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...

Have you ever wondered how your neighbor's cat always manages to find its way to your fish pond? Or how your dog sniffs out the treat hidden in your pocket? 



Animals have an incredible ability to locate their food, but have we ever stopped to think about just how they do it? Enter the remarkable world of lemurs. Their daily struggle to feed might be more sophisticated than you think, and behind it lies a cocktail of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-early-animal-evolution-start-with-predatory-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary tricks</a>.



The study was led by Elena Cunningham, an anthropologist and clinical professor of molecular pathobiology at the prestigious <a href="https://dental.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU College of Dentistry</a>. The intriguing study explores how lemurs find their food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemurs-problem-solving-skills">Lemurs' problem solving skills</h2>



These furry primates possess a unique combination of sensory information, ecological knowledge, and social understanding that help them locate their food. According to Cunningham, the lemurs' ability to consider multiple aspects of a problem provides evidence of their advanced complexity.



The eternal debate on why primates evolved bigger brains than other animals is divided into two schools of thought. 



One, the need to find scarce resources in the environment, and the other, the social pressures of outsmarting one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-increase-the-health-of-prey-populations-but-reduce-their-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another within a group</a>. Cunningham believes these factors evolved side by side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemur-food-finding-strategies">Lemur food-finding strategies </h2>



To explore the lemurs' food-finding strategies, Cunningham went to the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Florida. This is home to several lemur species, including brown lemurs. These primates are known for having a keener sense of smell than humans, and for their primary diet of fruit.



In a series of intriguing experiments, the researchers hid pieces of cantaloupe in cardboard takeout containers within the lemurs' environment. Despite being outnumbered by empty containers, the lemurs had little trouble finding the fruit-filled ones.



The successful foraging leaned on a combination of the lemurs' long-term memory, their acute sense of smell, and social cues. Notably, the lemurs were observed to have a 50% better success rate than chance when approaching the baited containers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-lemur-memory-in-finding-food">Role of lemur memory in finding food</h2>



Memory plays a pivotal role in the foraging strategies used by lemurs. These primates are able to anticipate where food is likely to be found by retaining information about past foraging experiences.



This form of episodic memory allows lemurs to remember not only the locations of successful foraging spots but also the associated social dynamics, such as which locations were previously contested or co-opted by others. 



Cunningham's research demonstrates that lemurs can recall these experiences over substantial periods, ultimately enhancing their foraging efficiency and promoting survival in their natural habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-within-lemur-groups">Social learning within lemur groups</h2>



Lemurs also benefit from the intricate web of social learning within their groups. They observe and mimic the foraging behaviors of their peers, leading to a shared pool of knowledge that enhances the group's overall ability to locate food.



This behavior highlights the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-lemurs-now-prey-for-equally-endangered-fosas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social structure in their communities</a>, as younger lemurs can learn from more experienced individuals.



Cunningham’s findings emphasize that such social learning mechanisms may be fundamental to the evolution of cognitive complexity in lemurs, suggesting that the quest for food is as much a communal effort as it is an individual one. 



This interplay between individual capability and collective knowledge could reveal much about the evolutionary pressures shaping not only lemurs but primate intelligence as a whole.



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



“What our study shows is that these three factors are all operating at the same time - the lemurs have memories of where the food is and they are considering olfactory information and social factors,” said Cunningham.



“We still have much to learn about how this interplay and the evolution of cognition, but it's important to look at these factors not in isolation, but in conversation.”



Cunningham's concluding observations confirm that all three factors - memory, smell, and social factors - work in tandem for the lemurs' food quest. 



But, isn't that just like us humans? We remember where the nearest pizza place is, we can smell our favorite coffee a block away, and often, a friend's suggestion sets us off on our next food adventure. 



It's fascinating to think that in the grand scheme of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, we really aren't that different from lemurs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10764-024-00448-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Primatology</a>.



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Lemurs rely on memory, smell, and social tips to find food

Have you ever wondered how your neighbor's cat always manages...

Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a prolific swimmer, effortlessly cruising through the sea at variable speeds? The secret ingredient lies in their skin.



Sharks, especially the notorious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-great-white-sharks-prefer-shallow-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white shark</a>, are revered predators of the oceans. These magnificent creatures are known for their relentless hunting skills, reaching impressive speeds of up to 6.7 meters per second. 



They are also known for their marathon-like swimming capabilities, covering distances of up to 20,000 kilometers.



How is this possible? The secret is in their tiny tooth-like structures known as dermal denticles present on their skin which are believed to reduce frictional drag while they swim.



These denticles not only give sharks their signature rough skin but have also sparked curiosity among engineers designing riblets or small unidirectional ridges for aircraft and sailboats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-shark-denticles">Studying shark denticles</h2>



While the purpose of denticles might seem straightforward, understanding their function is far from simple.



The variation in the shape, size, and spacing of denticles across a shark's body adds layers of complexity to understanding how they work together to reduce drag. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.titech.ac.jp/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Institute of Technology</a> set out to untangle this complexity.



To investigate, the scientists developed 3D models of white shark denticles, observing their hydrodynamic size of the high middle ridges and the low side ridges.



The team's findings were nothing short of remarkable. The study provided evidence of how these well-designed denticles function at various swim speeds, facilitating sharks to reach top speeds during hunting and maintaining steady cruising speeds during long-distance journeys.



"Our calculations suggest that the combination of high and low ridges of the denticles results from adapting to both slow and high swimming speeds, thereby offering robustness to various swimming conditions," noted study co-author Professor Hiroto Tanaka.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-shark-denticles">Understanding shark denticles</h2>



Getting closer to understanding the mystery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-secrets-of-shark-skin-may-lead-to-medical-breakthroughs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark skin</a>, the researchers used microfocus X-ray CT scanner to obtain skin samples from 17 different locations on a white shark. 



The samples were then used to create detailed 3D models enabling the scientists to measure the spacing and height of the ridges.



Previous studies suggest that these ridges might play a critical role in countering frictional drag by lifting turbulent vortices away from the shark's skin surface. 



The scientists hypothesized that the dimensions and spacing of the ridges are vital in determining how effectively the shark interacts with these vortices at different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-fastest-shark-spotted-near-barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming speeds</a>.



Simulating various swimming conditions, the research team calculated non-dimensional values that could provide insights into how the ridge spacing of shark denticles influences drag reduction across different speeds. 



The results confirmed their hypothesis, demonstrating how ridges contribute to drag reduction.



"We found that high ridges likely reduce drag at low swimming speeds, and high-low alternating ridges reduce drag at high swimming speeds, thereby covering the full range of swimming speeds," explained Professor Tanaka.



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



The insights from this study not only shed light on the remarkable adaptability of shark denticles but could inspire more efficient designs in engineering, particularly for aircraft and sailboats. 



Furthermore, the research introduces new methods of analyzing the biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-shark-was-one-of-the-earliest-human-ancestors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of sharks</a>, including extinct species like the giant megalodon.



Surprisingly, data derived from fossils suggests that the swimming speeds of the megalodon might not have differed much from those of the great white shark.



This discovery allows us to appreciate the time-tested brilliance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-denticles-reveal-human-impacts-over-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's design</a> and could potentially help shape our understanding of efficient movement, not just underwater but in the air as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-shark-skin-innovations">Harnessing shark skin innovations</h2>



As researchers continue to uncover the secrets behind shark skin and denticles, the potential applications extend beyond marine biology. 



The unique properties of shark skin could lead to innovations in biomimicry, inspiring new materials that minimize friction in various industries. 



For instance, sports gear designers might explore shark skin-inspired textures to enhance athletic performance, while the automotive sector could integrate these principles to improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag.



Moreover, advancements in 3D printing technology could enable the production of synthetic surfaces that mimic the shark's dermal denticles, providing a sustainable solution for industries looking to optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. 



As we delve deeper into the marvels of nature, the lessons learned from sharks might not only enhance our understanding of aquatic life but also revolutionize how we design and engineer products across multiple fields.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of The Royal Society Interface</a>.



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Shark skin has a unique design that reduces drag and boosts speed

Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a...

A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks: the origins and evolution of these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-can-be-fatal-to-marine-invertebrates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates</a>.



The traces of a half-billion-year-old spiny slug, a newly identified species known as Shishania aculeata, provide clear insights into the early evolution of mollusks.



This remarkable find sheds light on the history of invertebrates and offers a glimpse into the primitive world that shaped these resilient creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shishania-aculeata-and-mollusk-evolution">Shishania aculeata and mollusk evolution</h2>



An international team of researchers has revealed unexpected findings about this new species. 



Kept perfectly intact in the fossil record, Shishania aculeata was unearthed from eastern Yunnan Province in southern China, dating back to the early Cambrian, roughly 514 million years ago.



The most shocking discovery? These early mollusks resembled flat, shell-less slugs adorned with a protective spiny armor, as the newly discovered fossils reveal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-evolution-of-mollusks">Early stages of evolution of mollusks</h2>



In contrast to the usual fossil specimens, Shishania does not bear a shell covering its body. 



Its bottom was unarmored, boasting a muscular foot that enabled the slug to traverse the seafloor. This suggests that these shell-less, spiny slugs represent an early stage in molluscan evolution.



The lack of shell signifies one of the most significant times in the evolutionary history, the Cambrian Explosion. 



This epoch witnessed a rapid blossoming of life forms, resulting in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bivalve-mollusks-may-hold-the-secrets-of-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse array of mollusks</a> including snails, clams, and even intelligent beings such as squids and octopuses. 



However, the breakneck speed of this evolutionary period left the fossil record with little evidence of early molluscan evolution -- until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonders-of-shishania-aculeata">Wonders of Shishania aculeata</h2>



“Shishania gives us a unique view into a time in mollusk evolution for which we have very few fossils, informing us that the very earliest mollusk ancestors were armored spiny slugs, prior to the evolution of the shells that we see in modern snails and clams,” explained Associate Professor Luke Parry from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



The scientists discovered microscopic details inside Shishania’s spiny cones that demonstrated how these structures were secreted during life.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1s.webp" alt="Spines covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry" class="wp-image-1940978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spines covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry</figcaption></figure>



These spines exhibited an internal system of canals less than a hundredth of a millimeter in diameter. This suggests that the cones were secreted at their base by microvilli, tiny protrusions of cells that increase the surface area, akin to our intestines where they aid food absorption.



The method of secreting these hard parts is like a natural 3D printer, enabling many invertebrate animals to produce hard parts with diverse shapes and functions.



Unpacking the complex history of Shishania’s lineage, a co-author Jakob Vinther from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> said, “We know that the common ancestor of all mollusks alive today would have had a single shell, and so Shishania tells us about a very early time in mollusk evolution before the evolution of a shell.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-mollusk-evolution">New chapter in mollusk evolution</h2>



The discovery opens a new chapter in understanding early mollusks evolution. 



“Soft-bodied mollusks have a very limited fossil record, and so these very rare discoveries tell us a great deal about these diverse animals,” noted Xiaoya Ma, co-corresponding author from <a href="https://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan University</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



This milestone discovery highlights the treasure trove of early animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> hidden beneath the Cambrian rocks of Yunnan Province. 



The findings serve as a testament to the incredible diversity, adaptability, and resilience of life on Earth over billions of years.



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



The implications of the discovery of Shishania aculeata extend beyond understanding the evolutionary history of mollusks; it also offers insights into contemporary biological research and conservation efforts. 



By studying the adaptations and survival strategies of these ancient organisms, scientists can gain valuable information about how current molluscan species might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mollusk-shells-reveal-new-clues-about-past-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>, such as climate change and habitat loss. 



This knowledge is crucial as we work to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems threatened by human activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-shishania-aculeata">Learning from Shishania aculeata</h2>



Moreover, the study of Shishania can inspire innovative approaches in biomimicry and materials science. 



The unique structure of its spiny cones can inform the development of new materials that mimic natural designs, potentially leading to advancements in engineering and technology.



Understanding how these ancient creatures adapted their physical forms to survive in harsh environments can lead to breakthroughs in creating sustainable materials that are both resilient and eco-friendly.



As researchers continue to uncover more about the early evolutionary stages of mollusks, the lessons learned from Shishania aculeata may illuminate not only the past but also shape the future of science and conservation efforts in our rapidly changing world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Mollusks had spiny armor and no shells 500 million years ago

A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks:...

Elephant conservation is a crucial focus in southern Africa, but urbanization and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-asian-elephants-shrinking-habitats-will-increase-conflicts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> are increasingly confining these far-ranging animals to protected areas like game reserves where they have limited movement. 



This containment poses a significant risk: isolated populations can become genetically uniform, making elephants more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-movement-corridors-nbsp">Elephant movement corridors&nbsp;</h2>



A recent study by researchers from the <a href="http://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> and the <a href="https://www.up.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pretoria</a> in South Africa offers a solution by creating and optimizing elephant movement corridors across a seven-country region. 



The study provides a detailed map illustrating landscape connections that support elephants’ habitat needs and promote genetic diversity through enhanced gene flow among populations.



Lead author Alida de Flamingh, who conducted the study as part of her doctoral program in the Department of Animal Sciences at Illinois, explained the study's unique approach.&nbsp;



“Other research groups have integrated genetic and spatial data before, but usually it’s done on a more local scale. Ours was the first to combine both types of data for southern African elephants across such a large geographic area,” said de Flamingh, now a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephants-on-the-move">Elephants on the move</h2>



The scale of this study is significant because African elephants have extensive home ranges, roaming up to 11,000 square kilometers (over 2.7 million acres). They often travel long distances to avoid unsuitable habitats, making it essential to capture this vast scale in a single analysis.&nbsp;



“This was a massive effort. We went out with our partners in the Conservation Ecology Research Unit at the University of Pretoria to collect non-invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-life-the-secret-language-of-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> samples from elephant dung across the whole range,” de Flamingh said. “CERU also contributed data from GPS trackers on 80 collared elephants across nearly 54,000 locations.”



While GPS collar data shows how elephants move across the landscape, it doesn’t indicate whether such movement leads to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybrid-ants-evolve-rapidly-to-remove-deleterious-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene</a> flow. Conversely, DNA data documents gene flow but doesn’t show the movement paths elephants took. Integrating these data sets required a landscape genetics approach. 



“Landscape genetics adapts some ideas from electrical circuit theory to discuss how animals might move and achieve gene flow. Our approach looks at resistances or costs elephants encounter as they move along multiple pathways through the region, accounting for the possibility of losing or gaining individual paths,” explained co-author Nathan Alexander, a postdoctoral researcher at the Illinois Natural History Survey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-crucial-elephant-routes">Identifying crucial elephant routes</h2>



In this study, “costs” refer to various environmental challenges, including steep slopes, barren areas with little to no vegetation, densely populated human settlements, and regions far from water sources.&nbsp;



By combining these environmental factors with DNA data, the researchers could predict how elephants navigate their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a> and identify crucial routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.



“We did not find a simple linear relationship where more suitable habitats are less costly. Instead, we found a pronounced nonlinear pattern where the least suitable habitats have the biggest impact on elephant movement or distribution across the landscape,” de Flamingh said.&nbsp;



“Intermediate habitats aren't necessarily dictating their movements as much as these really, really unsuitable habitats. That’s positive, if you think about it. They're tolerant of intermediate habitats and can still move through them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-elephants-avoid-unsuitable-habitats">Helping elephants avoid unsuitable habitats</h2>



The researchers identified extremely unsuitable habitats like the vegetation-free Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana and densely populated human settlements.&nbsp;



By providing connections that avoid these areas, the study suggests, it is possible to reduce human-elephant conflict, a significant threat to elephant populations.



De Flamingh highlighted that the insights from this study could help governmental authorities and NGOs in southern Africa develop effective conservation strategies.&nbsp;



“Southern Africa has the largest number of elephants in all of Africa. So any conservation efforts there, especially those that avoid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-elephant-conflict-will-escalate-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-elephant conflict</a>, would protect pretty large populations of elephants,” added senior author Al Roca, an animal sciences professor in ACES. 



“Our partners at CERU, as well as our funders - the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the African Elephant Conservation Fund of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - are really critical in those efforts.”



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



The study's comprehensive approach and its combination of genetic and spatial data on a broad geographic scale represent a significant advancement in conservation biology.&nbsp;



By understanding and facilitating the natural movement patterns of elephants, conservationists can help ensure these majestic animals' long-term survival and genetic health, ultimately contributing to the broader efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance in the region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-024-02910-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity and Conservation</a>.



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



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Elephant movement is influenced by habitat suitability 

Elephant conservation is a crucial focus in southern Africa, but...

For pet owners, a pet is not just an animal, but a part of the family. This emotional bond is deep and enduring, mixing joy, love, and sometimes pain – because, let's face it – losing a pet is heart-wrenching. We often consider our grief as humans, but what happens to the other pets like cats left behind in the household?



In a significant revelation, researchers from <a href="https://oakland.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakland University</a> have shared intriguing insights into the emotional world of cats. According to studies, our feline companions show evident signs of grief after the death of another pet in the house.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noticing-grief-in-cats">Noticing grief in cats</h2>



Study lead author Brittany Greene, affiliated with Oakland University, delves into the many ways cats express their mourning.



We're bound to notice changes in their eating, sleeping habits, and playfulness, along with increased attention-seeking behavior. At other times, they may choose to spend time alone or hide.



Not so long ago, in 2022, scientists from the <a href="https://www.unimi.it/it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Milan</a> highlighted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-grieve-when-they-lose-a-canine-buddy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar grief-like behaviors in dogs</a>. The question until now was, "What about cats?" 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-feline-frontiers">Expanding feline frontiers</h2>



"Whereas dogs, descended from pack animals, might reasonably respond more strongly to the death of a conspecific, cats under human care have adapted to live among conspecifics and their capacity to respond to the loss of a companion warrants further study," noted the researchers.



This study opens up a new avenue for understanding cats' capacity to respond to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heartache-from-dog-theft-is-as-intense-as-losing-a-loved-one/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loss of a companion</a>.



To investigate, the researchers surveyed 412 cat owners. Their focus was on observing the immediate and long-term changes in a surviving cat after the demise of another pet. What did the results show? They confirmed the key indicators of grief in cats affected by loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-every-cat-grieve-the-same">Does every cat grieve the same?</h2>



Although these behaviors are pretty telling, the intensity of grief varies from cat to cat. What's the deciding factor? 



It boils down to the relationship the cat had with its deceased companion. The study indicates that the lengthier the shared life with the departed pet, the more attention-seeking the surviving cat becomes after the loss.



Interestingly, the owner's relationship with the deceased pet also influences the surviving cat's response. This revelation suggests that our fluffy mates may mirror their caregivers' sorrow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-cat-grief">Ripple effects of cat grief</h2>



Grief in pets extends beyond the immediate household, as the emotional dynamics can disrupt the harmony of the entire living environment.



Surviving pets may exhibit altered behaviors not only in response to the loss of a companion but also in response to the grief displayed by their human caregivers. 



Thus, the emotional landscape of a home in mourning transforms, creating a ripple effect that can impact pets and human family members alike. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for providing the necessary support to both human and animal grieving processes, allowing for a shared pathway of healing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-grieving-pets">Supporting grieving pets</h2>



In light of these insights, it becomes important to consider effective strategies to support pets through their grief. 



Creating a stable and nurturing environment is paramount. This can include maintaining routines, introducing new forms of enrichment, or even allowing for greater companionship to counteract loneliness.



Patience is essential, as each pet grieves in their unique way and on their own timeline. Additionally, engaging them in favorite activities or providing comforting items, such as toys or blankets associated with the deceased companion, can offer solace.



By acknowledging and addressing the emotional needs of mourning pets, we can foster resilience and ensure a compassionate recovery for all members of the family.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-cat-stereotypes">Challenging cat stereotypes</h2>



Cats, for the longest time, have been stereotyped as aloof and anti-social. But the new research challenges this idea. It may be time for us to redefine our understanding of our cats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-use-nearly-300-facial-expressions-to-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recognize their emotional depth</a>.



"The psychological experience of loss is universal throughout the animal kingdom and the bonds forged with our pets are a mirror of the care and connection we provide," noted Greene.



So, to all cat parents out there, it's time we paid more attention to our feline friends, especially during times of loss. 



This discovery not only tells us that our cats are emotionally more sophisticated than we believe, but it also reminds us of the profound bonds we share with our pets. Are we ready to treat our cats with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-communication-what-is-your-pet-trying-to-tell-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional intelligence</a> they deserve?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815912400203X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Animal Behaviour Science</a>.



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Cats mourn the loss of other pets, similar to human grief

For pet owners, a pet is not just an animal,...

A recent study has revealed that 42% of miscarriages and spontaneous abortions in horses during the first two months of pregnancy are caused by triploidy, a condition involving an extra set of chromosomes.&nbsp;



This finding is significant because horses share many chromosomal and pregnancy-related similarities with humans, making them a valuable model for studying reproductive issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-cause-of-pregnancy-loss-nbsp">Primary cause of pregnancy loss&nbsp;</h2>



Mandi de Mestre, a professor of equine medicine at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, noted the rarity of reported triploidy in mammals other than humans during early pregnancy. “Over that embryonic period (up to eight weeks from conception), triploidy had rarely been reported in mammals outside of women,” she said. 



“The study tells us that over the first six weeks of gestation, this will likely be the primary cause of pregnancy loss following natural conception.”&nbsp;



De Mestre is the corresponding author of the study titled “Naturally Occurring Horse Model of Miscarriage Reveals Temporal Relationship Between Chromosomal Aberration Type and Point of Lethality,” set to be published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2405636121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</a>s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horses-as-a-model-for-human-miscarriages-nbsp">Horses as a model for human miscarriages&nbsp;</h2>



Human miscarriages, occurring in 10-20% of pregnancies, are often linked to chromosomal errors. However, finding a suitable animal model that mirrors the human condition has been challenging.&nbsp;



This study not only sheds light on the causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-speed-up-aging-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a> loss in horses but also highlights their potential as a model for understanding human miscarriage.



“We were able to study the impact of chromosome errors across the entire pregnancy in the horse,” de Mestre said. “We found that triploidy is only associated with losses in early pregnancy.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnancy-loss-in-horses">Pregnancy loss in horses</h2>



The research involved examining 256 fetus and placenta samples collected over ten years from veterinarians treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-origin-of-horse-domestication-has-finally-been-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horses</a> with failed pregnancies. The samples were analyzed to determine the prevalence of various chromosomal abnormalities associated with pregnancy loss.



The findings showed that chromosomal errors were present in 57.9% of pregnancy losses up to day 55 of gestation, 57.2% of losses between days 56 and 110, and only 1.4% of losses from day 111 to the end of pregnancy.&nbsp;



The study also revealed that aneuploidy, involving the loss or gain of a whole chromosome, was primarily associated with miscarriages in the first 10 weeks, while partial chromosome deletions or duplications were linked to miscarriages occurring after 110 days.&nbsp;



These results closely parallel findings from large studies on human pregnancies, reinforcing the relevance of horses as a model for human chromosomal errors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-miscarriage-in-humans-nbsp">Early miscarriage in humans&nbsp;</h2>



Horses are particularly suitable for studying human pregnancies due to their similar gestation periods - 11 months in horses compared to nine months in humans - and the comparable rate of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-grow-models-of-human-embryos-in-the-lab-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embryo development</a>. 



Additionally, horse chromosomes contain genetic content similar to that of human chromosomes, making them relevant for research on chromosomal anomalies.



Determining the causes of early miscarriage in humans has been challenging due to the loss of most fetuses during this period at home, which leaves scientists without necessary material and data for study.&nbsp;



This research provides crucial insights into the frequency of chromosomal errors during the equivalent of the first six weeks of human gestation.



Horses, often highly valued and receiving extensive care, provide a wealth of data through routine pregnancy tracking, unlike other animal models such as mice.&nbsp;



Mice, with a gestation period of about three weeks and a low rate of natural pregnancy loss, are not comparable to human pregnancies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-causes-of-pregnancy-loss-nbsp">Genetic causes of pregnancy loss&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings have practical implications for equine health, particularly in the clinical management of pregnancies. For instance, if a significant chromosomal error is detected, clinicians might reconsider using hormones to prolong the pregnancy, a common practice in managing pregnant mares.&nbsp;



The research also paves the way for developing new diagnostic tests for chromosomal abnormalities in horse fetuses and further investigation into the molecular mechanisms behind these abnormalities.



“This research has provided a foundation for understanding the genetic causes of pregnancy loss in horses, often referred to as pregnancy loss of unknown cause,” said Shebl Salem, a postdoctoral researcher in de Mestre’s Equine Pregnancy Lab and co-first author of the study.



The study not only enhances the understanding of equine pregnancy but also offers valuable insights into human reproductive health, highlighting the potential for horses to serve as a key model in studying pregnancy loss due to chromosomal abnormalities.



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



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Horse miscarriages offer insights into human pregnancy loss

A recent study has revealed that 42% of miscarriages and...

When the term "white ants" comes up, images of destroyed houses, damaged wood, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-the-hidden-power-of-aloe-vera-peels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pest control</a> might be the first things that pop into your mind. 



Many associate these creatures with the necessity of spending money on costly repairs. However, there's much more to these tiny critters than meets the eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-white-ants">The mystery of white ants</h2>



Ironically, despite the name "white ant," these creatures are not ants at all. They're actually specialized, social cockroaches known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termites-are-natures-architects-building-well-ventilated-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">termites</a>. 



Living in extensive colonies that can house well over a million individuals, these insects have incredibly complex social lives and construct amazingly elaborate habitats.



Mathematical equations have even been developed by researchers to understand their complicated behaviors, such as how they dig and forage. 



Termites' abilities to build intricate nests are so astounding that they've been hailed as "one of the architectural wonders of the living world." 



These can be found everywhere, from trees and soil to power poles and towering mounds two meters high. Some of these awe-inspiring constructs are believed to be over <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oldest-termite-mounds-africa-climate-eb9b49dbbbb770c739398cef894a99a8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30,000 years old</a> and still inhabited today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-white-ants-in-nature">The role of white ants in nature</h2>



Among the approximately 300 Australian species of white ants, only a few are recognized as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cockroaches-became-global-pests-cleverly-hitching-rides-with-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>. In tropical forests, they are major invertebrate decomposers.



White ants are pivotal organisms that work closely with other microorganisms to cycle nutrients back into the environment. By doing so, they support the survival of both plants and animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-white-ants">Diversity of white ants</h2>



With more than 2,000 termite species worldwide and multiple feeding/nesting groups, white ants' appearances vary dramatically. 



Even within the same species, depending on their roles as king, queen, worker, soldier, or alate, they can look strikingly different. White ants usually have soft, pale-colored bodies with straight antennae and broad waist.



Not all white ants can fly. Only the sexually mature termites, known as alates, are capable of flight. Their mission is to fly out of the nest to establish a new one where they'll become the reigning kings or queens.



This occurrence, referred to as "social swarming," typically happens on warm and humid spring or summer evenings. After the swarm, the alates lose their wings and start burrowing to become the newly appointed termite royalty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning-signs-of-termite-invasion">Warning signs of termite invasion</h2>



The presence of alates around a home or property is a clear signal that a mature nest is close and expanding. It's even advised to have annual termite inspections by a registered pest control company. 



Visible wood and structural damage, hollow-sounding wood, and termite droppings can indicate an invasion. 



White ants might also construct small mud tunnels and patches on both interior and exterior house walls for protection and airflow mitigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-termite-control">Effective termite control</h2>



The methods to control termites differ based on the type of termite present. Determining the kind of termite, locating their nests, and selecting the appropriate eradication method is a complex process. 



It's recommended to consult with a registered pest control company, and not just solely rely on preventive measures like using termite-resistant wood or adding chemical and physical barriers in the soil around buildings.



White ants, despite their notoriety as pests, play an essential role in the natural world. Their vital ecosystem services underscore their significance, yet their potential for destruction necessitates vigilant management and control. 



Fully understanding the nature of termites is crucial to both preserving natural ecosystems and protecting human infrastructure and investments.



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



While white ants may often be viewed through the lens of destruction, they possess some truly fascinating traits that are worth exploring. 



For instance, termites have been around for over 250 million years, making them one of the oldest social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> on the planet. Their resilience and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, from rainforests to arid deserts.



One interesting aspect of termite behavior is their communication methods. Termites use pheromones, vibrations, and even touch to convey messages within the colony. This complex system enables them to coordinate tasks such as foraging, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termite-mounds-could-inspire-living-and-breathing-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nest building</a>, and defense against threats.



Additionally, some species of termites are known to exhibit a unique form of mutualism with certain fungi. They cultivate these fungi in specialized chambers within their nests, providing a sustainable food source for the colony. This relationship not only benefits the termites but also contributes to nutrient cycling within their environment.



Understanding these fascinating characteristics can shift our perspective on white ants from mere pests to remarkable organisms that contribute significantly to the balance of nature. By appreciating their role in ecosystems, we can better navigate the challenges they present in our homes and communities.



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White ants have dual roles as builders and decomposers

When the term "white ants" comes up, images of destroyed...

The beauty of dragonflies goes far <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-develop-waxy-coating-to-withstand-warmer-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond mere aesthetics</a>. Those resplendent wings flashing in the sunlight may actually be the dragonfly's passport to survival, according to a recent study. 



Kim Medley, a contributing author and director of the <a href="https://tyson.wustl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyson Research Lab</a>, offers key insights into this phenomenon. The experts found that dragonflies with dark wing markings have a lower extinction risk. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-dragonfly">Survival of the dragonfly </h2>



Ever notice how some dragonflies seem to sport extra bling? It takes the form of dark, alluring wing markings that set them apart from their brethren. 



These embellishments are not just there for show, they are apparently part of a survival strategy. Medley and her fellow researchers found that these ornamented dragonflies have a significant advantage when it comes to facing human threats and habitat destruction.



"We think ornamentation comes into play when populations become more isolated," Medley said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-shine">Science behind the shine</h2>



Study lead author Michael Moore is a former postdoctoral researcher at the Living Earth Collaborative and currently serves as an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a>, Denver.



For the investigation, the team examined records of 19 dragonfly species in California, covering a period from 1900 onwards. 



Remarkably, the researchers found that the ornamented species had a much higher survival rate over the long term with eight out of ten increasing their population over that time frame.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tactics-of-dragonflies">Survival tactics of dragonflies</h2>



Further investigation of 311 species across North America revealed that 301 out of these 311 species were at minimal or no risk of extinction. That is good news for conservationists and dragonfly aficionados. Interestingly, the remaining 10 species, which were at risk, all lacked ornamentation.



To better understand the dynamics of dragonfly species, the researchers also analyzed data provided by amateur naturalists who had collectively gathered 90,000 observations.



Comparing the species distribution across different landscapes, they found that a greater proportion of ornamented dragonflies were able to thrive in urban and agricultural areas.



So, why does this ornamentation matter so much? One theory is that the markings make it easier for females to select mates, and for males to spot rivals. This becomes particularly crucial when habitat loss leads to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-flight-is-powered-by-an-extraordinary-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fragmented populations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-color-in-communication">Role of color in communication</h2>



The vivid colors of dragonflies do not merely serve aesthetic purposes; they are integral to the complex communication strategies these insects employ. Vibrant hues can indicate various states, from mating readiness to territorial claims.



For instance, male dragonflies often display brighter colors when vying for the attention of females or defending their territories from rivals. This visual signaling is particularly important in environments where such interactions are key to survival and reproductive success.



Furthermore, studies suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-change-their-colors-throughout-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color patterns</a> may evolve differently in response to environmental pressures, illustrating the adaptability and resilience of dragonfly populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-c-onservation-implications">Conservation implications</h2>



The findings from Medley's research hold significant implications for conservation efforts aimed at maintaining healthy ecosystems. Recognizing the association between ornamentation and survival could guide prioritization in conservation strategies, especially for species at risk. 



Future research may delve deeper into the ecological roles of various morphological traits and their influence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interspecies interactions</a>. 



As urbanization and habitat destruction continue to challenge wildlife, understanding the intricacies of dragonfly adaptation and survival will be crucial in formulating effective conservation policies. 



Encouraging citizen science initiatives, like those gathering observational data, could enhance our understanding and support for these captivating creatures in their natural habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fine-line-between-flashy-and-foolhardy">Fine line between flashy and foolhardy</h2>



However, these ornamental features come with their set of challenges. The eye-catching spots could attract unwanted attention from predators or absorb extra heat on a sweltering summer day. "There's a trade-off," Medley said.



From this fascinating study, we learn that there's more to a dragonfly's beauty than meets the eye. As they flit about, dazzling under the sun, dragonflies are working hard on their survival, bearing their ornaments as badges of resilience.



Let's take a moment to admire these splendid creatures and the lessons they offer us about adapting to an ever-changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.14455" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Dragonflies developed dark wing spots for survival

The beauty of dragonflies goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Those...

When the sun sets and you're out enjoying the calm of twilight, do you often find yourself stuck in an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unwanted chase</a> with mosquitoes? Do they seem to always be attracted to you over others? 



Well, you are not imagining things. You might just be the ideal dinner plate for these pesky insects. <a href="https://www.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a>'s Ashley Vargo puts this intriguing phenomenon under the microscope.



Dr. Sonja Swiger, a scientist at Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension Service and professor in the <a href="https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M College of Agriculture</a>, confirms that mosquitoes do pick their targets. But what makes you more enticing than others? Let's delve deeper into the science behind this selective "bugging."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-cues-that-matter">Tiny cues that matter</h2>



Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t select their prey at random. They are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-listen-for-a-specific-buzz-to-find-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">very precise</a>, using sensory cues such as exhaled carbon dioxide, body <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-mosquitoes-prefer-heat-and-thrive-in-the-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a>, and even body odor. 



Swiger, who identifies as a "mosquito magnet" herself, is in agreement with this. She highlights that alterations to these factors can shift the balance of attraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-type-factor-for-attracting-mosquitoes">Blood type: Factor for attracting mosquitoes</h2>



You know how we have our favorite eateries? Turns out, mosquitoes might have their preferred blood groups. The research suggests a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-a-growing-threat-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certain affinity</a> in mosquitoes towards type O blood.



However, the difference is primarily significant only between type O and type A. But before you breathe a sigh of relief (or worry if you are type O), Swiger warns us to consider the limitations of such studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-and-alcohol-scent-of-attraction">Food and alcohol: Scent of attraction</h2>



Sometimes, what we consume also determines whether we become mosquito magnets. Swiger sheds light on how being tipsy may enhance our attractiveness. 



"There is some research to support that changing your diet will make you give off different scents," Swiger said. "So, it may be possible to change your attractiveness to mosquitoes based on what you're eating."



Intoxicated individuals produce more CO2 and sweat, both of which are bug attractors. As for diet, garlic and vitamin B are often touted as mosquito deterrents. On the other hand, high-potassium foods like bananas seem to attract the little monsters.



Why is that? Swiger explains that the consumption of these foods leads to an increase in lactic acid production in the body, an olfactory beacon for mosquitoes. This also impacts our skin microbiota, which in turn affects the scents we give off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnancy-a-mosquito-magnet">Pregnancy: A mosquito magnet?</h2>



Evidence suggests that pregnant women might be more appealing to mosquitoes, primarily due to their increased carbon dioxide output. 



Swiger explains that women in advanced stages of pregnancy exhale about 21% greater volume than non-pregnant women. Coupled with other physiological changes, such as increased body heat, this makes pregnant women prime targets for a mosquito’s meal.



According to Swiger, mosquitoes can develop regional tastes, an interesting evolutionary adaptation. Urban mosquitoes that bite humans often don't venture far and seem to adapt to the local scents, preferring them over other aromas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-in-attracting-mosquitoes">Genetics in attracting mosquitoes</h2>



An intriguing dimension to the factors influencing mosquito attraction lies in our genetic makeup. Research indicates that genetic variations can influence the scent profile emitted by individuals. 



Swiger notes that specific genetic markers can affect the skin's production of certain chemicals that mosquitoes find captivating. This genetic predisposition can help explain why some people seem to attract more mosquitoes than others. 



Understanding the interplay between genetics and attraction not only sheds light on personal experiences with these insects but also opens avenues for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential interventions</a> to manage mosquito bites effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-of-day-to-attract-mosquitoes">Time of day to attract mosquitoes</h2>



The timing of our outdoor activities can also play a significant role in our likelihood of being bitten. Mosquitoes are most active during specific periods, primarily dawn and dusk. 



Swiger explains that these times create optimal conditions for mosquitoes to feed, as the cooler temperatures and increased humidity often correlate with their peak feeding times. 



Consequently, understanding the daily habits of mosquitoes can empower individuals to better plan their outdoor activities, thereby minimizing unwanted encounters with these unwelcome pests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetically-attractive">Genetically attractive?</h2>



Finally, Swiger points out the one thing we can't control: our genes. She suggests that some genetic traits may make people more attractive to mosquitoes, but these remain unclear.



So, the next time you seem to be the only one under mosquito attack, remember, there's some intriguing science behind it. While your genetic makeup might make you irresistibly delicious to mosquitoes, staying covered and using a repellent might help you tip the scales in your favor. 



After all, who says we can't outsmart these bloodsuckers?



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/41/4/796/885285?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medical Entomology</a>. 



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Why some people are 'mosquito magnets'

When the sun sets and you're out enjoying the calm...

Great,White,Shark,,Carcharodon,Carcharias,,Gansbaai,,South,Africa,,Atlantic,Ocean

Birds may flock together, but it turns out great white sharks don't do the same. A group of international scientists have delved into a world-first genome analysis of global great white shark populations. 



Their findings expose a surprising truth: great white sharks separated into three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newborn-great-white-shark-spotted-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct population</a> groups up to 200,000 years ago and have stuck pretty much with their own kind since.



Meet the great white's three clans: a southern Pacific Ocean group (also known lovingly as the Indo-Pacific crowd), a northern Pacific Ocean population, and a group that toothily patrol the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-white-shark-lineage">Great white shark lineage</h2>



Dr. Catherine Jones, leading this shark crusade from the <a href="https://www.abdn.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Aberdeen</a>, teamed up with researchers from around the world, including collaborators from the <a href="https://ghriresearch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a>, the <a href="http://www.medsharks.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MedSharks project</a>, and <a href="https://www.oceans-research.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceans Research Institute</a>. 



They discovered that these three geographic lineages stick to their lanes and seldom date outside their group.



"At the end of the Penultimate Ice Age -- between 100,000 to 200,000 years ago -- white shark populations appear to have divided into three discrete lineages which seldom interbreed," explains Dr. Jones.



"This separation can still be observed today as modern major ocean currents seem to act as boundaries of the areas occupied by each group."



This tribal behavior among our finned friends isn't just an intriguing aquatic soap opera; it ruffles the waters of conservation efforts. 



Since each lineage relies on a smaller number of the species, they are at greater risk of extinction than we previously thought. Furthermore, any potential 'shortfalls' in one group are unlikely to be made up by the other two.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-conundrum">Conservation conundrum</h2>



Why is this such a big deal, you ask? Well, if the Mediterranean's distinct group checks out, they're not just an extinct group of sharks. That’s a unique genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> forever lost in the deep blue.



"Although not widely appreciated, man's future is increasingly bound up with that of white sharks," added Professor Les Noble, of Aquatic Biosciences at <a href="https://www.nord.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nord University</a>.



As top predators, these sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity and health of local marine ecosystems. Over the past 50 years, we have witnessed white shark abundance almost halved, and they are now recognized as critically endangered in Europe.



This issue becomes even more tangled when considering the potential changes in strength and direction of major ocean currents predicted for the next 50 years.



"The lack of interbreeding suggests offspring from cross-lineage matings may not be viable. Should recent forecasts of changes in major ocean currents be accurate, breakdown of these geographic boundaries between lineages may allow more unproductive matings, further endangering white shark populations and the diversity, health, and productivity of ocean ecosystems," Galice Hoarau, Professor of Molecular Ecology at Nord University notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserving-great-white-shark">Conserving Great white shark</h2>



How can we navigate these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-great-white-sharks-prefer-shallow-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">troubled waters</a>? With innovative conservation strategies, according to our shark-loving scientists. 



A better understanding of the distribution and health of these distinct groups is the raft we need to float these efforts. But to keep these magnificent creatures from spiraling into the depths of extinction, we'll need to take swift action.



"It has long been considered that sharks lost from one area would be compensated for with the movement and matings of sharks from other locations. Our findings suggest this is clearly unlikely," warns Dr. Jones. 



Couple this with the pressures of bycatch fishing, depleting food reserves, pollution, and poaching, and it's clear we're swimming against the tide here.



But if we can fight off these threats, we just might keep these kings and queens of the ocean around for future generations to admire.



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



The research conducted by these esteemed institutions not only sheds light on the unique behavior of great white sharks, but also highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex predators</a>. 



With their crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems and their critical endangerment status, it is clear that immediate action must be taken to preserve these magnificent creatures.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00860-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Great white sharks separated into three distinct groups that don't intermingle

Birds may flock together, but it turns out great white...

The Western Forest Complex (<a href="https://thailand.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/Western-Forest-Complex.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WEFCOM</a>) in Thailand has seen a remarkable resurgence of its rich biodiversity, particularly with the tiger, the apex predator of these woods, experiencing a significant increase in population over the past 15 years.



According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Thailand has recorded a staggering 250% increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tiger-day-worldwide-support-for-tiger-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger numbers</a> from 2007 to 2023. That's right, the count has leaped from about 40 to over 140!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-thailand-tiger-conservation">Celebrating Thailand tiger conservation</h2>



The Pattaya News reports that this extraordinary success story in Thailand is playing out differently in other parts of Southeast Asia. The disappearance of tigers from Java and Bali predates the 21st century, with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam reporting similar losses by the mid-2000s. 



In Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Myanmar, these big cats are hanging on by a thread, often in small or isolated populations, held at bay by hunting and loss of habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-destined-to-save-thailand-tigers">Destined to save Thailand tigers</h2>



Enter Pornkamol Jornburom, director of WCS Thailand, and a defiant beacon of hope for these endangered creatures. She believes the credit for this remarkable recovery goes to Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, (DNP).



They have executed rigorous patrolling regimes, forming a protective shield around the tigers and their habitat from poachers and deforestation.



"We see very strong correlations between better law enforcement and the recovery of tigers. Prior to this, illegal hunting and logging were rife in WEFCOM, and tigers were on a path toward extinction. Here, as elsewhere in Asia, good enforcement is the cornerstone of the tiger recovery process," explained Jornburom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coast-is-clear">The coast is clear</h2>



The DNP's tireless work of more than two decades, coupled with WCS and the Thai government's meticulous monitoring, were crucial in tracking the success of these patrols. Started in 2004, the team installed hundreds of cameras to photograph the tigers, effectively using their unique stripe patterns to monitor the population's health.



The work was led by Thailand DNP senior scientist Somphot Duangchantrasiri. "We believe this is a good example of how to set up and maintain a strong, independent monitoring program that brings credibility to tiger recovery efforts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-tiger-tale">More than just a tiger tale</h2>



Any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thriving ecosystem</a> is a balanced ecosystem. So, apex predators, the state of tigers is a reflection of the overall health of their habitat.



The team also monitored the positive ripple effects of their rigorous patrolling. Notably, they reported recovery in prey populations, like the banteng, a species of endangered wild cattle.



Apinya Saisamornin is an expert who specializes in tiger prey at the Wildlife Conservation Society and Kasetsart University in Bangkok.



"Tigers can't exist in the wild without a healthy abundance of prey species. Our study showed a doubling in numbers of both sambar (a large, elk-like deer) and banteng, the key prey species for tigers in WEFCOM. Without the recovery of prey, tiger numbers could not have grown as large as they did," noted Saisamornin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-triumph-but-only-the-beginning">A triumph, but only the beginning</h2>



All these numbers stitch together a heartening tapestry of ecosystem-wide recovery. 



"The news out of Thailand of a 250% increase in tiger numbers over 15 years is proof that the tiger can be saved, but it takes long-term commitment on focused interventions," said Dale Miquelle, a senior tiger conservationist at WCS.



"Recovery efforts are important not only for tigers - these same forests protect most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a> of Asia, provide ecosystem services for millions of people, and buffer the impacts of climate change by retaining healthy forested ecosystems."



Let’s take a moment here. Is it victory? Yes, but let’s not rest on our laurels. Miquelle's words are as much a celebration as they are a call to arms.



Yes, we’ve stumbled upon a recipe for success in Thailand’s WEFCOM. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get ready to cook up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-cougar-day-the-crucial-ecological-role-of-cougars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar stories</a> across the world. 



Because if we've learned anything here, it’s that through collective effort, we can turn around the seemingly insurmountable. So, are you ready to give these magnificent beasts a fighting chance?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424002208?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



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Tiger numbers have jumped by 250% in Thailand

The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand has seen a...

Ever felt curious about the roles that tiny leaf-eating insects play in forest ecosystems? Recent research might just have some answers for the question. As it turns out, these creatures could be influencing the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/">forests and our climate</a> more than we had ever imagined.



At the forefront of this fascinating study is Bernice Hwang, the paper’s lead author and a former technician at the U.S. Forest Service.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-and-forest-dynamics">Insect and forest dynamics</h2>



"The findings of this study provide an improved understanding of the intricate relationship between&nbsp;herbivorous insects&nbsp;and&nbsp;forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>," Hwang stated.



Hwang, alongside other dedicated researchers, already had a substantial understanding of how large herbivores impacted nutrient cycles in forests.&nbsp;



However, the effects of leaf-eating insects on forest carbon and nutrient cycling remained relatively unknown.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-quest">A global quest</h2>



The initial step taken by the research team involved the establishment of a global network of 74 test plots, all within 40 mature, undisturbed broadleaved forests.&nbsp;



Green leaves and leaf litters in these forests were analyzed for concentrations of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica.&nbsp;



The team also took into account leaf production, insect feeding habits, and other shifts in nutrient levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-role-in-forests">Insects’ role in forests</h2>



Christian Giardina and other researchers discovered that insects play a significant part in releasing and circulating essential nutrients in forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. This trend was especially prominent in warmer climates, like those experienced in tropical forests.



The findings unveiled a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profound link</a>; a warming climate directly impacts how plants and herbivores interact.&nbsp;



The alteration in these relationships could potentially have deep-seated consequences for carbon and nutrient cycling in broadleaved forests on a global scale. This discovery is crucial in a world dealing with the ever-looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-forests">Protecting our forests</h2>



This study not only broadens our understanding of the hidden intricacies within forest ecosystems but also throws light on areas that might need conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Nels Johnson of the Pacific Southwest Research Station emphasized the importance of this research in ecological studies. "I believe this analysis will be a benchmark to compare against for its field."



Many questions remain unanswered. What specific actions can we take based on these findings? How can this knowledge be applied to protect our forests and therefore, our planet? 



As we step into an uncertain future, the importance of understanding these minute details of our ecosystem has never been more important.



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



The insights gained from this study have significant implications for forest management practices worldwide. Understanding the role of herbivorous insects in nutrient cycling can help forest managers develop more effective conservation strategies.&nbsp;



For instance, practices that promote biodiversity can enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change.&nbsp;



By recognizing the interplay between insects and plants, forest managers can make informed decisions about pest management and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration efforts</a>, ultimately fostering healthier forests that can better withstand environmental pressures.



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



This enlightening exploration into the intricate relationship between plants, insects, and their shared ecosystem underscores the profound interconnectedness and delicate balance of nature.&nbsp;



As we emerge armed with this new knowledge, we must reflect on our roles as stewards of these forests. How will we respond to this challenge and what steps will we take to ensure the survival and prosperity of our planet's forests?



Moreover, the integration of such ecological findings into public policy can foster a more sustainable approach to land use and conservational practices.&nbsp;



By actively engaging communities in forest protection initiatives, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for our natural resources, ensuring their longevity for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-forests-and-insects">Future research on forests and insects</h2>



In light of the findings, it becomes imperative to explore several avenues for future research that could deepen our understanding of the interactions within forest ecosystems.



One potential direction is to conduct long-term observational studies that track changes in insect populations and their corresponding effects on nutrient cycling across various climatic zones. 



Additionally, investigating the specific mechanisms through which insects facilitate nutrient availability could provide insights into optimizing forest health and productivity. 



This research could extend to studying the impact of biodiversity loss on insect function within the ecosystem, as well as examining how different forest management practices can enhance or impede these critical processes. 



Ultimately, such inquiries will contribute not only to scientific knowledge but also to crafting actionable strategies for sustainable forest stewardship in an era of rapid environmental change.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50245-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Tiny leaf-eating insects have a huge impact on forests

Ever felt curious about the roles that tiny leaf-eating insects...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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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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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> 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



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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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