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...

Research is underway to decipher the motor circuits in the central nervous system that control the movements of a fruit fly. Quite surprisingly, this seemingly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-flight-is-powered-by-an-extraordinary-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple creature</a> harbors an unexpected level of complexity in its neurons and motor system.



A closer look into their motor neurons has revealed that thousands of synapses are received from hundreds of presynaptic premotor neurons. 



Quite astonishingly, this is similar to the scale of synaptic integration in pyramidal cells of the rodent cortex. This observation opens up immense possibilities for advanced studies in neuroscience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motor-circuits">Motor circuits</h2>



Motor circuits in the central nervous system are networks of neurons that control muscle movements. These circuits include motor neurons that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, telling them when to contract or relax. 



This network helps us perform actions like walking, talking, and writing by coordinating different muscle groups. Motor circuits ensure our movements are smooth and precise.



The circuits work together with sensory neurons, which provide feedback to adjust and refine our actions. Understanding motor circuits helps scientists learn how our bodies move and how to treat movement disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-a-fruit-fly-s-motor-skills">Complexity of a fruit fly's motor skills</h2>



The findings provide further insights into how animals' central nervous systems coordinate individual muscles to execute a range of behaviors.



Consider a fruit fly: it uses its legs for a variety of tasks, from leaping and walking to grooming, fighting, and courtship. It can even adjust its gait to handle different terrains like house plants, walls, damp surfaces, and even ceilings.



The remarkable part? All these movements, whether it's maintaining a steady position or changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flying-insects-fight-the-wind-to-reach-food-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight direction</a>, are controlled via electrical signals from motor neurons. These signals traverse threadlike projections from the motor neuron to stimulate the muscles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-motor-neurons-in-fruit-flies">Mighty motor neurons in fruit flies</h2>



A fruit fly's six legs are powered by just 60 to 70 motor neurons. In contrast, a cat's single calf muscle is served by around 600 motor neurons. It's even more striking when you realize that a fruit fly's wing - responsible for power and steering - is governed by a mere 29 motor neurons.



Despite having so few motor neurons, flies demonstrate extraordinary aerial and terrestrial feats. How do they manage this? 



The answer lies in motor units, which are made up of a single motor neuron and the muscle fibers it can stimulate. 



Various motor units, activated in different combinations and sequences, work together to cover a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-use-their-eyes-to-control-flight-at-incredible-speeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement behaviors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-premotor-circuits">Premotor circuits</h2>



The researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle sought to understand how the fly's nervous system coordinates these motor units to accomplish different tasks.



Using state-of-the-art tools, machine learning, and cell-type annotation, they identified roughly 14,600 neuronal cell bodies and about 45 million synapses within the ventral nerve cord of a female fruit fly. 



They then employed deep learning to reconstruct the anatomy of the neurons and their connections throughout the fly's body.



The results? A comprehensive map of the muscles targeted by leg and wing motor neurons, and an atlas of the circuits that coordinate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-flight-is-powered-by-an-extraordinary-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight</a> initiation and mid-air movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-multiple-innervations">Mystery of multiple innervations</h2>



Interestingly, some muscle fibers in adult flies are innervated by several motor neurons – a feature that appears in some mammals as newborns but usually disappears by adulthood. 



The team theorizes that this could offer greater flexibility and explain why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazing-fact-insect-wings-flap-faster-than-their-brain-speed-can-command/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>' limbs operate with such precision despite having so few motor neurons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wing-it-like-a-fly">Wing it like a fly</h2>



The researchers also looked into the fruit fly's wing motor system, divided mainly into three functional sections: powering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-equation-predicts-the-flapping-frequency-of-birds-insects-and-even-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wing flapping</a>, steering, and adjusting wing motion.



The study led to a comparison of the organization of premotor circuits for two types of limbs with distinct evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-eating-orchids-assist-fruit-flies-with-reproduction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paths</a> and biomechanics.



These studies are crucial for developing connectomes, which are offering groundbreaking insights into neural circuit functionality.



The future looks promising, with the upcoming reconstruction of a male fruit fly's central nerve cord potentially revealing differences between sexes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07600-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Fruit flies can walk, jump, and dance using the same motor neurons

Research is underway to decipher the motor circuits in the...

We all know insects are resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critters</a>.&nbsp;They fly,&nbsp;crawl,&nbsp;swim,&nbsp;and burrow...&nbsp;but hitchhike?&nbsp;It turns out,&nbsp;our cars are becoming the latest Ubers for invasive ant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>,&nbsp;and scientists are sounding the alarm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stowaways-with-six-legs">Stowaways with six legs</h2>



Scotty Yang, an acclaimed entomologist from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, has been closely observing an intriguing pattern unfolding before our eyes. And no, it's not about an occasional ant making its way into your picnic basket. 



We're talking about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entire colonies</a> of ants, queens and all, view our cars as their personal Uber. Yang's research is pioneering in its focus on this fascinating phenomenon.



Scotty observed, "We saw social media posts where people were devastated about finding their cars covered in ants. Although we felt sorry for them, we wanted to examine whether these events had anything in common." 



This quest for answers led him to Taiwan, where he conducted a study involving nine different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant species</a> using vehicles as their own personal vans. 



Tweaking the ordinary by a notch, seven of these species were invasive, making themselves at home in new environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ants-travel-in-cars">How ants travel in cars</h2>



Scotty's research compiled reports from individuals across Taiwan who had seen ants on their vehicles. The citizen-led approach allowed him to gather data on a significant scale. 



His study revealed that ants are not picky about their choice of vehicle -- they have been seen inside and outside cars, and even under the hood. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-climbing-ability">Impressive climbing ability</h3>



Common traits among these hitchhiking ants were their climbing ability, foraging habits, and temperature tolerance.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/determining-sex-of-ants-possess-unique-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small but mighty</a>, ants are remarkable climbers. Their feet come equipped with claws for gripping uneven surfaces like metal or plastic, and adhesive pads that create a temporary bond allowing them to walk on smooth surfaces like glass. 



This makes it possible for ants to navigate different parts of a vehicle, increasing their hitchhiking success.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foraging-and-colonizing">Foraging and colonizing</h3>



When food sources are scarce, ants tend to explore new areas, making them more likely to turn vehicles into their means of transport. 



Overcrowded colonies or those facing resource limitations are more prone to start new nests. The scout ants could encounter vehicles during their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-ants-can-teach-us-how-to-create-stronger-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new nesting sites</a>, turning them into moving homes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-temperature-tolerance">High temperature tolerance</h3>



Cars, due to weather conditions, can exhibit wide temperature variations. Ants, being ectothermic creatures, rely on external sources for body temperature regulation. 



They survive based on their ability to find suitable areas providing the right temperature for their physiological processes. Thus, their assessment of the microclimates within cars is crucial to their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-ants-in-cars">Invasive ants in cars</h2>



This is more than just an annoyance on your commute. Invasive insects can outcompete native species, harm crops, and disrupt ecosystems. 



"Tracking invasive insects and how they spread is an important subject for entomologists because these creatures can represent threats to native species of plants and animals," Scotty emphasizes. 



What was once limited to logs and soil for their spread, now includes our daily commutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-ants-choose-cars">Why ants choose cars</h2>



Overcrowding seems a key factor leading ants to seek new habitats by hitching rides. Invasive species are particularly prone to this behavior, which has implications worldwide. The U.S, for instance, wrestles with invasive ants like the<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-red-fire-ants-have-made-their-way-to-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> infamous fire ant</a>.



Scotty shares, "Of the 100 worst invasive species in the world, five are species of ants, and two of these are already established in Virginia: the red imported fire ant and the Argentine ant." 



By hitchhiking, these ants are getting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast track to new territories</a>. Scotty hopes to start a similar citizen science project in the U.S. to track ant spread. 



As per his advice, while there's no need for alarm, if you find unexpected passengers, consider it a reminder of our world's interconnectedness and perhaps give your car a good vacuuming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-live-life-in-the-fast-lane">Ants live life in the fast lane</h2>



Scotty Yang's fascinating research into the hitchhiking behavior of ants sheds light on an overlooked aspect of invasive species' expansion. His findings also underscore the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. 



This surprising ant-car relationship reinforces our awareness of the world's interconnectivity and the significant, albeit often unseen, role even the smallest creatures play in shaping our environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/een.13336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Entomology</a>.



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Ants are now using cars to travel and spread to new locations

We all know insects are resourceful critters.&nbsp;They fly,&nbsp;crawl,&nbsp;swim,&nbsp;and burrow...&nbsp;but hitchhike?&nbsp;It...

The ocean's depths are an inhospitable environment with no light, freezing temperatures, and crushing pressure. However, certain marine organisms, such as ctenophores (commonly known as comb jellies), have evolved unique adaptations to survive these extreme conditions.



A team of researchers led by Itay Budin, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a>, explored these adaptations, focusing on the cell membranes of ctenophores.&nbsp;



The analyses revealed that these organisms possess unique lipid structures that help them withstand high pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-adaptation-in-comb-jellies-nbsp">Pressure adaptation in comb jellies&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-invasion-jellyfish-are-moving-north-in-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>, comb jellies can grow as large as a volleyball, living in oceans globally at varying depths. Their cell membranes, which consist of thin sheets of lipids and proteins, need to maintain specific properties to function correctly. 



While some organisms have long been known to adapt their lipids to maintain fluidity in extreme cold through homeoviscous adaptation, the adaptation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-fish-survive-the-intense-pressure-of-deep-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> in deep-sea organisms was not well understood.



“Hydrostatic pressure increases with depth in the ocean, but little is known about the molecular bases of biological pressure tolerance,” wrote the study authors. “We describe a mode of pressure adaptation in comb jellies (ctenophores) that also constrains these animals’ depth range.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-lipid-structures-nbsp">Unique lipid structures&nbsp;</h2>



Budin's team examined comb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/comb-jellies-use-cannibalism-to-survive-long-winters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellies</a> from different environments, including those from the bottom of the ocean in California and the surface of the Arctic Ocean, to study whether these organisms adapted to cold and pressure through the same mechanism. 



They found that comb jellies have developed unique lipid structures, known as “homeocurvatures,” which are distinct from those used to adapt to cold.&nbsp;



The lipids in deep-sea ctenophores evolved into exaggerated cone shapes, counteracted by ocean pressure, maintaining the normal lipid shape only at extreme depths. When these creatures are brought to the surface, their cell membranes split apart, and the animals disintegrate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comb-jellies-and-human-brains">Comb jellies and human brains</h2>



The researchers discovered that these exaggerated cone-shaped molecules are a type of phospholipid called plasmalogens, which are also abundant in human brains.&nbsp;



The study revealed that plasmalogens make up as much as three-quarters of a deep-sea ctenophore’s lipid count. Given the significant role of plasmalogens in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> and their association with neurodegenerative diseases, this finding is particularly intriguing.



Further experiments with E. coli in high-pressure chambers demonstrated that bioengineered bacteria synthesizing plasmalogens thrived under high pressure, while unaltered bacteria did not.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plasmalogens-in-brain-health">The role of plasmalogens in brain health</h2>



Budin hopes that this discovery will lead to further research on the role of plasmalogens in brain health and disease.&nbsp;



“I think the research shows that plasmalogens have really unique biophysical properties. So now the question is, how are those properties important for the function of our own cells? I think that’s one takeaway message.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm7607" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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How do comb jellies survive crushing pressure in the deep ocean?

The ocean's depths are an inhospitable environment with no light,...

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have mapped the astonishing 4,200-kilometer transatlantic flight of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-butterfly-migration-sparked-by-a-surge-in-vegetation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Painted Lady butterfly</a>.



This unprecedented journey challenges our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-insects-migrate-through-the-pyrenees-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect migration</a> and showcases the remarkable capabilities of these delicate creatures.



The study, led by Gerard Talavera from the <a href="https://www.ibb.csic.es/ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institut Botànic de Barcelona</a>, along with an international team of researchers, unravels the mystery of Painted Lady butterflies found on the Atlantic beaches of French Guiana in October 2013.



This unusual sighting sparked a scientific investigation that would reveal an extraordinary tale of endurance and adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-painted-lady-butterflies">The journey of Painted Lady butterflies</h2>



The research team employed a unique combination of cutting-edge techniques to trace the origin and journey of the Painted Lady butterflies. The methods included wind trajectory reconstruction, genome sequencing, pollen DNA analysis, and isotope geolocation.



This innovative approach allowed the researchers to piece together the puzzle of the butterflies' remarkable journey.



Dr. Clément Bataille, a professor at the University of Ottawa, emphasized the significance of this approach: "It is the first time that this combination of molecular techniques including isotope geolocation and pollen metabarcoding is tested on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-feast-on-migrating-insects-in-the-pyrenees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory insects</a>."



"The results are very promising and transferable to many other migratory insect species. The technique should fundamentally transform our understanding of insect migration."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonishing-feat-of-nature">Astonishing feat of nature </h2>



The study's findings unveil an astonishing feat of nature. Wind trajectory analysis identified conditions conducive to a transatlantic crossing from western Africa. Genetic studies revealed a closer relationship to African and European populations, eliminating the possibility of North American origin. 



Intriguingly, pollen DNA analysis detected traces of plants native to tropical Africa, providing a crucial link to the butterflies' journey. Meanwhile, isotope analysis pointed to a potential birthplace in western Europe. 



These diverse and complementary lines of evidence converged to support an extraordinary conclusion: the Painted Lady butterflies had indeed accomplished a long-distance, intercontinental flight across the Atlantic Ocean.



"We usually see butterflies as symbols of the fragility of beauty, but science shows us that they can perform incredible feats. There is still much to discover about their capabilities," said study co-author Roger Vila, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/presentation">Institute of Evolutionary Biology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favorable-wind-conditions">Favorable wind conditions </h2>



The researchers assessed the viability of this transatlantic flight by analyzing energy expenditure. They concluded that the journey, lasting 5 to 8 days without stops, was possible due to favorable wind conditions.



"The butterflies could only have completed this flight using a strategy alternating between active flight, which is costly energetically, and gliding the wind," explained study co-author Eric Toro-Delgado.



"We estimate that without wind, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-use-visual-and-behavioral-mimicry-to-avoid-predators/">butterflies</a> could have flown a maximum of 780 km before consuming all their fat and, therefore, their energy."



The study highlights the importance of the Saharan air layer as a significant aerial route for dispersion. These wind currents, known for transporting Saharan dust to the Amazon, are now recognized as potential highways for living organisms.



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



This discovery suggests the existence of natural aerial corridors connecting continents, potentially facilitating species dispersal on an unprecedented scale.



"I think this study does a good job of demonstrating how much we tend to underestimate the dispersal abilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flightless-stick-insects-spread-their-populations-over-vast-regions/">insects</a>," noted study co-author Megan Reich, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en">University of Ottawa</a>.



"Furthermore, it's entirely possible that we are also underestimating the frequency of these types of dispersal events and their impact on ecosystems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-painted-lady-s-flight-into-the-future">The Painted Lady's flight into the future</h2>



As our climate continues to change, researchers anticipate more long-distance dispersal events, which could significantly impact global biodiversity and ecosystems.



"It is essential to promote systematic monitoring routines for dispersing insects, which could help predict and mitigate potential risks to biodiversity resulting from global change," said Gerard Talavera, the study's lead researcher.



This groundbreaking research not only reveals the extraordinary capabilities of the Painted Lady butterfly but also opens new avenues for understanding insect migration in the face of global environmental changes. 



As we continue to unlock the secrets of these remarkable creatures, we may find that they have much to teach us about resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of our world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49079-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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The incredible transatlantic journey of the Painted Lady

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have mapped the astonishing 4,200-kilometer...

Human-caused mass extinctions can be prevented if we take action now, according to an international coalition of ecologists and conservationists.&nbsp;



In a new study published in the  journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1349350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>, the experts identified crucial biodiversity hotspots that house rare wildlife and outlined an achievable plan to protect endangered species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-the-last-wilderness-areas-nbsp">Safeguarding the last wilderness areas&nbsp;</h2>



Incorporating these “Conservation Imperatives" into the 30 by 30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Earth’s surface by 2030, could safeguard the world's last wilderness areas and maintain essential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



The article, authored by representatives from 20 organizations including the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) in the UK, shows that preserving Earth's remaining biodiversity requires conserving just a small percentage of the planet's surface. 



This plan would help save the most endangered species from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>, securing Earth’s wildlife for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-the-sixth-mass-extinction-nbsp">Preventing the sixth mass extinction&nbsp;</h2>



“Most species on Earth are rare, meaning that species either have very narrow ranges or they occur at very low densities or both,” said lead author Eric Dinerstein, a scientist at the NGO <a href="https://www.resolve.ngo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resolve</a>. 



“And rarity is very concentrated. In our study, zooming in on this rarity, we found that we need only about 1.2% of the Earth’s surface to head off the sixth great extinction of life on Earth.”



“There is a dwindling window of opportunity to protect what is left of the wild across Earth's ecoregions,” added co-author Carlos Peres, a professor of conservation ecology at UEA.&nbsp;



“Our analysis shows that setting aside a critical threshold of only 1.2% of all terrestrial areas - identified as nearly 17,000 sites - to ensure the persistence of endemic, threatened, and rare species is a financially viable proposition, but I'm afraid this viability will rapidly decline over time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remaining-habitats-for-rare-species">Remaining habitats for rare species</h2>



Between 2018 and 2023, an additional 1.2 million square kilometers of land were protected.&nbsp;



However, Dinerstein and his colleagues estimated that this expansion only included 0.11 million square kilometers with range-limited and threatened species. Effective planning for protected areas is essential to ensure resources are used effectively.



The scientists used six layers of global biodiversity data to map the entire world. By combining these layers with maps of existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-are-failing-to-safeguard-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> and a fractional land cover analysis, they identified remaining habitats for rare and threatened species. 



This enabled them to pinpoint the most critical, currently unprotected biodiversity areas, termed Conservation Imperatives, which serve as a global blueprint for local-level conservation planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-sites-to-prevent-mass-extinctions">Key sites to prevent mass extinctions</h2>



Protecting these 16,825 sites, covering approximately 164 million hectares, could prevent all predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-crisis-entire-branches-of-earths-tree-of-life-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a>. 



Moreover, protecting the sites in the tropics alone could prevent most predicted extinctions. Some 38% of Conservation Imperatives are near already-protected areas, which could facilitate their integration into existing conservation zones.



“These sites are home to over 4,700 threatened species in some of the world's most biodiverse yet threatened ecosystems,” said co-author Andy Lee, a manager at Resolve.&nbsp;



“These include not only mammals and birds that rely on large intact habitats, like the tamaraw in the Philippines and the Celebes crested macaque in Sulawesi Indonesia, but also range-restricted amphibians and rare plant species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-avoiding-mass-extinctions">The cost of avoiding mass extinctions </h2>



The researchers estimated the cost of this protection using data from hundreds of land protection projects over 14 years, considering the type and amount of land and country-specific economic factors.&nbsp;



The figures are approximate, as various land purchase or long-term lease options might be suitable for protecting Conservation Imperatives.



Stakeholders worldwide, including indigenous peoples, communities with jurisdiction over Conservation Imperative sites, and other civil society members, will need to decide which options work best for them.



“Our analysis estimated that protecting the Conservation Imperatives in the tropics would cost approximately $34 billion per year over the next five years,” Lee said.&nbsp;



“This represents less than 0.2% of the United States' GDP, less than 9% of the annual subsidies benefiting the global fossil fuel industry, and a fraction of the revenue generated from the mining and agroforestry industries each year.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-earth-for-future-generations">Protecting Earth for future generations </h2>



Preserving wildlife is also crucial for addressing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. Biodiversity conservation means protecting Earth's forest cover, which acts as a carbon sink. 



By conserving carbon-rich, wildlife-rich forested regions, we protect both threatened species and humans. Securing Conservation Imperatives is only the first critical step in this effort, as further actions are needed to address issues like poaching.



“What will we bequeath to future generations? A healthy, vibrant Earth is critical for us to pass on. So we’ve got to get going. We’ve got to head off the extinction crisis. Conservation Imperatives drive us to do that,” Dinerstein concluded.



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Mass extinctions can be prevented by protecting key sites

Human-caused mass extinctions can be prevented if we take action...

Bees, the unsung heroes of our agricultural systems, are facing a dietary crisis. As critical pollinators, they keep our food supply buzzing, but human-caused changes to the environment have left them with limited and often unhealthy foraging options. A new study is shedding light on the specific nutritional needs of bees and the plants that can provide them with a well-rounded diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buzz-on-bee-nutrition">Buzz on bee nutrition</h2>



Bees, like humans, require a balanced diet to thrive. While they get their energy from nectar, pollen is their primary source of proteins, lipids, and other essential nutrients. But not all pollen is created equal.



"Despite public interest and a rise in pollinator plantings, little is known about which plant species are best suited for bee health," said Dr. Sandra Rehan of <a href="https://www.yorku.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York University</a>, the senior author of the study.



The research team, led by Dr. Rehan, analyzed the nutritional value of pollen from 57 plant species commonly found in North America. They focused on two key components of bee nutrition: non-esterified fatty acids (like omega-6 and omega-3) and essential amino acids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-from-plants-for-bee-health">Fuel from plants for bee health</h2>



Fatty acids play a vital role in the overall health and well-being of bees. These essential nutrients are the building blocks of cell membranes, contributing to a robust immune system that protects bees from diseases and parasites. 



Additionally, fatty acids act as an energy source, fueling bees' activities and extending their lifespan. However, maintaining the right balance of fatty acids is crucial. An imbalance can disrupt various physiological processes in bees.



For instance, insufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids can impair bees' cognitive functions, affecting their ability to learn, navigate, and communicate effectively. 



Conversely, excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation and oxidative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, leading to various health problems and potentially shortening their lifespan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acids-the-building-blocks-of-bee-life">Amino acids: The building blocks of bee life</h2>



Essential amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, which are essential for various physiological processes in bees. 



In the realm of cognitive function, these amino acids support the development and maintenance of the nervous system, facilitating learning, memory, and decision-making abilities in bees. 



Additionally, they play a crucial role in reproduction, contributing to the production of eggs and sperm, as well as the overall development of bee larvae.



However, while essential amino acids are vital, overconsumption can have negative consequences. An excess of these amino acids can create an environment within the bee's body that is more favorable to parasites. 



This can increase the susceptibility of bees to parasitic infections, potentially leading to health issues and decreased overall fitness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-diet-from-plants-is-key">Diverse diet from plants is key</h2>



The study found that no single plant species provides the optimal balance of nutrients for bees. Instead, bees need to forage from a variety of plants to get the right mix of fatty acids and amino acids.



"There is a potential tradeoff between fatty acid and amino acid content within pollen, suggesting that a diverse floral diet may benefit bees more than a single pollen source," explained Dr. Rehan. "No one plant species is optimal for generalist wild bee health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-plants-for-bees">Best plants for bees</h2>



While variety is important, the study did identify several plant families that are particularly nutritious for bees. These include roses, clovers, red raspberry, and tall buttercup.



"Based on their ideal protein to lipid ratios for wild bee nutrition, we recommend that pollen species from roses, clovers, red raspberry, and tall buttercup should be emphasized in wildflower restoration projects," said Dr. Rehan.



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



This research has important implications for bee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts. By understanding the specific nutritional needs of bees, we can create more effective pollinator gardens and habitat restoration projects.



"We hope this work will help inform flowering plant selections for pollinator gardens," said Dr. Rehan.



The study also highlights the importance of preserving native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-may-never-fully-recover-from-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a>. While the research found no significant nutritional difference between native and introduced plant species, maintaining a diverse array of native plants ensures that a wide range of bees, including specialist species, have access to the specific pollen they need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-nutrition-and-plant-research">Bee nutrition and plant research</h2>



The study is just the beginning of our understanding of bee nutrition. With thousands of plant species yet to be analyzed, there is much more to learn about the complex relationship between bees and their floral food sources.



"We hope this will inspire future similar research as well as follow up studies on the preference and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-poses-a-challenge-to-the-survival-of-honey-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of bees</a> on different diets," noted Dr. Rehan.



As we continue to explore the intricate world of bee nutrition, one thing is clear: a diverse and balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of these vital pollinators. 



By creating a smorgasbord of floral options, we can help ensure that bees continue to buzz, thrive, and play their crucial role in our ecosystems and food systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1411410" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems</a>.



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Bees need a balanced diet from various plants for optimal health

Bees, the unsung heroes of our agricultural systems, are facing...

Giant lizards known as heath goannas could potentially save Australian sheep farmers millions each year by controlling blowfly populations.



A recent study from the <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> reveals that heath goannas, a species of scavenging lizards, serve as natural cleanup crews by removing maggot-infested carcasses from the environment.



This activity significantly reduces the number of blowflies, which are known to lay eggs on sheep, leading to the costly and devastating disease known as 'fly strike.'



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



"Human-induced environmental change has caused widespread loss of species that support important functions for ecosystems and society," noted the study authors.



"For example, vertebrate scavengers contribute to the functional health of ecosystems and provide services to agricultural landscapes by removing carcasses and associated pests." 



"Widespread extirpation of native Australian mammals since the arrival of Europeans in Australia has removed many scavenging species from landscapes, while scavenging mammals such as European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been introduced."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heath-goannas-vs-european-invaders">Heath goannas vs. European invaders </h2>



The study was conducted at 18 sites across the Marna Banggara Rewilding Project area on Australia's southern Yorke Peninsula. 



The results highlight the effectiveness of heath goannas in controlling blowfly populations compared to introduced European species.



“We found that Australia’s native scavengers like heath goannas are much more effective in removing blowflies from the landscape than invasive scavengers like European foxes and cats," said Tom Jameson, a PhD researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology.



The impact of blowflies on sheep farming is severe, costing the industry an estimated $280 million annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-fly-strike">What is fly strike?</h2>



Fly strike, also known as myiasis, is a condition where flies lay their eggs on an animal's skin or in wounds. When these eggs hatch, the larvae (maggots) burrow into the skin, feeding on the animal's tissue. This can cause severe irritation, pain, and secondary infections. 



Fly strike is particularly common in sheep and rabbits, but it can affect any animal with open wounds or soiled fur. Warm, humid conditions and poor hygiene increase the risk. 



When blowfly maggots burrow into sheep, in particular, the results include painful wounds, decreased market value, reduced breeding success, and often death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scavenging-activities-of-various-species">Scavenging activities of various species</h2>



Jameson's research involved comparing the scavenging activities of various animals in southern Australia.



Hundreds of dead rats were placed at feeding stations equipped with camera traps. After five days, the remaining carcasses were examined for blowfly maggots. 



The footage revealed that native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scavengers-clean-up-wetlands-and-boost-their-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavengers</a> consumed more carcasses and maggots than their European counterparts.



“It was disgusting – we were counting maggots. After five days we’d find over 1,000 maggots in one rat if a scavenger hadn’t found it. Those maggots produce blowflies that can spread up to 20 kilometers in a week, putting local sheep flocks at risk of fly strike,” noted Jameson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heath-goannas-and-ecosystem-restoration">Heath goannas and ecosystem restoration</h2>



The study underscores the importance of boosting populations of native large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-climate-change-drove-the-rapid-evolution-of-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> like heath goannas for ecosystem restoration.



“The results suggest that conservation work in southern Australia to remove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-have-racked-up-390-billion-bill-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> should also focus on boosting the population of heath goannas and other native species because they’re really important for the wider ecosystem,” said Jameson.



Besides benefiting native wildlife, this approach could provide significant advantages for the agricultural industry and attract more wildlife tourism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-heath-goannas-nbsp">More about heath goannas&nbsp;</h2>



The heath goanna, also known as the Rosenberg's monitor, is a species of monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-lizards-have-evolved-to-resist-deadly-snake-venom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizard</a> found in southern Australia. It primarily inhabits heathlands, woodlands, and grasslands, often preferring sandy or rocky areas where it can dig burrows. 



This reptile is known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a long neck, a robust body, and a powerful tail, which it uses for balance and defense.&nbsp;



Heath goannas are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. They are also known to scavenge carrion.&nbsp;



Active during the day, these lizards are skilled hunters and climbers, using their sharp claws and strong limbs to navigate their environment. Reproduction involves laying eggs, which are typically deposited in burrows or other protected sites.&nbsp;



Heath goannas are currently endangered. As one of Australia's largest remaining native scavengers, conserving them is crucial for ecosystem health and local agriculture.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11535" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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How lizards are saving Australian sheep farms

Giant lizards known as heath goannas could potentially save Australian...

In a significant finding, an international team of scientists has discovered that non-native species are expanding their ranges at a rate 100 times faster than native species, largely due to inadvertent human assistance. 



This rapid expansion is crucial as climate change accelerates, affecting habitats and necessitating swift adaptation by flora and fauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-matters-in-climate-change-adaptation">Speed matters in climate change adaptation</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants and animals</a> need to shift their ranges by 3.25 kilometers per year to keep pace with rising temperatures and climate shifts. Unfortunately, native species are struggling to meet this demand without human help.



By contrast, even seemingly sedentary non-native plants are moving three times faster than their native counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activity-boosts-non-native-species">Human activity boosts non-native species</h2>



The research, led by a team from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, includes contributions from scientists in New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, Sevilla, and Zaragoza.



The experts conducted an extensive review of previously published papers and datasets to determine how far and fast both native and non-native species are moving.



The study highlighted how human activities, whether accidental or intentional, are accelerating the spread of non-native species.



"We know that the numbers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-plants-alter-the-soundscape-of-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive plant species</a> are increasing exponentially worldwide," said study lead author Professor Bethany Bradley.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-nurseries-are-the-primary-pathway-for-introducing-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant nurseries</a> are exacerbating this spread, and confronting invasives is a critical step in preparing for climate change. We wanted to quantify the current movement rates of both native and non-native species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-species-movement">Human influence on species movement</h2>



The researchers determined that land-based species need to move at a rate of more than 3.25 kilometers per year to stay ahead of climate change, while marine species need to move at a rate of at least 2.75 kilometers per year.



According to the study, native species are only managing to move an average of 1.74 kilometers per year. Non-native species, on the other hand, are naturally spreading at a rate of about 35 kilometers per year.



With human intervention, the movement rate of alien species skyrockets to 1,883 kilometers per year - 1,000 times faster than native species.



"Essentially, there's no chance for native species to keep up with climate change without human help," spots Bradley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-non-native-species">Future implications for non-native species</h2>



The team also explored how far species might spread in a warming world. Although non-native species are likely to find more suitable habitats, they also risk losing territories as some regions become unsuitable.



"Non-native species might gain more territory with climate change, but they also have more to lose," noted Bradley. 



"We need to consider and implement <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assisted-migrations-could-help-species-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assisted migration</a> - deliberately helping native species move to more suitable locations - if our native plants and animals are to stand a chance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-to-support-native-species">Proactive measures to support native species</h2>



The findings underscore the critical role that humans play in species distribution and highlight the need for proactive measures to support native species in the face of climate change.



Assisted migration could be a vital strategy in ensuring the survival of native flora and fauna as they struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing environments.



This comprehensive research offers a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of human actions and ecological outcomes, urging immediate attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-chorus-invasive-plants-change-the-soundscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> management and climate adaptation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-fast-spreading-non-native-species">Examples of fast-spreading non-native species</h2>



Non-native species that spread rapidly can significantly impact ecosystems, economies, and human health. 



One of the most notorious examples is the zebra mussel, native to Eurasia, which has spread throughout North American waterways, causing extensive ecological and economic damage by clogging water intake pipes and outcompeting native mussel species. 



Another fast-spreading species is the cane toad, originally introduced to Australia to control pests but now proliferating uncontrollably, preying on native species and poisoning predators. 



The Asian carp, introduced to the United States for aquaculture purposes, has spread throughout the Mississippi River Basin, outcompeting native fish for food and habitat. 



The emerald ash borer, an insect native to Asia, has devastated ash tree populations in North America since its accidental introduction, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. 



The kudzu vine, native to Asia, was introduced to the southern United States for erosion control but has since spread aggressively, smothering native vegetation and altering ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102722-013135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics</a>.



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Non-native species are spreading at an exponential rate

In a significant finding, an international team of scientists has...

A team of researchers led by paleontologists Joseph Sertich from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> and Mark Loewen from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> has recently described a newly discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horned-dinosaurs-eastern-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> species named Lokiceratops rangiformis.&nbsp;



This dinosaur, whose name translates to “Loki’s horned face that looks like a caribou” was discovered in northern Montana in 2019 and is the largest centrosaurine found in North America, measuring 22 feet long and weighing 11,000 pounds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-norse-god-of-deception-nbsp">The Norse god of deception&nbsp;</h2>



The dinosaur’s distinctive curving blade-like horns on the back of its frill and asymmetrical horns on the peak of the frill are reminiscent of caribou antlers.



“The dinosaur now has a permanent home in Denmark, so we went with a Norse god, and in the end, doesn’t it just really look like Loki with the curving blades?” said Loewen, referring to the trickster god’s weapon of choice.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ceratopsian-headgear-diversity">Ceratopsian headgear diversity</h2>



Lokiceratops, displayed at the <a href="https://nhmu.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum of Utah</a>, shows that dinosaur horns, like feathers on birds, were likely used for species recognition or mate selection.



The experts reconstructed Lokiceratops from fragments, revealing its unique horns. This discovery adds to the understanding of ceratopsian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-headgears-of-hoofed-mammals-come-from-a-common-ancestor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headgear</a> diversity.&nbsp;



“This new dinosaur pushes the envelope on bizarre ceratopsian headgear, sporting the largest frill horns ever seen in a ceratopsian,” Sertich said.



Living 78 million years ago alongside four other dinosaur species in Laramidia, Lokiceratops highlights an “unheard-of diversity” similar to modern-day East Africa’s horned ungulates.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographical-limitations-of-lokiceratops-nbsp">Geographical limitations of Lokiceratops&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike today's wide-ranging large wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, these ancient animals were geographically limited, suggesting rapid species evolution in small areas, a phenomenon sometimes seen in birds.&nbsp;



“High regional endemism in centrosaurs is associated with, and may have been driven by, high speciation rates and diversity, with competition between dinosaurs limiting their geographic range,” noted the researchers.



“High speciation rates may in turn have been driven in part by sexual selection or latitudinally uneven climatic and floral gradients. The high endemism seen in centrosaurines and other dinosaurs implies that dinosaur diversity is underestimated and contrasts with the large geographic ranges seen in most extant mammalian megafauna.”



By the time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-dinosaurs-seem-to-have-developed-complex-social-structures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a> appeared 12 million years later, regional differences had homogenized into just two horned dinosaur species from Canada to Mexico, possibly due to a more uniform climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-tree-of-horned-dinosaurs-nbsp">Family tree of horned dinosaurs&nbsp;</h2>



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/17224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>, also provides the most complete family tree of horned dinosaurs to date.&nbsp;



“Lokiceratops helps us understand that we are only scratching the surface when it comes to the diversity and relationships within the family tree of horned dinosaurs,” Loewen concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centrosaurines-during-the-late-cretaceous">Centrosaurines during the Late Cretaceous </h2>



Centrosaurines are a subfamily of ceratopsid dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. They are known for their distinctive skull ornamentation, which typically includes a large nasal horn, smaller brow horns, and elaborate frills at the back of their heads adorned with various spikes and projections.&nbsp;



These dinosaurs were primarily herbivorous, feeding on the lush vegetation of their time. Fossils of centrosaurines have been found predominantly in North America, particularly in the regions that are now Alberta, Canada, and the western United States.&nbsp;



They are an important group for understanding ceratopsid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-highlight-dinosaur-diversity-in-prehistoric-patagonia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> and evolution, with well-known genera including Centrosaurus, Styracosaurus, and Pachyrhinosaurus.&nbsp;



Centrosaurines likely lived in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-engaged-in-herd-living-much-earlier-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herds</a> and exhibited complex social behaviors, as suggested by the large bone beds where multiple individuals have been discovered together.



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



Dinosaur horns served various functions, such as defense, display, and species recognition.&nbsp;



Among the most famous horned dinosaurs are the ceratopsians, including Triceratops, which had three facial horns. These horns could have been used in combat with predators or rivals, as well as in courtship displays to attract mates.&nbsp;



The arrangement and size of horns varied significantly among different species. Some dinosaurs, like Styracosaurus, had elaborate horn arrangements with multiple spikes projecting from their frills. These horns and frills could also help identify members of the same species, aiding in social cohesion within herds.&nbsp;



The presence of horns on dinosaurs indicates the diverse evolutionary adaptations these animals developed to survive in their environments.



Image Credit: Fabrizio Lavezzi



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Dinosaur with huge, blade-like horns discovered in Montana

A team of researchers led by paleontologists Joseph Sertich from...

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have provided the first conclusive evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump.



This behavior, which has been debated by scientists for over a century, was captured on video and analyzed in a new study. 



The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/btp.13340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biotropica</a> by researchers from several renowned institutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-leech-behavior">Documenting leech behavior</h2>



The team, including scientists from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a>, Fordham University, and CUNY’s Medgar Evers College, documented this surprising behavior during expeditions to Madagascar in 2017 and 2023.



The footage shows leeches from the genus Chtonobdella coiling back on a leaf and then launching themselves into the air. 



This motion has been likened to a "backbending cobra" or a spring being pulled back, highlighting a significant departure from their usual inchworm-like movements.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="CW2LlMWMc9-3697710-12187" type="single"]</div>



"We believe this is the first convincing evidence that leeches can jump and do so with visible energy expenditure," explained study lead author, Mai Fahmy, a visiting scientist at the Museum and a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University.



Previous accounts of leeches jumping were often dismissed as leeches merely attaching to passersby or dropping from branches above. This study challenges that notion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-graceful-jump-of-leeches">The graceful jump of leeches</h2>



During the 2023 expedition, the researchers captured video evidence of these jumps. The leech extends its body while in mid-air, before landing. This unique movement was described as a "graceful jump but with a seemingly hard landing."



Several other worm-like invertebrates are known to jump, including gall midge larvae, Mediterranean fruit fly larvae, "skipper flies," and certain caterpillars.



However, until now, there has been little concrete evidence to support claims that terrestrial leeches, particularly those in the family Haemadipsidae, could also jump.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-s-impact">Study's impact</h2>



The researchers identified the leech observed in the 2023 footage as Chtonobdella fallax, a species commonly found in Madagascar. 



The larger Chtonobdella group is widespread across Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Malay Archipelago, and the South Pacific Islands. 



Given that multiple jumps were recorded in a short period, it is likely that the behavior is common among this species.



"We do not know how often this may happen or whether these leeches use this ability to seek out hosts," said co-author Michael Tessler, an assistant professor at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College. "However, this discovery opens new avenues for understanding leech behavior."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leech-behavior-and-conservation-efforts">Leech behavior and conservation efforts</h2>



Understanding leech behavior is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. Leeches, particularly their blood meals, are increasingly collected to survey vertebrate biodiversity.



By identifying how leeches find and attach to hosts, researchers can better interpret the results of gut content analyses.



"Leeches are often overlooked and understudied," said Fahmy. "As a natural part of the ecosystem, they themselves may be in need of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation protection</a>."



This discovery not only sheds light on an unusual leech behavior but also emphasizes the importance of studying even the most overlooked creatures in our ecosystems.



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



The implications of this study extend to the fields of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-cannot-outrun-animals-but-theyre-evolving-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomechanics</a> and evolutionary biology. Understanding the mechanics of leech jumping could inspire advancements in bio-inspired robotics, where mimicking leech movements could lead to the development of more efficient and adaptable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a>. 



This research also provides a new perspective on the evolutionary adaptations of leeches, suggesting that their ability to jump may have developed as a survival mechanism, potentially offering advantages in predation or escaping threats.



Additionally, this discovery might impact ecological monitoring techniques. Researchers could explore whether other overlooked behaviors exist in leech species across different habitats. 



This could lead to more accurate and comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-animal-species-will-soon-vanish-from-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity assessments</a>, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where leeches are common. 



The findings may also influence public perception, increasing interest and funding for invertebrate studies, which are often overshadowed by research on more charismatic animals.



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



Leeches are fascinating creatures with unique abilities beyond jumping. Some leeches have anticoagulant properties in their saliva, used medically to prevent blood clotting during surgeries. 



Leeches can consume blood up to ten times their body weight in a single meal, allowing them to go months between feedings. They exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities, able to regrow lost segments. 



Certain species of leeches are sensitive to light and can detect changes in their environment. Additionally, their ancient lineage dates back over 200 million years, making them living witnesses to significant evolutionary changes on Earth.



Video Credit: © Mai Fahmy



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First proof of leeches jumping captured on video

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have provided the first conclusive...

Baby,Discus,Fish,Swimming,In,Freshwater.,Discus,Fishes,Are,Native

While the idea of corporal discipline in children is increasingly controversial among humans, the behavior of some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish species</a> suggests that they find punishment of their offspring to be highly effective.



Recent research reveals that a species of fish uses physical punishment to encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-can-recognize-cooperative-team-players/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooperative behavior</a> among its offspring, showcasing advanced social and cognitive skills typically associated with higher vertebrates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-punishment-and-fish-dynamics">Physical punishment and fish dynamics</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/sci/en/">Graduate School of Science at Osaka Metropolitan University</a> has discovered that Neolamprologus savoryi, a cooperatively breeding cichlid fish, employs physical punishment to promote helping behaviors.



For millennia, human societies have used punishment to foster cooperation and maintain social order. But how do other animals achieve similar cooperation?



The research team aimed to answer this by studying N. savoryi, a fish species known for its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooperative-breeding-protects-desert-birds-from-reproductive-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooperative breeding</a> behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-in-a-controlled-setting">Studying in a controlled setting</h2>



The researchers observed N. savoryi in a controlled laboratory setting, focusing on the interactions between dominant breeders and subordinate helpers.



These helpers, often offspring of the dominant breeders, assist in tasks such as defending territory and maintaining breeding shelters.



"Even though punishment in cooperatively breeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cichlid-fish-transform-their-shape-to-handle-environmental-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cichlid fish</a> has been studied, there is limited evidence that they use punishment to encourage cooperative behavior," said Satoshi Awata, the lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-punishment-and-cooperative-behavior">Fish, punishment, and cooperative behavior</h2>



The results were striking. 



Dominant breeders were seen physically attacking idle helpers, including their own offspring, to encourage their participation in cooperative activities. 



Helpers subjected to this aggression increased their helping behaviors significantly. Conversely, those who were proactive in their duties avoided such punishment.



"Our study demonstrated that nonhuman animals also use punishment to elicit cooperative behaviors in group members," explained Awata.



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



These findings suggest that the use of punishment to enforce cooperation is not exclusive to human societies. 



It highlights how other animals maintain social relationships and enforce cooperation, bridging a gap in understanding the evolution of these behaviors.



"Our findings reveal that fish, like humans, employ advanced cognitive abilities to sustain their societies. This compels us to reconsider the notion of ‘intelligence’ not only in fish but across the animal kingdom," Awata added.



This research prompts a reevaluation of intelligence and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-friendships-social-bonds-evolve-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a> in animals, emphasizing the complexity of fish societies and their methods of maintaining order and cooperation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-behaviors-of-fish">Other behaviors of fish</h2>



Fish exhibit a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-use-collective-behavior-to-reduce-energy-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse range of behaviors</a> that extend far beyond what this research highlights. Social structures in fish can be complex, involving hierarchies and intricate communication systems. 



Many fish species, such as clownfish and cleaner wrasse, form symbiotic relationships where mutual benefits drive their interactions. For example, cleaner wrasse eat parasites off larger fish, benefiting both parties.



Schooling behavior is another fascinating aspect. Fish like sardines and herring move in synchronized groups, which helps reduce individual predation risk and improves foraging efficiency. This collective movement requires advanced coordination and communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-parental-care">Reproduction and parental care</h2>



Reproductive behaviors in fish are also varied and complex. Some species, like the stickleback, exhibit elaborate courtship displays. Others, like salmon, undertake long migrations to spawning grounds, demonstrating remarkable navigational abilities.



Parental care in fish ranges from none to extensive. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-of-cichlid-fish-boosts-biodiversity-in-lake-tanganyika/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cichlids</a>, for instance, protect and care for their young, while some fish, like seahorses, exhibit unique roles where males carry and birth the offspring.



Territorial behaviors are common, with fish like damselfish aggressively defending their space from intruders. These behaviors often involve visual displays and physical confrontations.



Overall, fish behavior showcases a wide array of adaptive strategies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-catastrophic-decline-in-migratory-freshwater-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>, reproduction, and social interaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-fish-offspring-punishment">Understanding fish offspring punishment</h2>



Cooperative behavior in fish holds significant ecological and evolutionary importance. It enhances survival by optimizing resource use, improving defense against predators, and increasing reproductive success. 



Species like the cleaner wrasse benefit from mutualistic relationships, improving health and reducing disease. Cooperative breeding, seen in cichlids, ensures better care for offspring, increasing their survival rates. 



These behaviors highlight advanced social structures, challenging traditional views of fish intelligence and social complexity. 



Understanding these interactions aids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> and offers insights into the evolution of social behaviors across species, illustrating the intricate balance of aquatic ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347224000691?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behaviour</a>.



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Fish engage in physical punishment of their offspring for discipline

While the idea of corporal discipline in children is increasingly...

An international team of scientists has uncovered the oldest fossil of a polar sea reptile, called a nothosaur, from the Southern Hemisphere. The nothosaur vertebra, found on New Zealand's South Island, dates back 246 million years.



This period marks the dawn of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dinosaurs-influence-human-aging-65-million-years-after-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Age of Dinosaurs</a>, during which New Zealand was part of the southern polar coast of the vast Panthalassa super-ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dawn-of-sea-reptiles">Dawn of sea reptiles</h2>



Following a catastrophic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a> around 252 million years ago, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/there-are-only-100-marine-reptiles-the-iguana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> began to invade the seas, marking a pivotal evolutionary milestone.



Until now, evidence of this transition had only been found in a few locations, such as Spitsbergen in the Arctic, northwestern North America, and southwestern China. 



The discovery of a single vertebra in a stream bed near Mount Harper on New Zealand's South Island provides new insight into the early presence of sea reptiles in the Southern Hemisphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nothosaurs-ruled-the-ancient-seas">Nothosaurs ruled the ancient seas</h2>



Before dinosaurs roamed the land, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-reptile-rhynchosaur-died-off-before-the-dinosaurs-due-to-weak-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> like the nothosaurs dominated the seas.



Nothosaurs were part of the sauropterygian group, known for its diverse and long-surviving species, including the long-necked plesiosaurs reminiscent of the Loch Ness Monster.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/seagoing-reptile_nothosaur_illustration_credit-Johan-Egerkrans_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/seagoing-reptile_nothosaur_illustration_credit-Johan-Egerkrans_1s.jpg" alt="Illustration of a nothosaur ancient sea reptile. Credit: Johan Egerkrans" class="wp-image-1936980"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration of a nothosaur ancient sea reptile. Credit: Johan Egerkrans</figcaption></figure>



Nothosaurs, growing up to seven meters long, swam with four paddle-like limbs and used their flattened skulls and slender conical teeth to catch fish and squid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-reptiles-in-the-southern-hemisphere">Sea reptiles in the Southern Hemisphere</h2>



Discovered during a geological survey in 1978, the nothosaur's importance remained unrecognized until a collaborative effort by paleontologists from Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, and East Timor. 



Dr. Benjamin Kear from <a href="https://www.uu.se/en/museum-of-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Museum of Evolution</a> at Uppsala University, lead author of the study, emphasizes the fossil's significance.



"The nothosaur found in New Zealand is over 40 million years older than the previously oldest known sauropterygian fossils from the Southern Hemisphere," explains Dr. Kear. 



"We show that these ancient sea reptiles lived in a shallow coastal environment teeming with marine creatures within what was then the southern polar circle."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revising-theories-on-nothosaur-migration">Revising theories on Nothosaur migration</h2>



Previously, the oldest known nothosaur fossils, dating back around 248 million years, were found in a northern low-latitude belt stretching across the Panthalassa super-ocean. 



The origin and distribution of these reptiles have been subjects of debate, with theories suggesting various migration routes. 



The discovery of the New Zealand nothosaur challenges these long-standing hypotheses.



"Using a time-calibrated evolutionary model of sauropterygian global distributions, we show that nothosaurs originated near the equator, then rapidly spread both northwards and southwards at the same time as complex marine ecosystems became re-established after the cataclysmic mass extinction that marked the beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs," Dr. Kear elaborates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-reptile-fossils-hint-at-global-migrations">Sea reptile fossils hint at global migrations</h2>



The early Age of Dinosaurs was characterized by extreme global warming, which facilitated the thriving of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-known-marine-reptile-a-giant-ichthyosaur-has-been-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine reptiles</a> at the South Pole.



This suggests that ancient polar regions were likely routes for their global migrations, similar to the epic trans-oceanic journeys undertaken by whales today.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/seagoing-reptile_nothosaur_vertebra-fossil_credit-Stavros-Kundromichalis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/seagoing-reptile_nothosaur_vertebra-fossil_credit-Stavros-Kundromichalis_1s.jpg" alt="Nothosaur vertebra fossil. Image credit: Stavros Kundromichalis" class="wp-image-1936982"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nothosaur vertebra fossil. Image credit: Stavros Kundromichalis</figcaption></figure>



"Undoubtedly, there are more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trachelosaurus-fischeri-worlds-oldest-long-necked-marine-reptile-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> remains of long-extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-related-to-sea-monsters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea monsters</a> waiting to be discovered in New Zealand and elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere," Dr. Kear concludes.



This remarkable discovery not only provides a new understanding of early sea reptiles in the Southern Hemisphere but also opens the door to further exploration and potential findings of long-extinct marine creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-reptiles-beyond-fossils">Sea reptiles beyond fossils</h2>



Sea reptiles have a rich history that extends beyond this remarkable discovery. These creatures first appeared over 250 million years ago, following the Permian-Triassic extinction event. 



They quickly adapted to marine environments, giving rise to diverse groups like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs. Ichthyosaurs, resembling modern dolphins, dominated the oceans during the early Mesozoic era. 



Plesiosaurs, known for their long necks and broad bodies, thrived throughout the Jurassic period. Mosasaurs, massive predators resembling oversized monitor lizards, ruled the seas during the Late Cretaceous period. 



Each of these groups showcased unique adaptations, such as streamlined bodies, powerful limbs, and specialized teeth for catching prey. Their fossils have been found worldwide, offering insights into their evolution and migration patterns. 



This rich fossil record helps scientists understand the dynamic changes in marine ecosystems over millions of years and the roles these fascinating creatures played in ancient oceans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224003750" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Polar sea reptile 'nothosaur' fossil is the oldest ever discovered

An international team of scientists has uncovered the oldest fossil...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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