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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Marine records indicate the Late Cretaceous did not stay uniformly hot. </p>



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



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



<p>Inland Asia would have felt those shifts in precipitation, seasonality, and vegetation.</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<p>Don't let those little wiggly bodies fool you. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-can-stop-their-bleeding-in-seconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caterpillars</a>, those voracious munching machines we find in our gardens, might seem simple. But they hide an incredibly sophisticated secret weapon: their nose. And it could be the key to protecting our crops in a whole new way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-nose">Meet the nose</h2>



<p>We humans rely heavily on sight and hearing to navigate the world. Insects, including caterpillars, have evolved a different sensory toolkit. They are masters of smell, with highly specialized olfactory organs located on their antennae. </p>



<p>These feathery "feelers" aren't merely decorative; they are covered in tiny sensory receptors. The receptors function like miniature chemical detectors, capable of sensing incredibly minute concentrations of airborne molecules. </p>



<p>This allows caterpillars to locate food sources, detect potential mates, and navigate their environment using scent cues that would be entirely imperceptible to humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catterpillar-s-noses-smell-signals">Catterpillar's noses smell signals</h2>



<p>Researchers at Wageningen University &amp; Research (<a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUR</a>) have made a fascinating discovery. A caterpillar's nose might have only 34 neurons (brain cells for sense of smell), compared to an adult butterfly's 300,000. </p>



<p>Yet, the way this tiny nose processes information is surprisingly complex. This was explained by entomologist Alexander Haverkamp: "The 'nose' of the large white caterpillar (Pieris brassicae) has only 34 neurons, while the same insect has about 300,000 neurons when it reaches the stage of adulthood as a butterfly."</p>



<p>Picture the inside of their "nose" like a miniature sorting office. Each scent triggers a unique signal, bundled up and sent to a brain center that identifies what exactly the caterpillar is smelling. It works just like the big brains of adult butterflies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-nose-as-nature-s-survival-kit">Caterpillar nose as nature's survival kit</h2>



<p>Why does a caterpillar need such a powerful nose? Well, let's just say life as a squishy, slow-moving bug isn't easy.</p>



<p>"This enables caterpillars to detect many different scents in their environment, enhancing their chances of survival, as caterpillars mature in a highly hostile environment surrounded by predators and poisonous plant substances," explained Haverkamp. A super-sniffer lets them find the yummiest leaves, sniff out danger, and avoid toxic plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functions-of-the-caterpillar-nose">Functions of the caterpillar nose</h2>



<p>The functions of a caterpillar's "nose," which in reality refers to its antennae and olfactory receptors, are sophisticated and vital for its survival. These functions span from finding food to avoiding danger, showcasing a remarkable adaptation to their environment. Let's delve deeper into each of these roles:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-detection-for-food">Scent detection for food</h3>



<p>As discussed above, caterpillars have a refined ability to detect odors in their environment, which guides them to their food sources. </p>



<p>Plants emit various chemical compounds, and caterpillars can discern these subtle differences, directing them towards suitable plants for nourishment. This is especially critical for species that are picky eaters and depend on specific host plants for survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-of-predators-and-toxic-plants">Awareness of predators and toxic plants</h3>



<p>The antennae of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carnivorous-caterpillars-hungry-flesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> are equipped to sense danger through chemical signals. Predators, such as birds and wasps, may leave traces that caterpillars can detect, prompting them to hide or freeze. </p>



<p>Similarly, the ability to recognize the chemical markers of toxic plants prevents them from consuming harmful substances. This sensory detection acts as an early warning system, enhancing their chances of survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-through-chemical-signals">Communication through chemical signals</h3>



<p>While caterpillars are often seen as solitary creatures, there are instances where communication is key. Some species release pheromones to signal distress or to help coordinate group feeding strategies, reducing competition and optimizing resource utilization. This chemical communication is a critical aspect of their social behavior, aiding in survival and efficient feeding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-mating-in-adulthood">Foundation for mating in adulthood</h3>



<p>Though <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillar-outbreaks-drive-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> do not mate, the development of their olfactory systems is crucial for their future as adult moths or butterflies. </p>



<p>The antennae grow more sophisticated with age, and by the time they metamorphose into adults, these insects are capable of detecting mates over long distances. </p>



<p>The groundwork for this ability is laid during the caterpillar phase, highlighting the importance of their sensory development early on.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-sensing-by-caterpillar-noses">Environmental sensing by caterpillar noses</h3>



<p>Beyond finding food and avoiding danger, caterpillars use their antennae to sense the quality of their environment. Humidity levels, temperature changes, and even the presence of water can be detected. </p>



<p>This information is crucial for making life-or-death decisions, such as when to feed, where to pupate, and how to avoid adverse conditions. In the case of pupation, selecting a site with optimal humidity and temperature can significantly impact the success of their metamorphosis into adulthood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-the-caterpillar-nose-for-good">Harnessing the caterpillar nose for good</h2>



<p>This discovery extends far beyond simply understanding the fascinating sensory world of insects. It holds significant potential for revolutionizing agricultural practices.</p>



<p>Large white caterpillars pose a major threat to cabbage farmers, capable of devastating entire harvests. The widespread use of pesticides to combat these pests is not only expensive but also carries substantial environmental risks.</p>



<p>Understanding the precise chemical cues that attract or repel caterpillars opens up the possibility of developing alternative pest control strategies. </p>



<p>For example, farmers could strategically plant 'decoy' crops that emit highly attractive scents, luring the caterpillars away from the primary cabbage crop. Additionally, planting species that emit repellent odors alongside the cabbage could further deter the pests.</p>



<p>The success of such strategies hinges on pinpointing the exact olfactory signals that guide caterpillar behavior, highlighting the practical importance of this research.</p>



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



<p>The scientists aren't stopping there. They're diving deeper into the genes behind the caterpillar's smell receptors. </p>



<p>"We hope this will provide us with more information on what chemical substances prompt a response from the receptor molecules and what message the caterpillar receives from them," said Haverkamp. "In time, this will hopefully enable us to better understand the caterpillars' sensory world."</p>



<p>The next time you see a caterpillar, pause for a moment. Try to imagine the world as they "smell" it - a landscape defined by scent, full of hidden dangers and delicious discoveries. These little noses hold secrets, and those secrets might just revolutionize the way we grow our food.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.13304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insect Science</a></em>.</p>



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Caterpillar 'noses' can lead to safer ways to protect crops

Don't let those little wiggly bodies fool you. Caterpillars, those...

<p>Imagine a world where the soundtrack of your dreams could be downloaded and played back for all to hear. Well, for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, it's getting closer to reality.</p>



<p>Scientists have figured out how to turn the fluttering brain signals of slumbering birds into actual audible songs. This is an incredible breakthrough, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the secret dream world of birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-avian-mind">Inside the avian mind</h2>



<p>The idea that animals dream isn't new. If you've ever seen your dog twitching and whimpering in its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-sing-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, you've witnessed a canine dream in action. </p>



<p>Cats too, with their phantom stalking and playful pounces, clearly have vivid inner lives while they snooze. But what about birds? For a long time, their dreams were a puzzle.</p>



<p>We knew that during sleep, birds' brains showed activity patterns similar to ours. These patterns suggested they were replaying memories or experiences, much like we do in our dreams. </p>



<p>However, scientists couldn't translate those brain signals into anything we could understand - like a dream's sights or sounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-bird-dreams">Translating bird dreams</h2>



<p>This is where a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.uba.ar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buenos Aires</a> made their remarkable discovery. They realized that those mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-night-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain signals don't simply remain trapped within the skull. Instead, these signals travel down to the bird's unique vocal organ called the syrinx.</p>



<p>To capture this activity, the scientists use tiny, harmless sensors capable of recording subtle muscle twitches within the syrinx while a bird is dreaming. This raw data is then fed into a sophisticated computer model. </p>



<p>The model has been designed to translate patterns of muscle activity into the corresponding sounds a bird would produce if it were actively singing. This innovative process allows the researchers to hear the soundtrack of a bird's dreams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-a-bird-dream-sound-like">What does a bird dream sound like?</h2>



<p>"We can use the muscle activity patterns as time-dependent parameters of a model of birdsong production and synthesize the corresponding song,” explained study co-author Gabriel Mindlin.</p>



<p>In simpler terms, those chirps, whistles, and trills you hear during the day? They might very well be echoing through a bird's dreams at night. </p>



<p>Mindlin describes one particularly moving moment - hearing the dream song of a bird engaged in a fierce territorial battle. The sounds mirrored the aggressive trills birds use in real-life confrontations. </p>



<p>"I felt great empathy imagining that solitary bird recreating a territorial dispute in its dream," said Mindlin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-decoding-bird-dreams">The future of decoding bird dreams</h2>



<p>The research represents a major leap forward in our understanding of animal dreaming, raising a host of intriguing possibilities for further exploration. </p>



<p>Naturally, the ability to decode a bird's dreams is captivating in itself. However, the potential applications of this technology extend far beyond simple eavesdropping.</p>



<p>Mindlin theorizes that this discovery could pave the way for real-time interaction with birds during the dream state. This interaction might take the form of playing specific soundscapes or vocalizations to a sleeping songbird and observing how these stimuli influence the content of their dreams.</p>



<p>Another significant area of potential impact is in the study of avian vocal learning. Many birds learn their complex songs through practice and imitation. </p>



<p>This research suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dreams-keep-the-brain-from-becoming-too-familiar-with-everyday-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dream</a> state might be a crucial period for birds to rehearse and fine-tune their vocal skills. </p>



<p>If this hypothesis proves true, scientists could then investigate methods of optimizing song learning during sleep. This might involve tailored auditory experiences presented to birds during their dreaming periods.</p>



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



<p>The research extends beyond the fascinating realm of bird dreams. It offers profound insights into the very nature of animal consciousness. </p>



<p>By demonstrating that birds possess complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-dreams-help-us-organize-our-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dream</a> experiences, the study challenges our assumptions about the inner lives of other species. It highlights the potential for deeper understanding and connection between humans and the diverse creatures we share our world with.</p>



<p>This work also points towards exciting avenues for future research. If birdsong can be decoded from dreams, could the same method be applied to other forms of animal communication or behavior? </p>



<p>Understanding the dreams of other species could unlock a wealth of knowledge about their emotional states, social interactions, and cognitive abilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reasons-behind-dreams-in-birds-and-beyond">Reasons behind dreams in birds and beyond</h2>



<p>Dreams have fascinated scientists and philosophers for centuries. While humans have long pondered the reasons behind their own dreams, recent research sheds light on why birds, and perhaps all creatures, dream.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The purpose of dreaming</h3>



<p>One of the leading theories on why beings dream, including birds, revolves around memory consolidation. Dreams may help the brain sort through the day's experiences, deciding what to store as long-term memory. This process is crucial for learning and adapting to new environments or challenges.</p>



<p>Furthermore, dreams might serve as a form of cognitive maintenance, allowing the brain to recalibrate and prepare for wakefulness. </p>



<p>This "reboot" theory suggests that during dreams, the brain can reset its neural pathways, ensuring optimal functioning during the day. For birds, particularly those that learn and replicate complex songs, this could be a vital function to maintain their communication skills.</p>



<p>Dreams also offer a safe haven for emotional processing. They allow the brain to work through experiences, fears, and desires without the constraints of reality. </p>



<p>This emotional digestion could be as relevant for animals, including birds, as it is for humans, helping them to navigate social hierarchies or territorial disputes more effectively.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why birds dream</h3>



<p>Birds, especially songbirds, are known to engage in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which dreaming occurs in humans. Researchers believe that for birds, dreaming is closely linked to song rehearsal. </p>



<p>Young birds, much like human infants learning to speak, practice their songs in dreams. This rehearsal is thought to be a critical part of how they perfect their calls and songs, which are essential for communication, mating, and territory defense.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The evolutionary perspective</h3>



<p>From an evolutionary standpoint, dreaming could be a trait that offers a competitive advantage. By simulating scenarios in a safe, consequence-free environment, dreams provide the opportunity to rehearse responses to potential threats or opportunities. This rehearsal theory suggests that dreaming is a form of mental practice that enhances survival skills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dreams-across-the-animal-kingdom">Dreams across the animal kingdom</h2>



<p>While the exact reasons why birds or any creatures dream remain partially speculative, the convergence of theories suggests dreams are a multifunctional phenomenon. </p>



<p>They may serve not just one, but many purposes, from memory consolidation and cognitive maintenance to emotional processing and survival strategy rehearsal.</p>



<p>Dreams, then, are more than just nighttime narratives. They are a critical component of the brain's maintenance and development processes - a universal feature shared across the animal kingdom, from the smallest bird to the most complex human. </p>



<p>This fascinating realm of research continues to offer insights into the shared experiences of life on Earth, reminding us of the intricate connections that bind us to the natural world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C</a><a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/cha/article/34/4/043103/3280388/Synthesizing-avian-dreams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">h</a><a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aos</a></em>.</p>



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Scientists turn bird dreams into captivating music

Imagine a world where the soundtrack of your dreams could...

<p>In a recent study from <a href="https://www.unm.edu/">The University of New Mexico</a>, researchers David Tan and Nicholas Freymueller reveal that blue light significantly increases the risk of building collisions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night-migrating birds.</a> </p>



<p>The research illuminates a crucial but previously underexplored factor contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian fatalities</a> in urban environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-context-of-bird-building-collisions">The global context of bird-building collisions</h2>



<p>Each year, hundreds of millions of birds perish in North America alone due to building collisions. A significant portion of these incidents involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-a-growing-issue-for-migratory-birds/">migratory species</a>.</p>



<p>Although well-documented in North America, the bird collisions issue also casts a shadow across tropical regions. This is particularly true within Asian and African cities, where substantial gaps in knowledge persist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-studying-urban-bird-fatalities">A new approach to studying urban bird fatalities</h2>



<p>The researchers adopted a unique methodology. By expanding their study across Singapore - a densely populated city-state with over 100,000 buildings - they utilized ecological niche modeling. This approach helped predict collision hotspots by identifying a "death niche" for the city’s birds.</p>



<p>"It’s a counterintuitive way to think about niche models, but if we can use environmental factors like temperature and rainfall to predict where living animals occur, it makes sense that the same methods can also be used to predict where birds might die from building collisions since these collisions are strongly affected by the urban environment," explained Tan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-findings-the-crucial-insights-and-their-implications">Illuminating findings: the crucial insights and their implications</h2>



<p>The study authors analyzed nearly 225 bird-building collision records from 2013-2020. They found that migratory pittas and resident pigeons were most affected. Pittas were particularly sensitive to blue light, showing increased collision frequencies.</p>



<p>"These results confirm what we previously suspected about pittas from bird banding studies conducted in the 1960s – that pittas are strongly attracted to light when they migrate at night," said Tan. "This is the first time anyone has demonstrated a specific attraction to blue light in this group of birds."</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that non-migratory birds like green pigeons and emerald doves often collide with buildings near forest edges. This is likely due to their movement through the urban landscape as they navigate between fragmented forest patches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-for-urban-planning">Proactive measures for urban planning</h2>



<p>Drawing on their findings, the researchers identified potential future collision hotspots in Singapore. They linked these hotspots to planned developments near forests and high blue light pollution areas.</p>



<p>"One of the benefits of working in Singapore is that the government tends to plan everything well ahead of time," noted Tan. </p>



<p>"Because of this, we were able to use long-term land-use plans published by the Singapore government to predict where future collision hotspots might occur, which will in turn allow urban planners and developers to incorporate bird-friendly measures into building designs even before the first foundations are laid."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-mitigating-bird-collisions">Recommendations for mitigating bird collisions</h2>



<p>The research underscores a key environmental issue and provides practical insights for urban planning and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/best-habitats-bird-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird conservation</a> strategies.</p>



<p>To mitigate the identified risks of collisions, the experts recommend using bird-safe architectural elements. These include bird-friendly glass and shading devices, especially in forest-adjacent high-risk areas.</p>



<p>Additionally, they suggest using warmer LED lighting and shielding to reduce light spill. This can lessen the negative effects of blue <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> on migratory birds.</p>



<p>"Our discovery that blue light pollution increases the building collision risk of night-migrating birds in tropical Asia adds to the small but growing number of studies worldwide showing that blue light pollution attracts migratory birds," Tan concluded. "Reducing blue light emissions at night during the migratory months could help reduce the number of bird deaths in cities, especially in tropical Asia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about light pollution and bird collisions</h2>



<p>Light pollution significantly contributes to bird collisions, especially affecting migrating birds. Many species of birds migrate at night and rely on natural light cues from the moon and stars for navigation. </p>



<p>Artificial lights, such as those from buildings, street lamps, and other infrastructure, can disorient these nocturnal migrants, leading to what is often referred to as "fatal light attraction."</p>



<p>When birds encounter intense artificial light, particularly in cloudy or foggy conditions, they can become disoriented and circle the light sources until they collide with an object or exhaust themselves. </p>



<p>This phenomenon is particularly observed in cities with skyscrapers and during events like the "Tribute in Light" in New York, where beams of light have been known to attract and disorient large numbers of birds.</p>



<p>Efforts to reduce these collisions include initiatives such as "Lights Out" programs in various cities, where building owners turn off or dim non-essential lights during peak migration periods in the spring and fall. </p>



<p>These programs aim to decrease the risks to birds by minimizing the attractions and distractions caused by artificial lights, thereby helping to ensure safer migration paths for these species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.14255" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Blue light in cities increases risk of bird collisions with buildings

In a recent study from The University of New Mexico,...

<p>Ant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pheromones</a> may hold the key to protecting outdoor enthusiasts from ticks, particularly the black-legged variety known to transmit Lyme disease, as they enjoy the spring sunshine. </p>



<p>Researchers at Simon Fraser University (<a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFU</a>) are pioneering the study of these natural repellents, exploring innovative methods to mitigate the increasing risk posed by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">dangerous arthropods</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-risks-of-our-outdoor-seasons">Unseen risks of our outdoor seasons</h2>



<p>Claire Gooding, a lead researcher from <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/gries-lab.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFU</a>'s Gries Lab, highlights the ubiquity of tick encounters, especially during the summer's peak outdoor activities. "Ticks are drawn to many of the same environments and seasons that we enjoy being outdoors," said Gooding. </p>



<p>The team investigated the natural predators of the black-legged tick, including ants, spiders, and beetles. The researchers also explored the evolutionary adaptations ticks have developed to avoid these threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-chatter-ants-as-tick-deterrents">Chemical chatter: Ants as tick deterrents</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ants</a>, known for their complex social structures, communicate extensively using a variety of pheromones. </p>



<p>"Ants are chemically noisy, making it easier to predict their presence," said Gooding. This predictability is key in understanding how ticks perceive and react to these chemical signals.</p>



<p>Consequently, the research showed that ticks avoid areas once inhabited by ants, even after the ants have left.</p>



<p>"The ticks could sense where ants had been and would choose to steer clear, anticipating potential future encounters with ants," noted Gooding. This avoidance behavior sparked the idea of using ant pheromones as a repellent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-at-work">Innovation at work</h2>



<p>In collaboration with synthetic and analytical chemists, Gooding's team successfully identified the specific pheromones and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matabele-ants-produce-antibiotics-to-treat-wounded-nestmates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant glands</a> responsible for their production. </p>



<p>They were able to create a synthetic version of these pheromones, which proved equally effective in repelling ticks. The implications of this discovery could be significant for both individual and environmental protection. </p>



<p>The SFU team, supported by industrial sponsors, has already filed a patent application for the repellent chemicals. The goal is to develop products for skin application, like mosquito repellents, and for environmental use.</p>



<p>For instance, these synthetic pheromones could be integrated with physical barriers, such as wood chips. This would create tick-repellent zones along hiking trails and camping sites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-free-from-ticks">A future free from ticks</h2>



<p>As ticks continue to pose a growing health threat, partly due to their expanding natural ranges influenced by climate change, innovative solutions like these are crucial. </p>



<p>By harnessing the natural chemical language of ants, researchers are opening new avenues in pest management and disease prevention. This promises safer, tick-free enjoyment of the great outdoors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about black-legged ticks</h2>



<p>Black-legged ticks, scientifically known as <em>Ixodes scapularis</em>, are commonly referred to as deer ticks. These ticks are significant vectors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-longhorned-tick-invasion-threatens-livestock-in-ohio/">diseases</a> in North America, most notably Lyme disease, which they can transmit through their bites. They can also spread other serious illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life cycle</h3>



<p>These ticks have a two-year life cycle and go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal to progress to the next, except for the egg stage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Black-legged ticks are known for their preference for different hosts at each stage of their life, typically feeding on small mammals and birds as larvae and nymphs, and larger mammals such as deer and humans as adults.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Appearance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The appearance of the black-legged tick varies: nymphs are very small, about the size of a poppy seed, while adults can be as large as a sesame seed, especially after feeding. Females are distinguishable by a reddish portion on their backs, whereas males are generally darker.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Activity</h3>



<p>Black-legged ticks are most active during the warmer months, especially in spring and summer, but adults can also be active in the winter if the temperature is above freezing. They are primarily found in wooded, brushy areas, promoting close contact with potential mammalian hosts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Preventive measures against black-legged ticks include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, performing regular tick checks after being in tick-prone areas, and managing landscape to reduce tick habitats near homes.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a></em>.</p>



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Black-legged ticks are naturally repelled by ant pheromones

Ant pheromones may hold the key to protecting outdoor enthusiasts...

Zebra,Finch

<p>Think humans are the only ones who fall for a good voice? Think again! Our feathered friends, the zebra finches, have their own complex system of musical attraction. While humans might judge singers on factors like power and range, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female zebra finches</a> are listening for something entirely different – ideal mate selection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finches-sing-their-way-to-mates-hearts">Zebra finches sing their way to mates' hearts</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/love-on-the-brain-male-zebra-finches-drop-everything-to-pursue-a-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zebra finches</a> demonstrate a clear pattern in their musical development. While both males and females have the potential for song, it's the males who primarily carry the responsibility for courtship and communication through singing. </p>



<p>Young males acquire a repertoire of songs by closely imitating the melodies sung by their fathers. This process of direct learning and imitation is a crucial element in their social development. </p>



<p>Extensive research indicates that female zebra finches demonstrate a marked preference for males who exhibit a strong ability to imitate these traditional songs, compared to those who create less structured, improvised melodies. </p>



<p>The researchers at <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a> believe they have identified the reasons behind this fascinating preference.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-courtship-songs-and-ai">Complex courtship songs and AI</h2>



<p>Researchers Danyal Alam and Todd Roberts developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program called the Deep Avian Network (DAN). </p>



<p>This program possesses the unique ability to analyze the intricate details of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-use-both-calls-and-vision-to-coordinate-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finch</a> songs, dissecting them with a level of precision that surpasses human hearing capabilities. </p>



<p>Scientists provided DAN with a vast dataset composed of nearly half a million syllables extracted from both imitated and improvised songs. After extensively processing this musical information, DAN uncovered a surprising revelation:</p>



<p>"For decades, scientists have tried to understand how a single song could signal reproductive fitness and allow females of the species to select among male suitors. Our research suggests that female songbirds are assessing male fitness in a much more complex way than previously thought," said Dr. Roberts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-inherited-songs">Zebra finch inherited songs</h2>



<p>DAN's analysis revealed a key difference between imitated and improvised songs. Male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-sing-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finches</a> who accurately learn the melodies passed down from their fathers tend to sing with a higher level of structural complexity. This intricate structure is not readily detectable by the human ear. </p>



<p>DAN successfully visualized the acoustic features of zebra finch songs, offering a new perspective on their complexity. The visualization revealed that imitated songs have "paths" connecting sound clusters that are significantly longer than those in improvised songs. </p>



<p>This distinction highlights the intricate structure of the learned melodies compared to the more simplistic, improvised ones. This indicates a greater number of variations and transitions within the accurately imitated melodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-mate-selection">Zebra finch mate selection</h2>



<p>To determine if this song complexity translated to attractiveness for female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-build-nests-based-on-past-successes-and-failures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finches</a>, the researchers conducted a clever experiment. They created synthetic versions of songs, replicating the features identified by DAN. </p>



<p>These synthetic songs came in two varieties: those with "long paths" mirroring the structure of imitated songs, and "short path" versions resembling the simpler improvised songs. </p>



<p>The scientists then presented female zebra finches with a choice. Inside a maze with two distinct sections, they played the contrasting songs at opposite ends. </p>



<p>The results were clear: the female finches exhibited a significant preference for the maze section playing the long-path, complex songs. They spent a noticeably greater amount of time in that area, demonstrating their attraction to the more intricate melodies. </p>



<p>This finding provided strong evidence that song complexity plays a significant role in zebra finch courtship behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-females-fall-for-complex-tunes">Why females fall for complex tunes</h2>



<p>Why is song complexity such a turn-on for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-finches-can-afford-to-be-picky-when-selecting-a-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female finches</a>? The scientists have a theory. Dads with complex songs pass those down to their sons. But if a young male can perfectly imitate the intricate tune, it's a sign of his strong mental resources and learning ability.</p>



<p>"Having the resources and mental acuity to learn these more difficult songs might be more attractive to potential mates," Dr. Roberts explained.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, zebra finches are small, colorful birds that have become one of the most studied avian species, especially in the realms of neuroscience, behavior, and evolutionary biology. </p>



<p>Originating from the grasslands of Australia, they are highly adaptable and can also be found in Indonesia and East Timor. </p>



<p>These birds have a striking appearance with their distinctive black and white striped tails, which is how they got their name. </p>



<p>Males are particularly colorful, with bright orange beaks, cheeks, and brown patches on their sides, while females are generally more subdued in color.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-and-vocal-learners">Social and vocal learners</h3>



<p>Zebra finches are highly social birds, often found in large flocks in the wild. They have a complex system of communication and are known for their ability to learn and replicate sounds, which makes them excellent subjects for studying vocal learning and communication. </p>



<p>Unlike many birds, zebra finches can learn songs only during a specific period early in their lives, and they continue to sing these learned songs throughout adulthood.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-mate-selection-and-breeding">Zebra finch mate selection and breeding</h3>



<p>The breeding behavior of zebra finches has been a significant area of interest. These birds are monogamous, often forming lifelong pair bonds. </p>



<p>Vocal communication plays a crucial role in mate selection, with female zebra finches showing a preference for males based on their song, as highlighted by the research mentioned earlier. </p>



<p>This aspect of their behavior provides insights into the evolutionary significance of song and communication in social bonding and mating.</p>



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



<p>Due to their small size, ease of care, and rapid breeding cycle, zebra finches have become a favored species for laboratory research. They are used in studies ranging from neurobiology and genetics to evolutionary biology and the effects of climate change on avian species. </p>



<p>Research on zebra finches has contributed significantly to our understanding of learning, memory, and the brain's mechanisms for processing sound.</p>



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



<p>Zebra finches are not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. Their wide distribution and adaptability to different environments, including urban areas, have kept their populations stable. </p>



<p>However, ongoing studies on zebra finches can also help in conservation efforts by providing valuable data on the impact of environmental changes on bird populations globally.</p>



<p>In summary, zebra finches offer a unique window into the complexities of avian behavior, learning, and evolution. Their role in scientific research continues to provide valuable insights that extend far beyond their small size and colorful plumage.</p>



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



<p>This research is just a delightful beginning in the fascinating world of zebra finch love songs. The next step? </p>



<p>To see if males with a knack for complex tunes actually out-compete the simple singers in the most important way – by producing more offspring. </p>



<p>And who knows, maybe scientists will find inspiration for their own dating algorithms from these feathered Casanovas.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07207-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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These birds choose mates who can sing the most complex songs

Think humans are the only ones who fall for a...

<p>The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East Africa’s lakes, immortalized in films like "Out of Africa" and David Attenborough’s "A Perfect Planet," might soon become a thing of the past, according to new research from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> (KCL).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study indicates that the lesser flamingo of East Africa is at risk of losing its historical feeding grounds due to rising water levels, which are diminishing their main food source, with potentially grave implications for the species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flamingo-feeding-lakes-in-east-africa-nbsp">Flamingo feeding lakes in East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used satellite earth observation data to analyze all significant flamingo feeding lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania over two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that increasing water levels are curtailing the availability of food for these birds. This situation may force the flamingos to migrate to new, unprotected areas, particularly with expected higher rainfall from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safety-on-frozen-lakes-declining-due-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordinated-conservation-efforts-are-needed">Coordinated conservation efforts are needed</h2>



<p>The scientists involved in the study are now urging for coordinated conservation efforts across borders, enhanced monitoring, and more sustainable land management practices around key flamingo habitats.</p>



<p>“Lesser flamingos in East Africa are increasingly vulnerable, particularly with increased rainfall predicted for the region under climate change. Without improved lake monitoring and catchment management practices, the highly specialized species found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-first-sparked-in-shallow-soda-lakes/">soda lake</a> ecosystems – including lesser flamingos - could be lost,” said study lead author Aidan Byrne, a PhD student at KCL.</p>



<p>The study is the first to use satellite data to assess all 22 essential flamingo feeding soda lakes in East Africa, while also including climate records and bird observation data spanning more than two decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degradation-of-flamingo-habitats-nbsp">Degradation of flamingo habitats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Emma Tebbs, a co-author from King’s College London, noted the inherent adaptability of flamingos but expressed concern over the degradation of their habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“East African populations could potentially move north or south away from the equator in search of food resources. And whilst six study lakes increased in habitat suitability from 2010 to 2022, only three of those have some level of conservation protection. Increases in water levels could lead to lesser flamingos becoming more reliant on lakes that are unprotected, outside of current nature reserves and protected sites, which has implications for conservation and ecotourism revenues,” explained Dr. Tebbs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-characteristics-of-the-soda-lakes">Shifting characteristics of the soda lakes</h2>



<p>Soda lakes are among the most extreme environments on the planet, characterized by high salinity and alkalinity. Nonetheless, various species, including flamingos and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/">phytoplankton</a> prey, have adapted to flourish under these conditions. Flamingos, for instance, utilize their specialized, sieve-like beaks to filter these microscopic plants from the water.</p>



<p>The study revealed that increasing water levels are diluting the typical saline and alkaline characteristics of the region’s soda lakes, which is leading to a reduction in phytoplankton populations. This decrease was quantified by measuring the levels of chlorophyll-a, a photosynthetic pigment found in the lakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-phytoplankton-levels-nbsp">Decline in phytoplankton levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Over the 23 years covered by the study, the researchers observed a consistent decline in phytoplankton levels, correlating this trend with the expanding surface areas of these lakes during the same timeframe.</p>



<p>The most significant declines in phytoplankton biomass were recorded in the equatorial lakes of Kenya - specifically, the popular tourist destinations of Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elmenteita, as well as in the northern Tanzanian lakes that experienced the greatest increases in surface area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viable-breeding-sites-for-flamingos">Viable breeding sites for flamingos</h2>



<p>Lake Nakuru, a crucial feeding site for over one million flamingos historically, saw its surface area swell by 91% between 2009 and 2022, while the average concentration of chlorophyll-a in the lake dropped by half.</p>



<p>Lake Natron in Tanzania, the primary regular breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa, has also seen a drop in productivity coinciding with the rising water levels in recent years. Should this decline in phytoplankton biomass persist at Lake Natron and other adjacent feeding lakes, these areas may no longer be viable as breeding sites for the flamingos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lesser-flamingos-of-east-africa-nbsp">More about lesser flamingos of East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lesser flamingos are one of the most interesting and vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-flamingos-once-thrived-in-the-australian-outback/">bird species</a> found in East Africa. They are smaller than their relative, the greater flamingo, and are noted for their stunning pink feathers which gain their color from the carotenoid pigments in their algae-based diet.</p>



<p>A significant characteristic of lesser flamingos is their dependence on alkaline or saline lakes for breeding. They are highly gregarious birds, forming large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flamingos-of-a-feather-flock-together/">flocks</a> that can number in the thousands, which helps reduce the threat of predation.</p>



<p>East Africa hosts some of the world’s most important habitats for these birds, including Lake Natron in Tanzania and Lake Bogoria in Kenya. The conservation status of lesser flamingos is of concern due to habitat degradation and water pollution affecting their food supply and breeding sites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00302-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224003026%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Africa’s flamingos at risk due to rising lake levels

The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East...

<p>The ground shakes and dust fills the air as massive herds of animals stampede across the African savanna, navigating rivers teeming with predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. </p>



<p>This spectacle, often presented by David Attenborough, Disney, and National Geographic, is the annual migration of 1.3 million wildebeest through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. </p>



<p>The event not only draws hundreds of thousands of tourists but has also secured the Serengeti a place on UNESCO's <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Heritage List</a>. More than just a stunning display, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-succession-animal-herbivore-mass-migration-serengeti/">migration</a> is crucial for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-migratory-routes-and-wildebeest-genetics">Disrupted migratory routes and wildebeest genetics</h2>



<p>However, migrations on this grand scale are now rare in Africa. Modern developments such as roads, fences, farms, and urban expansion have disrupted traditional migratory routes, limiting the wildebeest's ability to roam freely in search of fresh pastures and water. </p>



<p>According to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, these disruptions have negatively impacted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-advantages-animals/">genetic health</a> of the wildebeest populations.</p>



<p>"No one ever knew that this affected the genetics of wildebeest. But our results clearly show that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate, but have historically done so, are simply less genetically healthy than those that continue to migrate. And this weakens their chances of long-term survival," said senior author Rasmus Heller, an associate professor of biology at the University of Copenhagen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-degradation-of-stationary-wildebeest-populations-nbsp">Genetic degradation of stationary wildebeest populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study details how the genetic degradation of stationary populations manifests across various metrics used to evaluate genetic health in conservation efforts.</p>



<p>"Wildebeest that can no longer migrate have lower genetic diversity, are more genetically isolated and are more inbred. We expect this to lead to lower survival, reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-captivity-reproduce/">fertility</a> and other negative effects on fitness," explained lead author Xiaodong Liu, a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the same university.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-genetic-diversity-threatens-wildebeest-survival">Low genetic diversity threatens wildebeest survival</h2>



<p>"The long-term consequence is that populations with low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/channel-island-foxes-threatened-by-low-genetic-diversity/">genetic diversity</a> are less equipped to cope with the effects of environmental changes. Their evolutionary potential is reduced. So, if climatic changes continue to occur, there isn’t as much genetic variation for them to work with to adapt – which could ultimately threaten their survival," Heller added.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking study involved the analysis of whole genomes from 121 wildebeest across their range from South Africa to Kenya, marking the first scientific investigation into the genetic effects of migration in this species.</p>



<p>"Because we studied the genomes of many wildebeest from virtually their entire range, we have been able to make a general genetic comparison of migratory versus non-migratory populations. And because we witness a consistent difference across multiple locations, the conclusion is clear. </p>



<p>Indeed, we can say that the overall negative effect is evident in those wildebeest that have been prevented from migrating – regardless of where they live on the continent," Liu said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-great-migrations-under-threat-nbsp">Last great migrations under threat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With the last great <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-succession-animal-herbivore-mass-migration-serengeti/">migrations</a> under threat from planned roads and railways, the future of these animals is uncertain. Previously, large wildebeest migrations were more common, but now only a few remain, including the significant migrations in the Serengeti-Mara and the Kalahari.</p>



<p>"However, in Botswana in particular, fencing to protect cattle from coming into contact with migratory wild animals was put up in recent times. Botswana's Kalahari population declined from roughly 260,000 in the 1970’s to fewer than 15,000 in the late 1980’s. So today, the only remaining large population is that of the Serengeti-Mara. But the Serengeti-Mara migration is also threatened by plans for roads and rail corridors through the area, which worries many," said co-author Mikkel Sinding, a biologist at the University of Copenhagen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildebeest-as-a-keystone-species-nbsp">Wildebeest as a keystone species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications extend beyond individual species, impacting entire ecosystems and economic interests linked to tourism. “The migrations of wildebeest make them a keystone species in ecosystems, as their grazing keeps vegetation healthy, transports and distributes nutrients, while they themselves serve as prey for predators and carrion for scavengers,” explained co-author Joseph O. Ogutu, a senior statistician at the <a href="https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en">University of Hohenheim</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Therefore, it isn’t just the iconic animal that we threaten when we prevent them from migrating – but many other species as well. And to that, we might add the enormous amount of tourism revenue that benefits governments and local communities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-natural-migration-routes-nbsp">Preserving natural migration routes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers hope their findings will lead to further studies on other species and influence policy decisions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The study shows us that wild animal species, for whom migration is an essential part of their biology, struggle to survive in an increasingly human-dominated world, unless special attention is paid to preserving their old and natural migratory routes,” said Heller.</p>



<p>“As such, we hope that people will be more cautious about continuing to disrupt these routes. This concern is not just with regards to wildebeest, but also for other migratory species in Africa and elsewhere. If we want the species to not just exist for, say, the next 50 years, but to thrive and actually survive in the much longer term, we need to halt the genetic decay caused by curtailing their natural migration routes.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47015-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Wildebeest suffer genetically from blocked migration routes

The ground shakes and dust fills the air as massive...

<p>In the heart of the debate over "extreme dog breeding," the iconic images of flat-faced French bulldogs and dachshunds with their distinctively short legs capture the public's affection. Yet, beneath the surface of these endearing traits lies a concerning reality. </p>



<p>Animal welfare advocates across the United States and Europe are raising alarms over the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a> faced by dachshunds and other breeds, including severe breathing difficulties and musculoskeletal problems. These concerns have sparked a contentious dialogue about the ethics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breeding-practices-threaten-the-health-of-french-bulldogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding practices</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legislative-leash-on-dog-breeding">Legislative leash on dog breeding</h2>



<p>The debate has reached legislative halls. In New Hampshire, legislators are considering a bill aimed at prohibiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/german-shepherd-health-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> of dogs with traits that lead to suffering. This includes the short noses characteristic of certain breeds.</p>



<p>Similarly, in Germany, proposals to ban "cruel" breeding practices underscore a growing concern over the well-being of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> subjected to such genetic manipulation. </p>



<p>These legislative efforts highlight a critical question: Should breeding practices that prioritize aesthetic traits over health be allowed to continue?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethical-divide-on-dog-breeding">The ethical divide on dog breeding</h2>



<p>Mark Wells, an assistant professor of philosophy at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/">Northeastern University</a>, emphasizes the ethical dilemmas posed by breeding for extreme physical characteristics. He points out a troubling trend: breeders may not intentionally harm animals, yet the normalization of health issues indicates a problem. </p>



<p>Conditions such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in bulldogs and intervertebral disk disease in dachshunds highlight a disconnect that lies between breeders' goals and the welfare of the animals.</p>



<p>"It's not pleasant to be a pug in many ways," said Wells, advocating for a shift away from breeding practices that prioritize harmful physical traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kennel-clubs-bark-back">Kennel clubs bark back</h2>



<p>Kennel associations, however, vehemently oppose these regulatory efforts, labeling proponents of such legislation as "extremists."</p>



<p>The American Kennel Club and the German Kennel Club have been especially outspoken. In response to what they perceive as threats against breeds like dachshunds, the latter has launched a petition to "save our favorite dogs."</p>



<p>Yet, as Wells clarifies, these legislative proposals do not aim to ban breeds. Instead, they seek to steer breeding practices toward healthier outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-concept-of-torture-breeding">The concept of torture breeding</h2>



<p>The concept of "torture breeding" (qualzucht), as described by Wells, is associated with the breeding of dogs with extreme physical traits.</p>



<p>The drive for certain physical traits in dogs has intensified over time, as noted by Terri Bright, an assistant psychology professor at Northeastern and a clinical behaviorist.</p>



<p>Subsequently, she has observed significant changes in the appearance of dog breeds over the past century. This observation points to a broader trend: breeding for aesthetics at the expense of health.</p>



<p>This shift raises questions about the role of dog shows and the influence of popular demand on breeding practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagining-a-healthier-dog-breed">Imagining a healthier dog breed</h2>



<p>Bright and Wells suggest that outright bans may not be the sole solution. Accordingly, education and a shift in public perception towards prioritizing health over aesthetics could be key. </p>



<p>Wells suggests reimagining breed standards for better health. "Can we imagine French bulldogs without labored breathing?"</p>



<p>This debate on extreme breeding amplifies the call for responsible practices prioritizing dog health and welfare. It challenges our beauty ideals and urges us to reflect on the ethics of our preferences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about dachshunds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dachshunds are a distinctive breed of dog known for their long bodies and short legs, which give them a unique, elongated appearance. </p>



<p>Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, their name literally means "badger dog" in German. These dogs are courageous and tenacious, which makes them excellent hunters despite their small size.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Types of dachshunds&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature, and they can have three types of coat: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Each type has its own distinct grooming needs. </p>



<p>The dachshund breed is known for being playful and friendly, but they can also be stubborn, which can make training a bit of a challenge.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential spinal problems&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Their elongated body makes them prone to spinal problems, particularly intervertebral disk disease, which is why it's important for them to avoid activities that could strain their spine like jumping from heights or climbing stairs excessively.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protective companions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Despite their potential health issues, dachshunds are beloved for their loyal and protective nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. </p>



<p>They are also known for their deep bark, which is surprisingly loud for their small size, making them good watchdogs. Dachshunds enjoy being part of the family and can be great companions when properly cared for and trained.</p>



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Extreme breeding: Dogs like dachshunds  deserve a healthy life

In the heart of the debate over "extreme dog breeding,"...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a> (CU Boulder) has found that, over the span of sixty years, climate change has pushed certain ant species beyond their traditional boundaries in Gregory Canyon near Boulder, Colorado. </p>



<p>This shift, leading ant species unable to cope with rising temperatures to vacate their original habitats, signals a profound alteration in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> that could have far-reaching consequences for local ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-indicators-of-climate-change">Valuable indicators of climate change</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-social-nature-of-ants-will-them-tolerate-climate-change/">Ants</a>, being ectothermic organisms, rely heavily on environmental temperatures for their metabolism and other vital functions, rendering them particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change. This feature makes ants valuable indicators for studying ecosystem responses to temperature shifts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The foundation for this study was laid more than six decades ago by CU Boulder entomologist Robert Gregg and his student John Browne. Intrigued by their pioneering work, lead author Anna Paraskevopoulos and her research team embarked on a mission to examine how the ant community in Gregory Canyon has evolved since then.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolated-impacts-of-climate-change-nbsp">Isolated impacts of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the significant urban expansion of Boulder, Gregory Canyon has remained relatively untouched, offering a unique window into the isolated impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This gave us an opportunity to study the isolated impacts of climate change. In many other studies, the effect of land use and climate change are often entangled,” Paraskevopoulos said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-shift-in-ant-populations-nbsp">Dynamic shift in ant populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered a dynamic shift in ant populations, noting the emergence of some species not previously recorded in the canyon alongside the expansion and dominance of others. Conversely, certain species documented by Browne and Gregg have either dwindled in prevalence or vanished entirely.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Across the different environments and habitats in the canyon, we're seeing the composition of ant species becoming more similar,” said senior author Julian Resasco, an expert in ecology and evolutionary biology at CU Boulder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-and-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Ants and ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The significance of ants as crucial ecosystem engineers cannot be overstated. They play essential roles in enhancing soil aeration, accelerating the decomposition process, and dispersing seeds. Different ant species contribute uniquely to the ecosystem, affecting various ecological processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The shift in ant biodiversity observed in Gregory Canyon raises questions about the broader implications of these changes. “If the ecosystem has only a single type of ant, it could mean that the animal is only contributing to ecosystem functioning in one way, potentially reducing ecosystem stability,” Paraskevopoulos explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-decline-in-insect-populations-nbsp">Widespread decline in insect populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study contributes to the growing body of evidence pointing to a global decline in insect populations, a phenomenon many scientists have termed an "insect apocalypse." It underscores the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving these changes and their potential impact on ecosystem functioning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In response to climate change, species are changing the ranges where they're occurring. Some of them are spreading and becoming winners, while others are crashing and becoming losers. This work helps us understand how those communities reshuffle, which could have implications on how ecosystems function,” Resasco concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-as-bioindicators-of-climate-change-nbsp">Ants as bioindicators of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ants serve as bioindicators of climate change due to their sensitivity to changes in their environment, making their behaviors, distributions, and community compositions useful indicators of shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-not-properly-adapting-to-warming-temperatures/">climate conditions</a>. Here’s how ants can reflect changes in the climate:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-to-temperature">Sensitivity to temperature</h3>



<p>Ants are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Changes in temperature and humidity can directly affect their survival, foraging behavior, reproduction, and distribution. For example, warmer temperatures might lead to shifts in ant species distributions, with some species moving to higher elevations or latitudes in search of suitable conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-ecological-roles-nbsp">Diverse ecological roles&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Ants play various crucial roles in ecosystems, such as soil aeration, seed dispersal, and predation. Climate change can alter these roles and affect the broader ecosystem. For instance, changes in precipitation patterns and temperature can impact ant-mediated seed dispersal, potentially affecting plant community composition.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-composition-nbsp">Community composition&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Changes in climate can lead to shifts in ant community composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/treasure-map-will-help-experts-find-new-ant-species/">diversity</a>. Some species may thrive under new conditions, while others decline or disappear, leading to altered interactions among species. Monitoring these changes can provide insights into the impacts of climate change on local and broader ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>Ants engage in symbiotic relationships with plants and other insects, such as aphids. Climate change can disrupt these relationships by shifting the phenology (timing of biological events) of the involved species, potentially impacting ecosystem health and function.</p>



<p>By studying changes in ant populations and communities, scientists can gain valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. This data can inform conservation strategies and help predict future changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Ants are shifting to new habitats to cope with climate change

A recent study led by the University of Colorado, Boulder...

Koi,Fish,Swim,Artificial,Ponds,With,A,Beautiful,Background,Of

<p>Traditional fish observation methods, such as aquariums, cameras, and divers, offer valuable insights but pose limitations for studying behavior in natural habitats. Now, researchers have developed a remarkable tool: a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fish_underwater-vest-system_credit-Microsystems_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smart vest</a>" for fish equipped with advanced pressure sensors. This device allows scientists to gather precise data on fish movements without interference.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-traditional-methods">Limitations of traditional methods</h2>



<p>Some of the common limitations include:</p>



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



<p>While aquariums offer a controlled setting for studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-schools-fish-have-mastered-the-skill-of-moving-without-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> biology and physiology, they often lack the complexity and diversity of natural habitats. </p>



<p>Fish in aquariums experience limited space, altered food sources, and potentially different water chemistry compared to their natural surroundings. </p>



<p>These factors can significantly influence fish behavior, making it difficult to generalize observations to wild populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restricted-range-and-disruption">Restricted range and disruption</h3>



<p>Underwater cameras provide valuable footage of fish activity, but their effectiveness is limited by their range. Traditional cameras often require tethers or bulky housings, restricting their placement and potentially affecting fish behavior within a close range. </p>



<p>Additionally, divers, while offering a more mobile observation platform, can inadvertently influence the fish they are studying. Their presence can cause stress or alter fish behavior patterns, leading to inaccurate data collection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficulty-in-long-term-monitoring">Difficulty in long-term monitoring</h3>



<p>Traditional methods can be challenging for long-term, continuous monitoring of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-use-collective-behavior-to-reduce-energy-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> populations. Aquariums require constant maintenance and may not be suitable for studying specific behaviors that occur over extended periods. </p>



<p>Underwater cameras often have limited battery life or require frequent retrieval for data download, hindering continuous observation. Divers face similar limitations due to safety considerations and the physical demands of underwater work.</p>



<p>The inability to track fish movements and behavior over extended periods in their natural habitat creates a significant gap in our understanding of fish ecology. This is where the innovative fish vest comes in, offering a solution for long-term, non-invasive monitoring in the open water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-smart-vest-for-fish-works">How the "smart vest" for fish works</h2>



<p>This innovative fish "smart vest" shifts the focus from sight to the detection of subtle changes in water flow. The vest is equipped with highly sensitive pressure sensors, designed to detect even the slightest disturbances in the water caused by the movements of the fish.</p>



<p>These sensors are strategically placed to capture the dynamic changes in water pressure patterns surrounding the fish. </p>



<p>Every movement, whether a turn, acceleration, or change in depth, creates a unique pressure 'signature' in the surrounding water. </p>



<p>The smart vest's sensor array translates subtle changes in fish behavior into precise data, allowing researchers to reconstruct the fish's movements with remarkable accuracy.</p>



<p>The ability to analyze water flow patterns enables researchers to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> behavior continuously, even in low visibility conditions where cameras would be ineffective. </p>



<p>This innovative approach provides a comprehensive and highly detailed picture of fish movements in their natural environment.</p>



<p>"This wearable device significantly advances aquatic research. It transcends the constraints of traditional systems and paves the way for comprehensive studies on fish behavior and their ecological interactions," says Dr. Jiafei Hu, lead researcher from the <a href="https://english.nudt.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Defense Technology</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-behind-the-fish-smart-vest">Technology behind the fish smart vest</h2>



<p>The exceptional sensitivity of this fish vest stems from the ingenious use of an advanced material called MXene hydrogel. Here's why it's the perfect choice for this application:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-conductivity-of-fish-vests">High conductivity of fish vests</h3>



<p>MXene hydrogels possess excellent electrical conductivity. This property is crucial for transmitting the subtle electrical signals generated by the pressure sensors, ensuring that even the slightest changes in water pressure are detected and recorded.</p>



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



<p>Aquatic environments pose unique challenges for electronic components. MXene hydrogels demonstrate remarkable durability, resisting degradation and corrosion in water. This ensures the longevity of the vest's electrodes and guarantees reliable data collection over extended periods.</p>



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



<p>To further boost the performance of the vest, researchers incorporated holey-reduced graphene oxide and ionic liquids into the MXene hydrogel. </p>



<p>Holey-reduced graphene oxide offers a large surface area, amplifying the sensor's responsiveness. Ionic liquids increase conductivity and flexibility, further enhancing the detection of subtle pressure variations caused by fish movement.</p>



<p>This strategic combination of materials within the electrodes is what maximizes the vest's ability to detect nuanced water flow patterns, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into fish behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-fish-smart-vests-matter">Why fish smart vests matter</h2>



<p>The significance of this technology goes far beyond mere scientific curiosity. Here's how it paves the way for a deeper understanding and improved management of aquatic ecosystems:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-behavior-using-fish-vests">Understanding behavior using fish vests</h3>



<p>Imagine having a continuous feed of precise data on how fish navigate their environment, where they find food, how they interact with other fish (both within their species and with others), and the strategies they employ to evade predators. </p>



<p>This fish smart vest provides a window into these fundamental aspects of fish life that have been difficult to study in the wild. Such insights could reveal critical links in the ecological food web and uncover behavioral patterns essential for effective conservation strategies.</p>



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



<p>Fish are often considered 'indicator species' – their health and behavior reflect the overall condition of the aquatic environment. </p>



<p>By monitoring subtle changes in fish movement patterns, researchers could potentially detect early signs of pollution, water quality degradation, or shifts in ecological balance. This tool could act as an early warning system, allowing timely intervention to protect fragile ecosystems.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-half-of-the-worlds-shared-fish-are-on-the-move/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish</a> farming is a vital source of food worldwide. This technology creates opportunities to improve fish welfare and optimize production. </p>



<p>By continuously monitoring fish behavior and movement patterns, aquaculturists could gauge fish health, stress levels, and identify ideal feeding patterns, leading to improved fish health and more sustainable farming practices.</p>



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



<p>The underwater world remains a realm full of secrets to uncover. This fish vest exemplifies the cutting-edge tools scientists are creating to explore it. </p>



<p>We might one day see a network of miniature sensors carried by various marine creatures, continuously reporting on the complex dynamics of our oceans, rivers, and lakes.</p>



<p>"This wearable device significantly advances aquatic research. It transcends the constraints of traditional systems and paves the way for comprehensive studies on fish behavior and their ecological interactions," Dr. Hu emphasizes. </p>



<p>The revolution in underwater observation is well underway, providing unparalleled opportunities to understand and protect our aquatic world.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41378-024-00675-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsystems &amp; Nanoengineering</a></em>.</p>



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'Smart vest' made for fish tracks their aquatic lives in ways never before seen

Traditional fish observation methods, such as aquariums, cameras, and divers,...

<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.iwate-u.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iwate University</a> in Japan has examined why sprayed cat urine emits a particularly potent smell compared to urine found in litter boxes. </p>



<p>The phenomenon of spraying, where cats mark their territory by depositing urine on vertical surfaces, presents a significant challenge for cat owners due to the odor's intensity. </p>



<p>While previous studies have argued that sprayed urine might contain extra compounds from the anal sac secretions or other sources, definitive scientific proof for this hypothesis has been lacking.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounds-in-sprayed-urine-nbsp">Compounds in sprayed urine&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team undertook a meticulous comparison of the chemical makeup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volatile-organic-compound-sources/">volatile organic compounds</a> in sprayed urine, standard urine, and urine extracted directly from the bladder using ureteral catheters. </p>



<p>The analyses revealed an unexpected level of chemical similarity across these different types of urine within individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-purring-remains-a-mystery-that-we-dont-fully-understand/">cats</a>. </p>



<p>Behavioral studies complemented these findings, showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-brains-shrank-in-size-as-they-became-domesticated/">cats</a> could not differentiate between the smell of sprayed urine and the scent of urine left in the bladder after spraying. </p>



<p>This indicates that the sprayed urine originates from bladder urine without supplementation with chemicals from other secretory glands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-underlying-mechanisms">Investigating the underlying mechanisms</h2>



<p>This discovery prompted the researchers to shift their focus and investigate alternative reasons behind the distinct pungency of sprayed urine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A step forward in understanding this phenomenon was the discovery that cat urine samples easily adhered to the inner surface of plastic syringes when they moved the samples into glass vials for urinary volatile analyses.</p>



<p>"This observation prompted us to explore the underlying mechanisms," said study lead author Reiko Uenoyama, an expert in animal behavior and biochemistry at Iwate University.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-theory-about-the-smell-of-sprayed-urine">New theory about the smell of sprayed urine</h2>



<p>Previously, Miyazaki discovered a urine protein called cauxin, which was a significant breakthrough in understanding how certain sulfur-containing odorants responsible for the unique "catty" smell are produced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Generally, the wettability of a liquid on a solid surface increases as the surface tension decreases. Based on this knowledge, we hypothesized that the high protein concentration in cat urine might reduce the surface tension of cat urine, enhancing the emission of urinary volatile compounds from the large vertical surface area that was spread over the urine,” Uenoyama said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adherence-to-vertical-surfaces">Adherence to vertical surfaces</h2>



<p>The researchers' hypothesis was confirmed as they found that the presence of cauxin indeed lowered the surface tension of urine, which in turn increased its wettability and adherence to vertical surfaces. The experts drew a comparison between cat urine containing proteins and a control solution containing albumin, highlighting the unique properties of cauxin in influencing the urine’s properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During their examination, the researchers noted that the unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/">smell</a> associated with cat urine was identifiable in an artificial small-scale garden, designed to resemble natural settings, where a block sprayed with male cat urine has been placed. </p>



<p>On the other hand, this distinct odor could not be discerned in another garden setup where the same urine had been directly applied to sandy soil and subsequently concealed.</p>



<p>“The difference in environmental odors between the two gardens, despite using the same urine sample, can be explained by most of the urinary volatile chemicals being trapped in the porous structure of the sandy soil. This phenomenon did not occur in the urine adhering to the surface of the block," explained Miyazaki.</p>



<p>Additionally, liquid droplets of sprayed urine can easily dry on the surface of the block, resulting in greater emissions of volatile chemicals from the scent mark rapidly as compared to from normal urine."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urinary-protein-cauxin-is-key">The urinary protein cauxin is key</h2>



<p>Thus, the unique composition of cat spray comes directly from the bladder and does not include substances from other bodily secretions. Nonetheless, this spray is characterized by a notably strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-noses-and-nasal-structure-function-better-than-high-tech-chemical-analysis-equipment/">odor</a> due to its ability to adhere better to vertical surfaces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The presence of the urinary protein cauxin is key in this process, as it not only generates odorants specific to cats but also amplifies the release of volatile compounds from the urine by lowering its surface tension, thus making it spread more easily. These insights could offer new approaches to mitigating the pronounced scent linked with cat spraying.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01490-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Chemical Ecology</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Why does sprayed cat urine emit such a strong smell?

A new study from Iwate University in Japan has examined...

<p>Cane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-flea-toad-worlds-smallest-vertebrate-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toads</a> hopped onto the Australian scene in the 1930s, promising to fix a beetle problem for sugarcane farmers. The catch? These toads have poison glands that make them deadly snacks for unsuspecting predators. Young cane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-toad-species-madagascar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toads</a>, it turns out, can teach native animal species to avoid the fatal mistake of consuming them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-cane-toads">The problem with cane toads</h2>



<p>If you're a big predator in Australia, cane toads are bad news. Apex predators like goannas (large monitor lizards), crocodiles, and some snakes love a juicy toad snack. </p>



<p>The problem is that cane toads are walking poison sacs. If an animal tries to eat a full-grown cane toad, they don't just get a tummy ache – the poison can very quickly kill them.</p>



<p>When hungry predators vanish, the consequences are disastrous for the entire ecosystem. With no predators to keep them in check, smaller animals like snakes and other lizards multiply, putting pressure on the smaller frogs and insects they prey upon. It's a domino effect that can throw the delicate balance of nature completely out of whack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-cane-toads-teach-goannas">Young cane toads teach goannas</h2>



<p>Dr. Georgia Ward-Fear, a wildlife biologist at <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>, has spent years researching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cane-toads-swallow-their-tongue-when-they-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cane toads</a> and the devastation they cause. Her studies uncovered an intriguing possibility: young cane toads could help goannas learn a vital survival lesson. </p>



<p>Young cane toads possess less potent poison in their glands than adult toads. If a goanna eats a young toad, the poison will make it sick, but won't be fatal. This negative experience teaches the goanna to avoid cane toads in the future. </p>



<p>Dr. Ward-Fear describes this as "ecological immunization," as it provides the goannas with a form of resistance against the cane toad's deadly poison.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unleashing-the-teacher-toads">Unleashing the teacher toads</h2>



<p>This fascinating discovery got Dr. Ward-Fear thinking – could she use this immunization to save goanna populations on a bigger scale? And so began a remarkable project.</p>



<p>Teaming up with Professor Rick Shine, an evolutionary biologist, and many other organizations, they formed the <a href="https://www.canetoadcoalition.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cane Toad Coalition</a>. Together, they set out to test her theory in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, right at the frontline of the cane toad invasion.</p>



<p>The plan involved releasing hundreds of "taster toads" – tiny baby cane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/losing-the-harlequin-toad-means-losing-potential-medicines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toads</a> – just before the big, poisonous adult toads arrived in an area. It was like setting up a mini-classroom for the local goannas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-it-work">Did it work?</h2>



<p>The results of this strategy were striking. In locations where researchers released the young teacher cane toads, ahead of the invasive cane toad front, goanna populations remained stable or even increased. </p>



<p>This is a significant finding, especially when compared to areas without this intervention. In those areas, goanna populations experienced devastating declines of up to 94% after the arrival of the highly poisonous adult cane toads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>This study tracked Australia's biggest cane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-secreted-from-toad-skin-greatly-improve-cognitive-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toad</a> defense project so far. It could be beneficial for the following:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Protecting a vital link in the food web</strong>: Goannas, as apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. They help regulate the populations of smaller animals, preventing any single species from becoming too numerous. Their disappearance can destabilize the entire food web.<br></li>



<li><strong>Long-term benefits</strong>: The initial "toad training" may have lasting effects. When trained goannas reproduce, their offspring may instinctively avoid cane toads, inheriting this survival advantage.<br></li>



<li><strong>Beyond just goannas</strong>: The success of this technique offers hope for protecting other native Australian predators vulnerable to cane toad poison. It could be adapted to help other species learn to avoid these toxic invaders.<br></li>



<li><strong>A shift in conservation strategy</strong>: This project highlights a new approach in conservation. Instead of solely focusing on eradicating invasive species (which is often incredibly difficult or impossible), the emphasis shifts to helping native wildlife adapt and survive alongside the invaders.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-future-directions">Limitations and future directions</h2>



<p>It's impossible to send "teacher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cane-toads-make-long-distance-calls-for-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toads</a>" everywhere across the Australian tropics. However, this technique could save populations of goannas in key areas, allowing them to survive and hopefully repopulate areas where they've been wiped out.</p>



<p>Dr. Ward-Fear's research is changing how we think about conservation. Clever behavioral training could be a vital tool in protecting wildlife from invasive species the world over. Who knew these toxic toads could teach us such a valuable lesson?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-cane-toads-beyond-teaching">More about cane toads beyond teaching</h2>



<p>Cane toads' impact extends beyond direct poisoning of native predators; they also compete with local species for food and habitat, exacerbating their invasive threat. </p>



<p>They are omnivorous and consume a wide range of foods - from insects and small animals to pet food left outside - often outcompeting native species for these resources. This competition for food can lead to a decrease in the populations of native species that rely on the same food sources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cane-toads-and-humans">Cane toads and humans</h3>



<p>Another less discussed aspect is their effect on human activities. Cane toads have been known to cause power outages by short-circuiting electrical equipment, including substations and domestic air conditioners, when they seek warmth. </p>



<p>Their prolific numbers and willingness to inhabit human-modified landscapes mean they can also become a nuisance in residential areas, impacting gardens and local fauna.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cane-toads-and-disease">Cane toads and disease</h3>



<p>The toads' ability to spread diseases to native amphibians and other species adds another layer of complexity to their impact. Cane toads carry and transmit diseases such as chytridiomycosis, which affects native amphibian populations, further endangering them.</p>



<p>Efforts to control cane toad populations have included physical removal, traps, and the exploration of biological control methods, though finding an effective and ecologically safe solution has proven challenging. </p>



<p>The adaptability of cane toads, combined with Australia's vast and varied landscapes, makes their management a significant conservation challenge.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Cane toads teach other animals to avoid their poison

Cane toads hopped onto the Australian scene in the 1930s,...

<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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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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>



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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>



<p></p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>-----</p>

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>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

<p>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. </p>



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



<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>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

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>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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?</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>'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)."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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