchers recorded 25 wild octopuses in six locations, ranging from the Caribbean to Spain. The footage captured thousands of arm movements across a variety of behaviors, including foraging, locomotion, and even defense.



“I’ve been trying for a long time to work out the natural behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-octopus-footage-could-revolutionize-flexible-robot-design-eyeris/">cephalopods</a> in their natural habitat,” said MBL Senior Scientist Roger Hanlon, who led the project. 



“Studying and recording octopus behavior from wild octopuses in the field gave us the opportunity to analyze a larger behavioral repertoire and further understand how they use their arms to achieve such complex behaviors,” added Chelsea Bennice, research fellow at <a href="https://www.fau.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAU</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guided-by-touch-not-sight">Guided by touch, not sight</h2>



Octopuses rely heavily on touch, guided by sensory organs in their arm suckers. “The octopus is a very tactile animal - it’s more tactile than visual,” said Hanlon. 



Each of their nearly 100 suckers per arm contains chemosensory-tactile receptors, combining functions similar to the human nose, lips, and tongue.



Finding octopuses to observe was not simple. Their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-squid-power-their-amazing-camouflage-abilities/">camouflage</a> skills make them almost invisible in coral reefs or sandy seabeds. Divers often relied on clues like discarded shells and food debris near their dens.



Once located, octopuses emerged briefly from hiding, offering precious opportunities to record their natural actions.



These moments revealed unique hunting strategies, arm movements, and subtle interactions with their environment otherwise impossible to witness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-arm-mechanics-of-octopuses">Complex arm mechanics of octopuses</h2>



The researchers identified 12 distinct arm actions across 15 behaviors, built from four fundamental deformations: shortening, elongating, bending, and torsion. They discovered a pattern of specialization within each arm. 



For instance, elongation and shortening were most common near the base, while bending occurred more at the tips. 



This functional partitioning allows octopuses to combine motions across arms for tasks like crawling, probing reef crevices, or launching sudden prey attacks.



“These are the actions that make up the whole complex of octopus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-and-squids-defy-the-slow-pace-of-evolution/">behaviors</a>,” said study co-author Kendra Buresch. 



In the wild, researchers observed octopuses using different combinations of arm actions - sometimes relying on a single arm for tasks like grabbing food, and other times coordinating multiple arms for behaviors such as crawling or launching a parachute attack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-that-guides-technology">Behavior that guides technology</h2>



The findings go beyond understanding animal behavior. With nearly 7,000 observed arm deformations, the study highlights an extraordinary degree of control and flexibility. 



This knowledge may inform robotics research, where engineers seek to design soft, adaptable arms capable of both precise and exploratory tasks.



“Understanding these natural behaviors not only deepens our knowledge of octopus biology but also opens exciting new avenues in fields like neuroscience, animal behavior, and even soft robotics inspired by these remarkable creatures,” Bennice said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-in-flexibility-and-change">Lessons in flexibility and change</h2>



From the ocean floor to robotics labs, octopuses continue to inspire, offering lessons in both biology and technology. 



Their flexible arms not only influence the design of machines that could navigate disaster zones or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/">deep-sea environments</a>, but also remind us how problem-solving in nature often leads to solutions with real-world applications.



Beyond robotics, their adaptability symbolizes the broader principle that survival depends on innovation and change, a message equally relevant to ecosystems, human health, and future technologies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-10674-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Octopus arms are probably the most complex and flexible structures in nature

The octopus is a creature that continues to surprise scientists and inspire engineers. With eight arms that move in ways no human limb can, it demonstrates flexibility and control that seem almost otherworldly. Each arm bends, twists, elongates, and shortens with unmatched precision, enabling these animals to hunt, hide, and explore with ease. Researchers hope that unlocking the secrets of these movements may guide the design of flexible robotic arms capable of lifesaving missions. Imagine a robotic arm slipping through rubble after a building collapse, delivering food...

Let's spend a few minutes time traveling back to the Devonian period, where we unravel the mysteries hidden within the lungfish genome -- the world's largest animal genome, and a treasure trove of information about one of evolution's most pivotal transitions. 



Picture yourself at the edge of a shallow sea, sometime between 420 and 360 million years ago. Here, an extraordinary event unfolded: a lobe-finned fish, propelled by its robust pectoral fins, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fish-from-tiktaaliks-time-chose-life-in-the-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hauled itself from the water onto dry land</a>.



This remarkable creature, equipped with lungs capable of extracting oxygen from air, marked a turning point in Earth's biological history. 



It likely represents the first venture of a vertebrate onto land - a momentous step that paved the way for the diverse array of terrestrial vertebrates we see today, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals like ourselves.



But what gave these lobe-finned fishes their unique ability to conquer the challenges of a terrestrial environment? The answer lies hidden within their genetic code, waiting to be deciphered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-legacy-of-our-ancestral-cousins">Genetic legacy of our ancestral cousins</h2>



In an endeavor to solve this longstanding mystery, scientists have analyzed the genetic material of the closest existing relatives of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-newest-oldest-forest-recently-discovered-is-full-of-calamophyton-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devonian</a> ancestor.



These relatives are the lungfish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lungfish-provide-a-deeper-insight-into-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only three lineages</a> of which survive today: one in Africa, one in South America, and one in Australia.



These ancient "living fossils" bear an uncanny resemblance to their ancestors, providing a glimpse into evolutionary history. 



To decode the lungfish genomes, knowledge of their complete sequences is critical, as DNA is made up of nucleobases and the order of these nucleobases carries the essential genetic information. 



Even though it was known that lungfish genomes were enormous, the precise scale and what could be inferred from them weren't clear until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-lungfish-genome">Deciphering lungfish genome</h2>



Decoding the genomes of lungfish posed significant challenges, both technically and bioinformatically. 



However, an international team of researchers, led by biologist Dr. Axel Meyer from the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a> and biochemist Dr. Manfred Schartl from Würzburg, managed to completely sequence the genome of the South American lungfish and a member of the African lineage.



Dr. Meyer highlighted the nature of their findings. He noted that the South American lungfish species possesses an extraordinary genome.



"With over 90 gigabases (in other words, 90 billion bases), the DNA of the South American species is the largest of all animal genomes," he explained. This genetic blueprint is more than double the size of the previous record holder, the Australian lungfish. 



Dr. Meyer went on to emphasize the sheer scale of this discovery, pointing out that "18 of the 19 chromosomes of the South American lungfish are each individually larger than the entire human genome." 



To put this into perspective, he reminded us that the human genome contains nearly 3 billion bases, underscoring the immense complexity of the lungfish's genetic material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanticipated-lungfish-genome-expansion">Unanticipated lungfish genome expansion</h2>



The expansive size of the lungfish genome is attributed to autonomous transposons, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-life-the-secret-language-of-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> sequences that reproduce and change their location within the genome, leading to genome expansion. 



Although common in other organisms, the researchers found that the expansion rate of the South American lungfish genome is the fastest on record. 



Dr. Meyer stated, "Every 10 million years in the past, its genome has grown by the size of the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human genome</a>. And it continues to grow. We have found evidence that the transposons responsible are still active." 



The team uncovered the underlying cause for the extraordinary expansion of this genome. Their research revealed that the massive growth is primarily attributed to a significantly reduced presence of piRNA. 



This particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of RNA</a> typically plays a crucial role in a molecular process that suppresses transposons. 



However, with the scarcity of piRNA in this species, the usual silencing mechanism appears to be compromised, potentially allowing for unchecked genome expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-amidst-an-explosion-of-transposons">Stability amidst an explosion of transposons</h2>



Despite the vast surplus of transposons and the contribution they make to genome growth, the researchers observed no correlation between the enormous transposon surplus and genome instability. 



In fact, the lungfish genome was surprisingly stable, and the gene arrangement remarkably conservative, allowing the researchers to reconstruct the ancestral tetrapod's original chromosome framework from the lungfish species that are still alive today.



This new research also enabled the scientists to understand the genetic basis of the differences between the existing lineages. 



For instance, the Australian lungfish still possesses the limb-like fins which once allowed its relatives to tread on land. 



These fins, similar in structure to our arms, evolved back into filamentous fins over the last 100 million years or so in the other existing lungfish species from Africa and South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-deeper">Diving deeper</h2>



To further investigate this evolution, the team conducted additional experiments. "In our research, we also used experiments with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas</a> transgenic mice to show that this simplification of the fins is attributable to a change in what is known as the Shh-signaling pathway," Dr. Meyer explained. This pathway plays a crucial role in embryonic development.



"During the embryonic development of mice, for example, the Shh-signalling pathway controls the number and development of the fingers, among other things," added Dr. Meyer. 



These findings provide additional evidence of the evolutionary link between the ray fins of bony fish and the fingers of land vertebrates.



With the entire genome sequences of all current lungfish families now available, future comparative genomic studies will provide deeper insights into the lobe-finned ancestors of land vertebrates - potentially cracking the code of how vertebrates transitioned onto land.



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Lungfish genome discovery explains how fish first walked onto land

Let's spend a few minutes time traveling back to the...

Have you ever stopped to taste the water while swimming in a river? Now, imagine being a blind cavefish with an incredible multitude of taste buds scattered all over your head and chin. Makes you wonder what these peculiar creatures are tasting, right? Well, that's precisely what the researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a>&nbsp;have been trying to figure out.



In a recent article published in the Nature journal Communications Biology, these scientists embarked on an intriguing journey to discover when and why these extra taste buds appear in places beyond the confines of the mouth.



The research, supported by the National Science Foundation, delves deeply into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-season-fishing-may-shrink-the-size-of-salmon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of the humble cavefish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tale-of-blind-cavefish">The tale of blind cavefish</h2>



Blind cavefish took evolution in stride, adapting to dark, subterranean life by losing their eyes but gaining a fascinating attribute in return - an abundance of taste buds.



These translucent, pink inhabitants of cave ponds in northeastern Mexico have a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-evolution-of-bitter-taste-perception-found-in-sharks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct difference</a> from their silvery relatives residing in surface rivers and streams - those extra taste buds.



While the surface fish showcase massive round eyes that seem to suggest a sense of constant surprise, our star, the cavefish, boasts a faint outline of what used to be eye sockets.



Interestingly, despite the glaring physical disparities, both types of fish are considered the same species.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cavefish-taste-buds">Cavefish taste buds</h2>



“Regression, such as the loss of eyesight and pigmentation, is a well-studied phenomenon, but the biological bases of constructive features are less well understood,” said UC professor and biologist Joshua Gross, the study's senior author.



Gross, an expert in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>&nbsp;and development of cave-dwelling vertebrates, takes us further into the mystery of the blind cavefish's peculiar gift.&nbsp;



He explains that while some scientists in the 1960s stumbled upon the fact that certain blind cavefish populations had extra taste buds, no extensive studies were conducted to understand the development or genetic processes behind this unique trait.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flavor-filled-findings">Flavor-filled findings</h2>



To unveil the truth behind the blind cavefish's plentiful taste buds, Gross and his team studied two separate cavefish populations living in the Pachón and Tinaja caves in northwestern Mexico. The results were surprising and enlightening at the same time.



The team discovered that the cavefish and their surface-dwelling counterparts had a similar number of taste buds from birth until about five months of age. Then things began to change. 



The cavefish started to grow extra taste buds on their heads and chins, a trend that continued well into their adulthood, around the 18-month mark. But why this sudden eruption of taste buds, and what purpose did they serve?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-cavefish-taste">New perspective on cavefish taste</h2>



Gross speculates that this increase coincides with a shift in the cavefish's diet. They stop relying on traditional food sources and start eating, believe it or not, bat guano. However, the most exciting part is that this expansion continues even in caves devoid of bats.



The abundance of taste buds enhances the cavefish's sense of taste, giving them an adaptive edge in their dark dwellings.&nbsp;



“It remains unclear what is the precise functional and adaptive relevance of this augmented taste system,” noted Professor Gross. This uncertainty paves the path for more exploration. 



The researchers are now set to investigate further, planning to expose the cavefish to a variety of flavors - sweet, sour, and bitter - to better understand this miraculous gift of taste.



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



The tale of the blind cavefish continues to captivate our imagination. Their remarkable evolution and adaptation to an environment that is completely alien to us showcase the incredible resilience of life. 



These unique creatures remind us of nature's wonders and the perplexing mysteries that still await discovery, urging us to explore deeper into the unknown. Each new finding about their behavior and habitat reveals more about the complexity of life on Earth and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-catastrophic-decline-in-migratory-freshwater-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intricate connections</a> that bind all living things.



So, next time you take a dip in a river or simply sip a glass of water, spare a thought for our little blind cavefish and their extraordinary tasting abilities. After all, not everyone need eyes to lead an interesting life, some just need extra taste buds.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06635-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Blind cavefish lost their eyes, but gained taste buds on their head

Have you ever stopped to taste the water while swimming...

A new study highlights the urgent need for increased protection of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica to prevent significant population declines among native wildlife.



A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has identified 30 new critical areas for conserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-biodiversity-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in these regions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-animals-of-the-southern-ocean-nbsp">Iconic animals of the Southern Ocean&nbsp;</h2>



“Many animals are only found in the Southern Ocean, and they all play an important role in its ecosystem,” said Cassandra Brooks, the study’s senior author and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder.&nbsp;



“While Antarctica and the Southern Ocean feel really far away, they - and the life within them - are critical to the functioning of Earth systems.”



The Southern Ocean is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including iconic species such as Adélie penguins, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seal-numbers-are-much-lower-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weddell seals</a>, and humpback whales. 



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



The region's isolation and extreme conditions, characterized by freezing temperatures and vast expanses of sea ice, have historically protected its biodiversity from human activities.



“Despite the planet being in the midst of a mass extinction, the Southern Ocean in Antarctica is one of the few places in the world that hasn’t had any known species go extinct,” said Sarah Becker, the paper’s first author and a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Studies.



However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> accelerates, leading to warmer temperatures and melting sea ice, human activities like fishing and tourism are increasingly encroaching on the region. 



These activities not only compete with wildlife for resources but also pose additional threats, such as stress, the introduction of invasive species, and the spread of diseases to which native wildlife has little or no defense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-biodiversity-sites-in-the-southern-ocean-nbsp">Key biodiversity sites in the Southern Ocean&nbsp;</h2>



In response to these growing threats, Becker, Brooks, and their research team sought to identify Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Southern Ocean - specific sites crucial for the survival of various species.&nbsp;



Using existing tracking data for 13 Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds and seals, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adelie-penguins-use-sea-ice-to-migrate-thousands-of-miles-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adélie penguins</a>, sooty albatrosses, and southern elephant seals, the team pinpointed 30 KBAs across the Southern Ocean. These areas are essential for foraging, breeding, and migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-areas-for-specific-species-nbsp">Critical areas for specific species&nbsp;</h2>



Previous large-scale efforts to identify conservation zones in the Southern Ocean often grouped different species into a single dataset to find areas important for multiple species.&nbsp;



While this approach is valuable for conservation planning, it can overlook critical areas needed by specific species during unique life stages or migration patterns. According to Becker, this oversight is highly significant.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emperor-penguins-nbsp">Emperor penguins&nbsp;</h3>



For instance, the team identified two large sites near Amanda Bay in East Antarctica as key foraging grounds for many emperor penguins as they recover after breeding.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gray-headed-albatrosses">Gray-headed albatrosses</h3>



The researchers also discovered several crucial sites near Campbell Island, south of New Zealand, where endangered gray-headed albatrosses forage during their breeding season.&nbsp;



These sites were not flagged as priorities by other large-scale conservation efforts, such as Important Bird Areas or Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas.



“Our study bridges the gap between the broad-scale perspective and the specific needs of individual populations, adding an important layer of detail,” Becker said.



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



The researchers hope that international bodies and governments will take these findings into account when developing conservation strategies and determining areas where human activities like fishing should be restricted.



“By reducing fishing or tourism interactions in these key biodiversity areas, we can potentially give these animals the best chance of adapting and becoming resilient to climate change,” said Brooks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-ocean-and-climate-change-nbsp">Southern Ocean and climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Ocean plays a vital role in buffering the impacts of climate change. Its cold waters capture 40% of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions globally and absorb 60-90% of the excess heat caused by climate change.



“Antarctica is far away, but what happens there doesn’t stop there. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> here in Colorado are tied to what's happening in the Southern Ocean. By doing more to safeguard the Antarctic, we actually stand to create a more livable world for us all,” said Brooks.



“Given the newly adopted <a href="https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/win-ocean-high-seas-treaty-signed-united-nations-2023-09-20_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Seas Treaty</a>, which will allow for area-based management tools like MPAs (marine protected areas) in international waters, along with the new <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKaHvSUunGJJQpWUO0bWGI1nIieIDDirKuzbLhTvw_d0t1-XTGOrhxoCeBoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Biodiversity Framework</a>, which includes commitments to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, KBAs will have an important role to play in identifying key areas for marine conservation across the world's oceans.”



The study authors concluded that, when used in conjunction with complementary tools such as habitat modeling and bioregionalization, key biodiversity areas are a valuable tool to highlight specific needs for species of conservation concern and to guide spatial conservation efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.14345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a>.



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Safeguarding Antarctica from human activity: Crucial sites identified

A new study highlights the urgent need for increased protection...

For the longest time, scientists have believed that jellyfish are a non-viable food source for predatory fish. This long-held assumption has recently been dismantled by a team of researchers from the renowned <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a> and the <a href="https://www.thuenen.de/en/thuenen-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thünen Institute</a>.



The study reveals that fish in the frosty Greenland waters do indeed feed on jellyfish. For two of the analyzed species, jellyfish even made up the majority of their diet. 



The findings carry significant implications, suggesting that the role of jellyfish as prey within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-prey-on-jellyfish-to-survive-the-polar-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a> deserves reconsideration. 



This is particularly important given the potential for climate change to benefit these gelatinous creatures, enabling them to expand their territories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-thriving-in-a-changing-climate">Jellyfish thriving in a changing climate</h2>



Dr. Charlotte Havermans is head of the ARJEL junior research group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).



“It is important that we rethink and understand how jellyfish and gelatinous zooplankton generally fit into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a>," said Dr. Havermans. 



Jellyfish are found in all oceans, from polar to tropical regions. Unlike most species, jellyfish thrive as the world's oceans heat up and acidify, making them one of the few winners of climate change.



This unique resilience suggests that jellyfish or other gelatinous zooplankton could spread even further as global warming progresses, potentially reshaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-findings-in-greenlandic-waters">Breakthrough findings in Greenlandic waters</h2>



The Greenlandic waters, home to large quantities of various types of gelatinous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>, have long been thought to contribute little to the diet of local fish. 



Dr. Havermans and her team set out to challenge this notion by meticulously analyzing the stomach contents of seven fish species, including commercially significant species like Atlantic cod, haddock, and redfish. 



“With the help of DNA metabarcoding, we were able to determine very precisely what the animals fed on,” noted Dr. Havermans.



The results were surprising: “We found DNA of jellyfish in the stomachs of all examined fish species, albeit in varying quantities,” said Annkathrin Dischereit, first author of the study and a doctoral student in ARJEL.



For two species, the greater silver smelt and the northern wolffish, jellyfish even constituted the largest proportion of their diet. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-are-not-just-emergency-food">Jellyfish are not just emergency food</h2>



The findings are surprising when you consider the fact that gelatinous zooplankton are widely considered a trophic dead end and emergency food for some fish species at best.



“This assumption is based on the fact that their tissue is quickly digested by predator fish, and jellyfish are therefore rarely recorded as prey in studies,” explained Dischereit.



Modern DNA metabarcoding has provided new insights into this overlooked aspect of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-food-chains-threatened-by-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food chain</a>. 



“We detected up to 59 species of gelatinous invertebrates in the stomachs of the fish,” noted Dischereit, highlighting that jellyfish play a significant but previously underestimated role in the subarctic food web.



The DNA metabarcoding method allows researchers to identify consumed prey by comparing short gene fragments found in fish stomachs to genetic reference databases.



“Our results raise the question of why fish seem to eat jellyfish surprisingly frequently,” said Dr. Havermans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-as-a-preferred-food-source">Jellyfish as a preferred food source</h2>



Despite their low energy density, jellyfish might offer more to the energy budget of predator fish than previously thought. 



Factors such as their ease of hunting, increased prevalence, and diet-induced energy-rich components might make them preferable prey. However, Dr. Havermans emphasized that there is still a need for further research. 



“Our study provides a snapshot in time that only takes into account recently digested prey. We need to collect continuous samples throughout the year and link these to how the gelatinous zooplankton communities change over this period of time," said Dr. Havermans. 



"Only then can we understand the trophic links between fish and gelatinous zooplankton. Only trophic insights can provide information on why jellyfish are important for fish and other organisms.”



The findings of this study challenge long-held views on marine food webs and highlight the need to reassess our understanding of subpolar ecosystems, particularly in light of the recent increase in gelatinous zooplankton populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Jellyfish are more than just a snack food for predatory fish

For the longest time, scientists have believed that jellyfish are...

In the brushlands of Western Australia, crocodiles are vital to the local culture and ecosystems. But they are also facing a fight for their survival.



A unique collaboration of science and Indigenous knowledge is driving an innovative conservation strategy aimed at saving these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-croc-day-embracing-the-mighty-reptile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater crocodiles</a> (Crocodylus johnstoni) from a deadly invasive species: the cane toad. 



The crocodiles hold cultural significance and are part of the traditional owners’ Dreamtime stories, and their loss would disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-approach-to-protecting-crocodiles">Collaborative approach to protecting crocodiles</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>, working alongside Bunuba Indigenous rangers and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in Western Australia, have implemented a novel strategy aimed at shielding freshwater crocodiles from the devastating effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cane-toads-teach-australias-wildlife-to-avoid-their-poison/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cane toads</a>. 



Lead author Dr. Georgia Ward-Fear from Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences and her co-author, Professor Rick Shine, documented the successful trial of a behavioral ecology method called conditioned taste aversion (CTA). 



The team has demonstrated a method that significantly reduces freshwater crocodile death rates by teaching the crocodiles to associate cane toads with a bout of food poisoning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cataclysmic-impact-of-cane-toads">The cataclysmic impact of cane toads</h2>



Since cane toads were imported from South America in the 1930s, they have left a trail of destruction across northern Australia, wiping out local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodile-like-beast-was-a-terrifying-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator species</a> such as goannas, snakes, and freshwater crocodiles. 



“Losing freshwater crocodiles to cane toads will mean that bottom feeders in our rivers will eat all the bait such as judembah (cherrabin, a large freshwater prawn) and lardy (boney bream, an estuarine fish), leaving no fish for the barramundi and stingray to eat,” explained Ranger coordinator Paul Bin Busu, emphasizing the broader ecological impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-they-did-it-baiting-the-baiters">How they did it: Baiting the baiters</h2>



Between 2019 and 2022, Dr. Ward-Fear and Professor Shine worked with local rangers and DBCA staff to deploy doctored cane toad carcasses across four large gorge systems in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia. 



The team collected hundreds of cane toads, removed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-that-protects-poisonous-animals-from-themselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poisonous</a> parts, and injected the toad bodies with a nausea-inducing chemical. This ensured that freshwater crocodiles consuming the bait would experience temporary sickness but not death.



Control baits of chicken meat, without any nausea-inducing additives, were used to monitor the effectiveness of the conditioned taste aversion training.



“Being a part of the program on the ground doing the job was really good,” said Bin Busu. His team of rangers set up hundreds of bait stations along river banks, using canoes to hang and replace fresh baits while monitoring the crocodiles' responses.



“The first three days we noticed the crocodiles were taking the cane toads, then they would go away. Then we noticed they would smell the cane toad before eating, and on the last day, we noticed that it was mostly the chicken necks getting eaten," said Bin Busu. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greatly-reduced-crocodile-mortality-rates">Greatly reduced crocodile mortality rates</h2>



Observation and surveillance tactics yielded compelling results. Using nocturnal "spotlighting" surveys and remotely triggered wildlife cameras, the team found that areas where the aversion trials took place had greatly reduced crocodile mortality rates compared to unbaited control sites.



“Our baiting completely prevented deaths in areas where cane toads were arriving and decreased deaths by 95% in areas where toads had been for a couple of years. Effects which continued in the years following,” noted Dr. Ward-Fear.



“These are really exciting results because it provides land managers with tools to use ahead of the invasion, but also behind the invasion front,” said Sara McAllister from DBCA. “Together we’ve shown that collaborations between academics, Indigenous rangers, and land management agencies can be really effective for conservation science.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-ecology-for-crocodile-conservation">Behavioral ecology for crocodile conservation </h2>



Bin Busu said that after the program, we seethe populations of the crocodiles are coming back, "which is a good thing to see." 



The team had previously used a similar technique to protect yellow monitor lizards from invasive predators. 



Professor Shine, a senior author on the study, affirms the potency of behavioral ecology as an effective tool against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>, particularly in a globalized world. 



“At a time when globalization has massively increased the spread of invasive species, behavioral ecology can protect vulnerable ecosystems,” said Professor Shine.



What started as a quirky experiment with an unpalatable dinner has now unfolded into a promising solution in the realm of conservation, proving that innovation and collaboration can indeed save a species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2507" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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'Naughty' meal strategy could save crocodiles

In the brushlands of Western Australia, crocodiles are vital to...

Deforestation,In,The,Amazon,Rainforest.,Trunks,Of,Trees,Cut,Down

A new study warns that global agricultural expansion, especially in tropical regions, could lead to significant CO2 emissions and biodiversity loss.



Within a decade or two, we're looking at a noticeable uptick in agricultural expansion especially in cultivation areas. 



Global estimates expect these areas to expand by roughly 3.6%, thereby working towards an increase in worldwide agricultural production of 2%.



The study was led by Dr. Florian Zabel and Prof. Dr. Ruth Delzeit from the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Basel</a>'s Department of Environmental Sciences. 



Together with their interdisciplinary research team, these two have delved into those spots on our blue planet that are most likely to feel the brunt of this anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural expansion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-expansion-threatens-biodiversity">Agricultural expansion threatens biodiversity</h2>



The first stop on their investigation trail involved marrying socio-economic and agro-ecological criterions to pinpoint the most beneficial spots for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming expansion</a>. What they discovered might set alarm bells ringing in some quarters.



According to their hard work, these new farmlands are more likely to be seen blossoming in the tropics. Despite the specter of climate change looming large, these regions hold the promise of a surge in production.



But here's the kicker: cropping lands hold significantly less carbon than the original vegetation. That means we could be staring at an emission of about 17 gigatons of CO2 in the long run, almost half of the current yearly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global CO2 emissions</a>.



The areas brought under the changed land-use would also witness a dip in biodiversity by 26%. Dr. Zabel, one of the research leaders, is clear in his assessment: the enlargement of farmlands is a worrisome prospect, not just for climate protection but also for biodiversity conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-expansion-impacts-biodiversity">Agricultural expansion impacts biodiversity</h2>



The study doesn't just lay out the problems; it also shines a light on the solutions. In an era where conservation efforts are making political headlines worldwide, Dr. Zabel and his team have performed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-crucial-role-global-agriculture-environment-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cost-benefit analysis</a> of sorts.



There's some not-so-good news first: if we legally prevent agriculture from encroaching upon forests, wetlands, and existing protected areas, we risk endangering the biodiversity of grasslands, our next best option.



However, it's not all bleak and dismal. The preservation of forests and wetlands and maintaining the sanctity of protected regions have little impact on the GDP of the concerned areas. 



“Contrary to expectations, the preservation of forests, wetlands, and existing protected areas has little impact on the gross domestic product of the respective regions," says lead author Julia Schneider of <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München</a>.



"Global agricultural production is also only slightly reduced as a result. In return, the greenhouse gas emissions caused by expansion are significantly reduced." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-policy-pathways">Navigating policy pathways</h2>



To address the complex interplay between agricultural expansion and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potassium-depletion-in-agricultural-soils-threatens-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stewardship</a>, policymakers must navigate a multifaceted landscape of regulations, incentives, and stakeholder collaboration.



One promising approach is the implementation of sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-paves-the-way-for-climate-conscious-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a> that optimize yields while minimizing ecological impacts. 



This may involve transitioning to agroecological methods, integrating crop diversification, and utilizing precision <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unleashing-the-potential-of-nanotechnology-in-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture technologies</a>.



Policymakers are urged to promote subsidies and grants that support these sustainable practices, encouraging farmers to adopt behaviors that protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> and biodiversity.



Furthermore, engaging local communities in decision-making processes can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility over land-use practices, potentially leading to more effective conservation outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-agriculture-and-ecology">Balancing agriculture and ecology</h2>



These findings could be instrumental in managing the delicate balance between meeting the ever-increasing demand for agricultural goods and safeguarding our biodiversity. 



The study's insights could also inform the ongoing Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Convention's discussions, where the international community is striving to protect 30% of the global land surface by 2030.



Dr. Zabel and his team's work does more than just identify the regions under threat; it underscores the potential fallout of agricultural expansion on our economy and environment. 



The goal? To enable the planning of protected regions in such a way that multiple objectives, like climate protection, biodiversity conservation, and economical interests, can all coexist harmoniously, leading us towards a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01410-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Using more land for agriculture will harm climate and biodiversity

A new study warns that global agricultural expansion, especially in...

Have you ever wondered if the smell of deadly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potato-threatening-pathogens-discovered-in-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a> triggers a defensive response in organisms?



Research from the<a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of California</a>, Berkeley, unveils an unforeseen interaction between the sense of smell and protective responses in one of the most extensively studied laboratory organisms, the nematode C. elegans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mighty-nematode">The mighty nematode</h2>



This tiny roundworm is providing groundbreaking insights into our understanding of infection response. Like humans, nematodes find their intestinal cells a common target for infection by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-form-memories-and-pass-them-on-to-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>.



To protect themselves, these microscopic creatures engage in a fascinating battle of survival, destroying their own iron-containing organelles, the mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells), to keep it safe from bacteria that steal iron.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smelling-out-the-pathogen">Smelling out the pathogen</h2>



The researchers found that C. elegans can sense the odor of pathogens and get its intestinal cells ready to withstand the impending attack. 



This discovery raises an intriguing question - Is there actually a smell coming off of pathogens that we can pick up on and help us fight off an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nonlethal-parasite-infections-can-lead-to-a-greener-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a>?



And if mammals also share this ability to smell a pathogen and subsequently protect themselves, it could open doors to novel infection-fighting methods like a "pathogen-protecting perfume."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-smell-in-pathogen-defense">Power of smell in pathogen defense</h2>



According Julian Dishart, the first author of the study, the novelty is that C. elegans is getting ready for a pathogen before it even meets the pathogen.



"There's also evidence that there's probably a lot more going on in addition to this mitochondrial response, that there might be more of a generalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-people-have-unique-immune-responses-that-block-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune response</a> just by smelling bacterial odors," said Dishart.



"Because olfaction is conserved in animals, in terms of regulating physiology and metabolism, I think it's totally possible that smell is doing something similar in mammals as it's doing in C. elegans."



While this reaction has so far only been found in C. elegans, it's a notion worth exploring in mammals due to the conservation of olfaction in regulating physiology and metabolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitochondrial-distress-signal">Mitochondrial distress signal</h2>



Further delving into our body's response to stress, the researchers explain how our nervous system picks up cues from the environment and creates homeostasis for the entire organism. 



They highlight how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smell neurons</a> are identifying environmental cues and which types of odorants from the pathogens trigger this response.



The scientists have previously discovered the importance of smell in mammalian metabolism. For instance, mice deprived of smell gained less weight despite consuming the same amount of food as their counterparts. 



A similar response could be happening when we smell food, triggering a protective response in our gut to prepare us for any potential harm caused by foreign substances and metabolic processes involved in converting food to fuel.



The team proposes that the mitochondria's sensitivity to pathogenic odors might be a remnant from a time when mitochondria were autonomous bacteria, before being incorporated into other cells to function as energy generators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-towards-prevention">A step towards prevention</h2>



The research indicates that the smell of pathogens triggers an inhibitory response, sending a signal to the rest of the body. This was clear when the researchers halted the functioning of olfactory neurons in the worm.



All peripheral cells, predominantly intestinal cells, displayed signs of mitochondrial stress response, typical of a threat. 



The experts concluded that serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in transmitting this information across the body. This discovery offers promising implications for disease prevention and treatment.



"If there are earlier detection mechanisms to increase our chances of survival, I think that's a huge evolutionary win. And if we could harness that biomedically, that would be pretty wild," said study senior author Andrew Dillin, a professor of molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-scent-in-behavioral-adaptation">The role of scent in behavioral adaptation</h2>



Scent plays a crucial role in shaping organism behavior, guiding survival tactics such as food foraging, predator avoidance, and mate selection. For instance, nematodes utilize olfactory cues to enhance their survival in the presence of threats. 



Research indicates that certain odors can trigger defensive strategies in C. elegans, exemplifying the interplay between scent perception and instinctual behavior.



This understanding of olfactory influence extends beyond survival; it holds promise for pest control and disease management. 



By manipulating the olfactory responses of organisms, scientists can develop scents that repel pathogens or attract beneficial species. 



As we explore these connections, the potential benefits for ecological balance and human health become increasingly evident, underscoring the importance of olfactory research in advancing innovative strategies for a healthier future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn0014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Is it possible to smell pathogens and fight them before an infection?

Have you ever wondered if the smell of deadly pathogens...

Migration is a natural and adaptive phenomenon, often prompted by seasonal changes, that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health. Animals, including birds, may travel vast distances, sometimes covering thousands of miles, in search of food, better living conditions, or to find a mate. 



While human migration is typically driven by economic or social factors, it is less common and often involves complex motivations. But what if animal migration, particularly bird migration, also included a social component?



Joely DeSimone is a postdoctoral research scientist with the Animal Migration Research Group at the <a href="https://www.umces.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science</a> (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-relationships-of-songbirds">Social relationships of songbirds</h2>



DeSimone collaborated with Emily Cohen, an associate professor at UMCES, and four North American bird observatories on a study funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation</a> (NSF). The research revealed consistent social relationships among different species of songbirds during migration.



“Global migrations of diverse animal species often converge along the same routes, bringing together seasonal assemblages of animals that may compete, prey on each other, and share information or pathogens,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“These interspecific interactions, when energetic demands are high and the time to complete journeys is short, may influence survival, migratory success, stopover ecology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/younger-storks-choose-migration-routes-that-are-social-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory routes</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions-during-migration">Social interactions during migration </h2>



Although it is challenging to study interactions among animals that migrate together, the findings of this analysis suggest that interspecies relationships play a significant role in shaping the ecology of animal migration.&nbsp;



While the co-occurrence of different species during migration is generally thought to be influenced by their preferred habitats and the timing of their movements, this study shows that these interactions are also shaped by consistent social relationships between species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-social-ties-among-songbirds">Meaningful social ties among songbirds </h2>



According to DeSimone, the team found evidence of meaningful social relationships among migrating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-songbirds-bright-colors-are-a-blessing-and-a-curse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songbirds</a> that have generally been thought to undertake solitary, independent journeys,” said DeSimone. 



“Interactions among these animals - like harmful competition for food or beneficial information sharing about habitat and predators - could affect the success of their migrations,” said DeSimone.



“Interestingly, we found the species relationships to be largely positive, suggesting they don’t avoid each other and may actually benefit from social interactions during migration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-data-on-migratory-movements-nbsp">Long-term data on migratory movements&nbsp;</h2>



Bird banding stations, such as those that contributed data to this study, capture thousands of birds as they stop to rest and refuel between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory flights</a> each spring and fall. 



These stations gather extensive long-term data on the migratory movements of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird species</a>. The research team identified species relationships by applying social network analysis to over half a million banding records from 50 bird species collected over two decades.



“We found support for communities on the move - considering migrating birds as part of interacting communities rather than random gatherings of independently migrating species,” Cohen said. “This work could change the way we study and conserve animal migrations.”



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



Human activities and climate change are posing significant threats to animal migrations worldwide. Migratory animals are in decline globally, and the timing of their movements is shifting.&nbsp;



DeSimone and Cohen suggest that species-specific processes might have far-reaching impacts on entire migrating communities in ways that have not yet been fully explored.



“Learning that migrating birds are characterized by persistent, non-random assemblages of interacting species opens the door to myriad questions at the intersection between networks, migration, and the environment,” said Steve Dudgeon, a program director at the NSF.&nbsp;



“Further research can help answer whether successful migrations depend on these networks, if some relationships are more important than others to migration, and whether key links in these networks are more vulnerable to environmental changes en route.”



This study, published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2322063121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, could pave the way for a new field of research - the community ecology of migration - with the aim of fostering future investigations into the nature and implications of species interactions among migrating animals.



“Our findings support an understanding of animal migrations that consist of networked communities rather than random assemblages of independently migrating species, encouraging future studies of the nature and consequences of co-migrant interactions,” the authors concluded.



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Songbirds benefit from social networks during migration

Migration is a natural and adaptive phenomenon, often prompted by...

World Lizard Day is celebrated each year on August 14. While this day may not be very well-known, it is nevertheless celebrated on local levels in schools or parks by a variety of reptile enthusiasts who increasingly use the internet to spread information about lizards.&nbsp;



Since World Lizard Day has not yet been adopted by higher-level conservation organizations like the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, it is primarily focused on awareness about reptiles as pets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-biology-of-reptiles-nbsp">Unique biology of reptiles&nbsp;</h2>



All <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-climate-change-drove-the-rapid-evolution-of-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a>, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, or tortoises, are air-breathing vertebrates covered in scales, plates of bone, or a combination of both. These animals shed their skin and are ectothermic, depending on the surrounding environment to regulate their body temperatures.&nbsp;



This reliance on external factors for regulating their core body temperatures means that reptiles are forced to find sun or shade to warm up or cool down. Thus, in regions with colder winters, reptiles usually experience a period of inactivity until the weather becomes warmer again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-properly-caring-for-lizards">Properly caring for lizards</h2>



Lizards are no different, which is why they can frequently be found sunning themselves in warm gardens or on the bricks exposed to the sun throughout the day.&nbsp;



However, in order for pet lizards to remain warm or cool, owners may need to heat their tanks with heating lamps or pads, while paying attention not to overheat them. Thus, preparing and maintaining a tank for a lizard (or, in fact, any other reptile) requires continuous efforts.&nbsp;



Since each subspecies of reptile has its specific needs and preferences, it is recommended that reptile owners conduct research to understand exactly what their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concerns-reptiles-amphibians-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pets</a> need to remain healthy.&nbsp;



Before buying or adopting a pet lizard, research will help you figure out what kind of lizard would suit your lifestyle and budget constraints, and is crucial in ensuring that you make the right choice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-lizards">Fascinating facts about lizards</h2>



The incredible variety of lizard species - including a vast range of sizes and colors - showcases the diversity of life on Earth. Lizards are fascinating creatures with several unique characteristics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration">Regeneration</h3>



Many lizards have the remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, particularly their tails. If a lizard is caught by a predator, it can detach its tail, which continues to move, distracting the predator and allowing the lizard to escape. Over time, the tail can regrow.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-adaptations">Diverse adaptations</h3>



Lizards are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of environments, from deserts to forests. Some, like the gecko, have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces, while others, like the chameleon, have long, sticky tongues for catching prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-change">Color change</h3>



Chameleons are particularly well-known for their ability to change color. This ability is used for communication, temperature regulation, and camouflage.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parthenogenesis">Parthenogenesis</h3>



Some species of lizards can reproduce through parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where an egg can develop into an offspring without fertilization by a male. This is particularly seen in some species of whiptail lizards.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-abilities">Sensory abilities</h3>



Lizards have acute senses that aid in survival. For example, many species have excellent vision, some even possessing the ability to see ultraviolet light. They also have a well-developed sense of smell and can detect chemicals in the environment through their tongues.



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



Lizards have a wide range of dietary habits. Some are insectivores, feeding on insects, while others are herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores. This dietary diversity allows them to occupy various ecological niches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-lizard-day-activities">World Lizard Day activities</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visit-a-local-reptile-park-or-sanctuary">Visit a local reptile park or sanctuary</h3>



If you want to celebrate World Lizard Day,&nbsp; but don’t have any reptiles of your own, you could visit and support the local reptile park or farm.&nbsp;



There will most likely be an interesting and educational event being held, and you would have the chance to support a local business.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donate-to-conservation-efforts">Donate to conservation efforts</h3>



Non-governmental organizations and institutions such as the World Wildlife Fund are making crucial efforts to rescue and conserve animals and their habitats, so a donation to such organizations could help the survival of lizards, which are currently <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a>.&nbsp;



However, if you would prefer seeing your money work on a smaller scale, you could find out if your local shelter or park has any lizards that you can sponsor.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educate-yourself-and-others">Educate yourself and others</h3>



Use World Lizard Day as an opportunity to learn more about lizards and the challenges they face. Share what you’ve learned with friends, family, or on social media to help raise awareness. The more people know about the importance of lizards, the more likely they are to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lizards-rely-on-trees-so-what-happens-when-they-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-lizard-friendly-environment">Create a lizard-friendly environment</h3>



If you have a garden, you can make it a haven for local lizards. Provide rocks, logs, and native plants to create shelter and basking spots. Avoid using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-have-become-increasingly-toxic-to-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>, as these can harm lizards and their food sources.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consider-a-pet-lizard">Consider a pet lizard</h3>



If you’re thinking about getting a pet lizard, do your research first. Make sure you understand the species’ specific needs and are prepared to provide the care it requires.&nbsp;



Responsible pet ownership includes knowing where your lizard comes from and ensuring it was not taken from the wild illegally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-world-lizard-day-nbsp">Celebrate World Lizard Day&nbsp;</h2>



World Lizard Day 2024 is more than just a day to celebrate these fascinating creatures; it’s a reminder of the importance of conservation and our role in protecting the natural world.&nbsp;



Whether through education, conservation, or simply appreciating the lizards in your garden, everyone can contribute to ensuring that these remarkable animals continue to thrive. So, mark your calendar for August 14th and take part in the celebration of World Lizard Day!



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World Lizard Day 2024: Celebrating our scaly companions 

World Lizard Day is celebrated each year on August 14....

Bird feeding is a common practice in homes around the world, often seen as a thoughtful way to support wildlife during harsh winters or breeding seasons. 



However, new research led by Andrew Abraham, an alumnus of <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> (NAU) and a researcher at Aarhus University in Denmark, shows that this seemingly benign activity could be altering local ecosystems and contributing to environmental pollution.



The study reveals that the extra nutrients provided by bird feeders, particularly phosphorus, may disrupt the natural balance, leading to unintended ecological consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phosphorus-overload-from-bird-feeding">Phosphorus overload from bird feeding</h2>



"The seeds, nuts, and grains provided for birds are rich with fats and proteins," said Abraham. "Yet most of this nutrient-rich bird food is sourced on the global market and transported thousands of kilometers to feeder stations."



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-birds-enjoy-eating-feces-and-what-it-means-for-their-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> are incredibly effective dispersers," added Ethan Duvall, a researcher from Cornell and co-author of the study. "They eat a lot, fly a lot, and poop a lot. This means that extra nutrients provided at feeders eventually make their way into local ecosystems."



Drawing from the UK as a case study, the researchers found that the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-phosphorus-will-limit-growth-of-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorus</a> supplied through supplementary foods for garden and game birds equals about 2.4 Gg/year.



This release of phosphorus was found to be comparable to other human activities, such as industrial waste and sewage misconnects, which are known environmental polluters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-game-birds-the-biggest-beneficiaries">Game birds: The biggest beneficiaries</h2>



The study also found that the greatest supply of these additional nutrients was directed at game birds like pheasants and partridges, with the phosphorus provided to these game birds being more than double that given to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-birds-and-bees-flock-to-gardens-with-rare-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">garden birds</a>. 



While this supplementary food may assist in temporarily augmenting bird populations beyond the natural carrying capacity, it poses an ecological threat in the long run.



"When additional nutrients from bird feeding enter natural environments, they have profound consequences for the species that live there," noted Abraham. "If bird feeding occurs at high rates or over long periods, it can begin to change the fertility of the landscape, upsetting the balance of the ecosystem."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-fallout-eutrophication-and-beyond">Ecological fallout: Eutrophication and beyond</h2>



A significant fallout of this nutrient overload is the leaching of these excess substances, primarily phosphorus, into rivers, where they may exacerbate issues of eutrophication - dense algal growth that harms aquatic animals.



But does this mean bird feeders are inherently detrimental? It’s not that straightforward, the researchers insist. 



"It is important to study animal dispersal of nutrients, because in some places, animals can spread important nutrients in a way that benefits ecosystems. But in the case of bird feeding, they may spread too many nutrients, causing problems," explained Chris Doughty, a professor of ecology at NAU and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reassessment-of-bird-feeding-practices">Reassessment of bird feeding practices</h2>



As new evidence continues to emerge, there's a need to reassess bird feeding practices.



"Previous research has already shown that bird feeding is linked to changes in bird community composition, behavior, distribution, and the transfer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-h5n1-marine-mammals-spreading-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian disease</a>," said Kate Plummer, senior research ecologist at the British Trust for Ornithology. 



"While our study suggests that the impact of garden feeding is significantly less than that of gamebird feeding when it comes to nutrient dispersal, the findings add a new dimension to our efforts to understand the balance of costs and benefits of putting out food in our gardens."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-feeding-and-environmental-consciousness">Bird feeding and environmental consciousness </h2>



As awareness of the ecological impact of bird feeding grows, it becomes increasingly important for individuals and communities to approach this practice with greater environmental consciousness. 



Experts suggest that responsible bird feeding should involve not only the choice of what to feed birds but also considerations of how, when, and where to feed them.



By balancing the desire to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-population-north-america-dramatic-decline-lost-3-billion-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird populations</a> with the need to protect local ecosystems, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable interaction with nature. 



As the conversation around bird feeding practices continues to evolve, ongoing research and public education will be key to finding solutions that benefit both birds and the environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2793" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Bird feeding pollutes local ecosystems

Bird feeding is a common practice in homes around the...

Starfish are often admired for their beauty and simplicity, but beneath the surface, they hold countless mysteries. 



One of these mysteries was recently unveiled with the identification of a new starfish <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-atlantic-sea-stars-are-crossbreeding-and-it-may-help-them-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in Japan, drawing attention to the captivating and largely unexplored underwater world.



The discovery of the new starfish was largely thanks to the efforts of various organizations working in tandem. One institution that played a key role in this discovery was the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-more-than-just-a-name">Starfish: More than just a name</h2>



Before we get into the details of how this striking creature was found, let’s debunk a commonly held belief. 



Despite their name, starfish are not truly fish. They are more akin to the prickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-are-struggling-to-survive-because-they-cant-get-a-grip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a> and squishy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea cucumbers</a>.



Seemingly gentle and inactive when found stranded on a sandy beach, starfish are in fact significant predators, boasting up to 50 arms, capable of spanning a meter, and living for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-facts-about-starfish">Interesting facts about starfish</h2>



Starfish, also known as sea stars, are fascinating animals with extremely unique characteristics.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration">Regeneration</h3>



Starfish can regenerate lost arms. In some species, an entire new starfish can grow from just one severed arm, as long as part of the central disc is attached.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-brain-or-blood">No brain or blood</h3>



Despite their complex behavior, starfish do not have a brain or blood. Instead, they use a water vascular system to circulate nutrients and oxygen throughout their body.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tube-feet">Tube feet</h3>



Starfish move using hundreds of tiny tube feet located on the underside of their arms. These feet not only help them move but also allow them to grip surfaces and capture prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predatory-behavior-nbsp">Predatory behavior&nbsp;</h3>



Many starfish species are voracious predators, particularly of bivalve mollusks like clams and oysters. They can pry open the shells with their strong arms and then evert their stomachs to digest the soft tissues inside.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-species">Starfish species</h3>



There are over 2,000 species of starfish found in all the world’s oceans, from tropical coral reefs to the deep sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-paragonaster-hoeimaruae">Introducing Paragonaster hoeimaruae</h2>



Meet Paragonaster hoeimaruae, the newly discovered species of starfish. This distinctive creature belongs to the family Pseudarchasteridae and boasts a vibrant red and beige color, with five arms, spanning just over 10 centimeters. 



The team gathered a variety of species from around Japan between 2021 and 2023. They were collected from shrimp and crab cages used by fishers in Hokkaido and Shizuoka prefectures, in northern and central Japan, respectively, and beam trawl surveys conducted by a Yamaguchi prefectural fisheries research ship. 



"We discovered the starfish - newly named Paragonaster hoeimaruae - off the coast of the Izu Peninsula in the Sagami Bay, south of Tokyo. We also found another in the Sea of Japan, northwest of Yamaguchi Prefecture in southwestern Japan," noted lead researcher Itaru Kobayashi from the Misaki Marine Biological Station of the University of Tokyo. 



"They were caught between 150 meters and 350 meters deep, have a well-proportioned body with five arms, and are a beautiful red on the surface and beige underneath."



The starfish's name, hoei, was taken from the fishing vessel Hoei-maru, which first collected the specimen. 



Despite Japan being home to approximately 250 species of starfish, only four species of Pseudarchasteridae had been observed in Japanese waters until now. The astounding discovery of this new species highlights the rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1-8-million-species-are-yet-to-be-identified-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of marine life</a> in Japan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-diversity-in-japanese-waters">Species diversity in Japanese waters </h2>



Interestingly, the researchers also recorded other starfish species in locations different from where they had previously been found. One such starfish was Gephyreaster swifti, an impressively large starfish roughly 30 centimeters in diameter, found off the north coast of Hokkaido.



Until this moment, it had only been recorded across the Pacific west coast of the United States and Canada, all the way to islands in the Bering Sea to the north.



"About 250 species of starfish live around Japan, and we were surprised that one so large as this had been overlooked. Our research highlights how the diversity of species in Japanese waters is still underestimated," said Kobayashi. 



The exciting research further highlights the value of community-driven scientific endeavors.



"These exciting discoveries show how important it is for fishers, aquariums, universities, and other research institutions to work together to better understand our oceans and marine biodiversity," said Kobayashi.



Paragonaster hoeimaruae is a testament to the beauty, mystery, and vastness of our oceans. It's a call to all of us to invest more effort into exploring our marine environment, ensuring its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preservation</a> for future generations.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222933.2024.2377336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Natural History</a>.



Image Credit: I. Kobayashi



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New starfish species discovered in Japan

Starfish are often admired for their beauty and simplicity, but...

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched into our cultural psyche through popular media, with iconic portrayals ranging from Eleanor Abernathy in The Simpsons to Angela Martin in The US Office.



Can you think of other such characters? The stereotypical portrayal often depicts such individuals as neurotic solitaires. But are these portrayals based on a shred of truth, or merely figments of creative imagination?



A recent study from Down Under suggests that there may, surprisingly, be a larger grain of truth to the stereotype than we initially thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crazy-cat-lady-phenomenon">"Crazy cat lady" phenomenon</h2>



This distinctive study was led by two diligent psychologists, Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines, affiliated with <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> in Queensland, Australia.



While their research did not specifically probe into the "crazy cat lady" phenomenon, it unearthed some eye-opening findings that lend credibility to its existence.



"Cat ownership positively predicted neuroticism," the experts noted in their report, which is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facts-on-crazy-cat-people">Facts on 'crazy cat people'</h2>



The study conducted by Oliva and Baines involved an in-depth survey of 321 Australian adults, a mix of dog owners, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> owners, and those who didn't own pets.



Survey participants who owned both dogs and cats were asked to choose the pet they were closest to or spent the most time with, to be classified as a dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-experience-puppy-blues-with-a-new-pet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> or cat owner. Overall, 60% of this group chose dogs.



Every participant was scrutinized for various personality traits that included extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and resilience. After accounting for other factors such as age and gender, the results were quite revealing.



Dog owners, it seems, bagged the prize for resilience. Simply put, they were evidently better at managing and adapting to challenging situations. Cat owners, on the other hand, portrayed heightened levels of neuroticism. 



Interestingly, among cat owners, it was the women who outscored men on the neuroticism scale, giving some weightage to the crazy cat lady stereotype. But it's not a woman's game alone. The research also uncovered the existence of a "crazy cat gentleman."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeling-the-layers">Peeling the layers</h2>



These findings may raise more questions than they answer. What's causing these differential behaviors among our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homeless-pet-owners-need-better-options-to-protect-their-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline-loving and canine-adoring friends</a>? Could it be that people who are more introverted or neurotic choose cats, while the adaptable ones prefer dogs? Do our genes hold the key to this mystery?



"There is evidence to support the idea that genes guide ownership of a particular species," said Dr. Oliva. Another aspect to ponder is whether owning a cat can render someone more neurotic compared to owning a dog.



For instance, dogs need more outdoor time and hence, the owner naturally gets to spend more time outdoors, engage in social interactions, and potentially curb neurotic tendencies. In contrast, as cats are relatively low maintenance, their owners might not get the same level of social interaction.



Another angle Dr. Oliva brings to the light is the proven difference between "dog people" and "cat people."



"Dog ownership has been associated with reduced loneliness in people living alone during periods of prolonged isolation, like Covid lockdowns, suggestive of higher levels of resilience in dog owners," she noted.



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



To sum it up, the study intriguingly suggests that cat owners might be more prone to anxiety and stress than dog owners. 



Whether this is down to temperament, genetics, or simply the nature and needs of the pet, requires further exploration. So, is the concept of crazy cat ladies (and gentlemen) a dramatic exaggeration, or mere art imitating life?



But remember, while these findings are fascinating to ponder, they are not universally true for every cat or dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owning-a-pet-can-lead-to-more-restless-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owner</a> out there. So, if you are a cat owner, don't worry - it doesn't mean you are neurotic. And if you are a dog owner, don't get too self-assured - resilience isn't a given. 



At the end of the day, we are as beautifully unique and complex as the pets we adore. Let's embrace that.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2024.2378592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoos</a>.&nbsp; 



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Are cat people really more 'crazy' than dog lovers?

The concept of "crazy cat ladies" has been firmly etched...

<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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
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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...

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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.

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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.

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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> 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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