<p>Two iconic dinosaurs - <em>Tyrannosaurus rex</em> and <em>Brachylophosaurus canadensis</em> - have yielded a fresh line of evidence that traces of their original biology can survive for tens of millions of years. </p>



<p>In new work, researchers at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> identified hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in blood - and its iron-bearing heme group in bone extracts from both animals.</p>



<p>The finding strengthens a growing body of data showing that certain biomolecules can persist in exceptional fossils. It also clarifies how they change as fossils form.</p>



<p>Researchers have debated and re-examined soft, stretchy tissues from these same specimens for nearly two decades. </p>



<p>Teams have used high-resolution imaging, antibodies, and protein sequencing to argue that the materials are genuine remnants of dinosaur biology rather than modern contaminants. The latest study adds another tool - and another confirmation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-unlocks-dinosaur-chemistry">Light unlocks dinosaur chemistry</h2>



<p>The team turned to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/resonance-raman-spectroscopy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy</a>. In this method, laser light is tuned to a molecule’s electronic transitions. This causes only that molecule to “sing” back with a strong signal.</p>



<p>“Raman spectroscopy essentially uses light waves to identify a molecule’s energetic ‘fingerprint,’” said physicist Hans Hallen, the study’s corresponding author. </p>



<p>“Resonance Raman, which we use here, takes that process one step further by using light already tuned to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-the-origins-of-the-molecule-that-made-the-universe/">molecule</a> of interest - so only that type of molecule will resonate.”</p>



<p>That resonance dramatically boosts the signal from specific bonds - crucial when your targets are rare, damaged molecules embedded in a complex fossil matrix.</p>



<p>“This strong signal allows us to find the needle (hemoglobin remnants) in the haystack (messy fossil) to see how this molecule has changed from the functional living state, revealing the chemical changes molecules undergo in deep time,” Hallen added.</p>



<p>RR spectra from <em>T. rex</em> and <em>Brachylophosaurus</em> extracts showed signatures consistent with heme still bound to globin proteins. In addition, they indicated heme bound to goethite, an iron oxide mineral linked to oxidized iron.</p>



<p>The researchers cross-checked those signals against demineralized modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-a-cretaceous-ostrich-mexidracon-longimanus-with-extremely-long-arms/">ostrich</a> bone and human blood to anchor their interpretations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-molecules-traced-to-dinosaurs">Blood molecules traced to dinosaurs</h2>



<p>Because Raman detects bonds rather than whole molecules, skeptics often point out that generic signals could arise from modern microbes or other contaminants. </p>



<p>That’s where the extra selectivity of RR - and the structural information in the spectra - matters.</p>



<p>“RR identifies both bonds and structure," said paleobiologist Mary Schweitzer, a co-author on the work. </p>



<p>"We know that heme is there and that it is still bound to hemoglobin protein - contaminants like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reusable-water-bottles-are-breeding-ground-for-strep-and-fecal-bacteria/">bacteria</a> don’t have those specific bonds, so we can say that the molecules are from the animal, or in this case, the dinosaur,”</p>



<p>The team also mapped how those spectral fingerprints shift as hemoglobin decays. After death, the protein breaks down, damaging the heme ring and oxidizing the iron inside it. </p>



<p>RR data show that goethite forms on that iron, and the heme can bind to the mineral surface.</p>



<p>Tellingly, the researchers observed the early stages of the same degradation pathway in modern samples, suggesting that key steps happen relatively quickly and then stabilize.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-blood-survived-fossilization">Dinosaur blood survived fossilization</h2>



<p>Beyond confirming what the molecules are, the spectral changes reveal a plausible route for how they survived. </p>



<p>Goethite is a bio-related mineral - it often forms in association with biological activity - and the new data hint that it doesn’t just grow near proteins; it can latch onto and stabilize fragments. "We didn’t know that it could bind to and stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-modified-plant-proteins-to-create-delicious-meat-alternatives/">protein</a> fragments,” Hallen said.</p>



<p>That matters because it shows a mechanism that locks delicate organics in place and protects them during fossilization. </p>



<p>Researchers already know that heme persists in sediments far older than the age of dinosaurs, but the path from fresh blood to ancient rock has remained murky.</p>



<p>Pinning down the chemistry helps explain why hemoglobin, in particular, shows up as a survivor - and why some fossils preserve molecular vestiges while others do not.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-view-of-fossil-preservation">A new view of fossil preservation</h2>



<p>The study reinforces a shift in paleontology: under the right conditions, original biochemistry can endure deep time, and modern tools can detect and interpret it. </p>



<p>Instead of a binary “preserved or not,” researchers are piecing together degradation pathways, mineral partnerships, and microenvironments that favor survival.</p>



<p>For dinosaur biology, that means more than just curiosity. Hemoglobin and heme in blood play key roles in metabolism, oxygen transport, and overall physiology. </p>



<p>Their presence, and the way they degrade, defines how tissues fossilize and what information we can still extract.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-bone_hemoglobin_preserved_NCSU_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dinosaur-bone_hemoglobin_preserved_NCSU_1s.webp" alt="Vessels isolated from Tyrannosaurus cortical bone by demineralization in EDTA. Credit: NC State University" class="wp-image-1985867"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Vessels isolated from Tyrannosaurus cortical bone by demineralization in EDTA. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NC State University</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-chemistry-spans-eons">Blood chemistry spans eons</h2>



<p>For dinosaur fossil science, mineral–organic interactions like heme–goethite may help preserve blood proteins and molecular fragments throughout Earth’s history.</p>



<p>“Heme has been identified in sediments that are much, much older than dinosaurs, so we know that it persists,” Schweitzer noted. </p>



<p>“Understanding why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-human-genetics-could-optimize-medical-care/">hemoglobin</a> preserves, and the role that heme plays in the process, is really important if we want to know how these ancient molecules survive through time.”</p>



<p>The upshot is both practical and provocative. Resonance Raman pinpoints specific ancient molecules within messy fossils, and the chemistry it reveals also serves as a preservation roadmap. </p>



<p>That’s a powerful combination for anyone trying to read life’s oldest diaries written in stone.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspa.2025.0175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Hemoglobin and other blood molecules found preserved in dinosaur fossils

Two iconic dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus rex and Brachylophosaurus canadensis - have yielded a fresh line of evidence that traces of their original biology can survive for tens of millions of years. In new work, researchers at North Carolina State University identified hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in blood - and its iron-bearing heme group in bone extracts from both animals. The finding strengthens a growing body of data showing that certain biomolecules can persist in exceptional fossils. It also clarifies how they change as fossils form. Researchers...

<p>In the high temperatures of Colorado's summer, the Rocky Mountains become a sought-after retreat for both humans and animals. This is particularly true for lizards and other small, tree-dwelling animals, which utilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-forests-are-in-a-race-against-climate-change/">forests</a> as vital shelters from the heat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by a team of  researchers from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> (CU) and <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> in Israel outlines a concerning future for North American lizards in the face of deforestation and climate change. It is estimated that 84% of these reptiles could suffer negatively by the century's end, with a significant portion at risk of population decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-vulnerability-of-lizards">Unique vulnerability of lizards</h2>



<p>The study highlights the unique vulnerability of lizards, as cold-blooded animals, to environmental temperature changes. Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-h5n1-marine-mammals-spreading-worldwide/">mammals</a>, which have a variety of methods to regulate their body temperature, lizards are dependent on their surroundings to warm up or cool down.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"What's really interesting about lizards is that they just need to be able to move a short distance around the tree trunk to get to a very different climate and habitat environment," explained Keith Musselman, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and CU Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. “These microhabitats are particularly important when we think about how we modify our natural environment and make conservation decisions.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-deforestation">Impacts of deforestation</h2>



<p>Through computer simulations, the research team was able to demonstrate that while global warming could have potential benefits for lizards in colder or higher latitude areas by extending their daily active periods, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> could negate these benefits by removing crucial sources of shade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest tree loss could reduce lizards' active time by an average of 34% by century's end, forcing these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/">reptiles</a> to seek alternative cooling shelters and significantly affecting those in warmer climates where future summers may be too intense for ground-level activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-decline-of-lizards-nbsp">Accelerated decline of lizards&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study projects that an estimated 18% of North American lizard populations could experience accelerated decline due to deforestation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our work provides new insights into the mechanisms by which deforestation may cause population declines in the face of climate change," said Ofir Levy, a zoologist and Musselman’s collaborator at Tel Aviv. “The decline in lizards can lead to a cascading effect as they are an important part of almost every ecological system.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-pace-of-deforestation-nbsp">Alarming pace of deforestation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite international commitments to stop deforestation, it continues at an alarming pace, with approximately 459 million hectares, or 12%, of the world’s tree cover lost from 2001 to 2022.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Deforestation is a worldwide problem, and our conclusions can help decision-makers on other continents in designing conservation and habitat restoration programs that consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-far-reaching-climate-impacts-of-deforestation/">climate change</a>," said lead author Omer Zlotnick, a PhD student at the same university.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-depend-on-the-local-landscape-nbsp">Lizards depend on the local landscape&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also draws attention to the specific challenges faced by small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforest-animals-follow-the-same-daily-behavioral-patterns/">animals</a>, such as lizards, that cannot migrate long distances to escape the heat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here in the Rocky Mountains, elevation provides an escape for animals that can travel longer distances, including us humans. On those summer days when it hits 100 degrees, many of us will go into the mountains. But small animals like lizards can’t travel far. They heavily depend on the refuge provided by the local landscape, including tree trunks," noted Musselman.</p>



<p>"The study highlighted the importance of understanding which elements in the environment can serve as refuges for other organisms on this planet."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01939-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>.</p>



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Deforestation threatens the future of 8 in 10 lizards

In the high temperatures of Colorado's summer, the Rocky Mountains...

<p>In an extraordinary display of predatory skill, a solitary orca has been documented for the first time hunting and consuming a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/great-white-shark-carcass_orca-killing_credit-Christiaan-Stopforth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white shark</a> in just two minutes, off the coast of Mossel Bay, South Africa. </p>



<p>“The astonishing predation, off the coast of Mossel Bay, South Africa, represents unprecedented behavior underscoring the exceptional proficiency of the killer whale,” said lead author Alison Towner, an expert in ichthyology at <a href="https://www.ru.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhodes University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-hunting-great-whites">Orcas hunting great whites</h2>



<p>This revelation follows the team's 2022 discovery, which identified a duo of orcas hunting great white sharks, thus altering the sharks' natural behaviors and distributions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Orcas, commonly known as killer whales, are typically recognized for their group hunting strategies, targeting large marine animals such as sea lions, seals, and other whales. </p>



<p>However, this instance of solitary hunting by an orca, particularly against a top predator like the great white shark, marks a new understanding of their capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-and-intelligence-nbsp">Adaptability and intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Again, as previously in South Africa, the orcas are exhibiting a strong preference for extracting and consuming the lipid-rich livers of white sharks – a specialized feeding behavior,” Towner said. </p>



<p>“But what we witnessed was an orca, nicknamed Starboard -- due to his collapsed dorsal fin -- performing alone to incapacitate and consume a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newborn-great-white-shark-spotted-for-the-first-time-ever/">white shark</a> within an astounding two-minute timeframe.”</p>



<p>This incident not only highlights a solitary hunting technique by at least one killer whale but also challenges the previously understood cooperative hunting behaviors prevalent in the region. </p>



<p>The study underscores the intricate dynamics of predator-prey interactions within marine ecosystems, emphasizing the adaptability and intelligence of orcas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of such predation events are vast, raising questions about their impact on shark populations in South Africa and the broader marine ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The study raises critical questions about the impact of killer whale predation on shark populations in South Africa,”&nbsp; Towner explained. “The displacement of various shark species due to killer whale presence may have implications for mesopredator release and potential trophic changes in the marine ecosystem.”</p>



<p>&nbsp;“The observations reported here add more layers to the fascinating story of these two killer whales and their capabilities,” added Simon Elwen, Founding Director and Principal Scientist at <a href="https://seasearch.co.za/">Sea Search</a>. </p>



<p>“As smart, top predators, killer whales can rapidly learn new hunting techniques on their own or from others, so monitoring and understanding the behaviors used here and by other killer whales in South Africa is an important part of helping us understand more about these animals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-predation-event">Powerful predation event</h2>



<p>The collaboration of citizens, researchers, and tourists played a pivotal role in documenting this predation event, showcasing the value of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-rare-species/">citizen science</a> in advancing our understanding of marine life.</p>



<p>Witnessing the event firsthand, Esther Jacobs from Keep Fin Alive shared her experience, indicating the initial excitement turned somber upon realizing the nature of the interaction:&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Upon reaching Mossel Bay’s Seal Island, the scent of shark liver oil and a noticeable slick indicated a recent kill. Tracking Port and Starboard near the island, they remained separated. Witnessing a white shark's fin break the surface initially sparked excitement, but that turned to a somber realization as Starboard swiftly approached. The moment Starboard rapidly preyed on my favorite shark species was both devastating and intensely powerful.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killer-whale-predation">Killer whale predation </h2>



<p>“Over two decades of annual visits to South Africa, I've observed the profound impact these killer whales have on the local white shark population. Seeing Starboard carry a white shark's liver past our vessel is unforgettable. Despite my awe for these predators, I'm increasingly concerned about the coastal marine ecology balance,” added co-author Primo Micarelli, from the <a href="https://www.centrostudisquali.org/en/centro-studi-squali/">Shark Studies Center</a> and <a href="https://en.unisi.it/">Siena University</a>.</p>



<p>In conclusion, Dr. Towner's research offers profound insights into the ecological roles and adaptive strategies of mammalian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/">predators</a> within marine environments. The study not only contributes to our global understanding of killer whale predation dynamics but also highlights the necessity for adaptable conservation strategies and vigilant ecological monitoring in the face of environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-orcas-and-great-white-sharks">History of orcas and great white sharks</h2>



<p>As discussed above, both orcas and great white sharks are at the top of the food chain, yet their interactions reveal a surprising dynamic, with orcas often dominating great whites in their shared marine habitat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-and-hunting-prowess-of-orcas">The power and hunting prowess of orcas</h3>



<p>Orcas, with their distinctive black-and-white coloring, are among the most powerful predators in the ocean. They belong to the dolphin family and are highly intelligent, social animals that hunt in organized pods. </p>



<p>Their diverse diet includes fish, seals, and even other marine mammals. What sets orcas apart is their strategic hunting techniques, which they adapt based on their prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-dominance-over-great-white-sharks">Orcas' dominance over great white sharks</h3>



<p>Orcas have been observed targeting great white sharks, a behavior that underscores their dominance. In these encounters, orcas use their superior intelligence and teamwork to outmaneuver and overpower the sharks. </p>



<p>They often target the liver of the great white shark, a nutrient-rich organ, using precise and strategic attacks to cause minimal damage to the rest of the body. </p>



<p>This surgical precision in hunting showcases the orcas' advanced cognitive abilities and understanding of their prey's anatomy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-white-shark-a-formidable-predator">The great white shark: A formidable predator</h3>



<p>Great white sharks, known for their size, speed, and power, are formidable predators in their own right. They are solitary hunters, relying on ambush tactics to catch seals, fish, and even small cetaceans. </p>



<p>Great whites are equipped with a keen sense of smell, powerful jaws, and rows of razor-sharp teeth, making them highly efficient hunters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-orcas-on-great-white-shark-behavior">Impact of orcas on great white shark behavior</h3>



<p>The presence of orcas has a significant impact on the behavior of great white sharks. Studies have shown that great whites will vacate areas where orcas are present, sometimes for extended periods. </p>



<p>This avoidance behavior suggests that great whites recognize the threat posed by orcas and prefer to steer clear rather than risk confrontation. </p>



<p>The departure of great whites from these areas can have ripple effects on the local marine ecosystem, demonstrating the profound influence orcas have on their environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-orcas-hunting-and-future-studies">Implications of orcas hunting and future studies</h3>



<p>The interaction between orcas and great white sharks is a remarkable display of nature's complexity. Orcas, with their intelligence, social structure, and hunting prowess, have proven to be one of the few predators capable of challenging the great white shark. </p>



<p>This dynamic highlights the adaptability and survival strategies of these marine creatures and underscores the intricate balance within ocean ecosystems. </p>



<p>As apex predators, the role of orcas and great white sharks is crucial in maintaining the health and stability of marine life, making their interactions a subject of endless fascination and importance.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2024.2311272" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>African Journal of Marine Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Solitary orcas are hunting and eating great white sharks, a stunning behavioral change

In an extraordinary display of predatory skill, a solitary orca...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-highlights-urgent-need-to-protect-migratory-species/">migratory animals</a> refine their navigational strategies as they age, indicating that learning from experience plays a crucial role in successful migration. According to the experts, although genetics and social learning significantly influence migratory behaviors, knowledge gained through experience also contributes to shaping these journeys.</p>



<p>Ellen Aikens, who led this research with a joint appointment at UW's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources and UW’s School of Computing, explores the intersection of animal behavior and data science, an investigation made possible by the advancements in computing and data analytics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-migratory-behaviors">Understanding migratory behaviors</h2>



<p>This study marks a significant advancement in understanding migratory behaviors. Working with specialists from the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/">University of Konstanz</a>, the research meticulously tracked over 250 white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/storks-are-attracted-to-the-smell-of-freshly-mowed-grass/">storks</a> from five breeding sites in southern Germany and Austria from 2013 to 2020 through advanced tracking technology.</p>



<p>This detailed tracking not only identified the storks' migratory paths but also assessed their travel timing, speed, and energy consumption during flight.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-behaviors-become-more-focused">Migratory behaviors become more focused</h2>



<p>The findings revealed a notable transition: while younger storks displayed curiosity in exploring new territories during their migration, as they aged, their journeys became more focused, favoring faster and more direct routes that necessitated greater energy expenditure.</p>



<p>"As the birds age and gain more experience, older individuals stop exploring new places and instead move more quickly and directly, resulting in greater energy expenditure during migratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flight-inspires-the-design-of-future-aircraft/">flight</a>,” said Aikens. “During spring migration, individuals innovated novel shortcuts during the transition from early life into adulthood, suggesting a reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning.”</p>



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



<p>“Although information has largely been overlooked as a currency shaping migratory behavior, gaining information and using it to incrementally refine migration behavior through learning could play an important role in saving both energy and time,” the authors explained. “The landscapes that animals move through are complex and dynamic, requiring that migrants learn where and when favorable conditions that facilitate movement occur and how to exploit them efficiently.”</p>



<p>While the scientists acknowledge the importance of genetics and cultural inherited mechanisms in animal migration, they argue that the recent findings point to individual experience as another major factor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Whether the first migration is guided by genetics or results from following informed individuals, learning within a lifetime represents an additional and complementary mechanism shaping animal migration,” they concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-migratory-behaviors-nbsp">Fascinating migratory behaviors&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Migratory behaviors in animals are diverse and fascinating, often driven by the search for food, mating opportunities, or more hospitable climates. Here are a few examples of remarkable migratory behaviors across different species:</p>



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



<p>Perhaps one of the most visually stunning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-shark-migrations-are-shifting-as-temperatures-rise/">migrations</a>, North American monarch butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles from the northeastern United States and Canada to the fir forests of central Mexico for the winter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This journey is not only long but also remarkable because the butterflies that return to Mexico in the fall are the great-grandchildren of the ones that left the previous spring, navigating using a combination of circadian rhythms and the position of the sun.</p>



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



<p>Holding the record for the longest migration of any animal, Arctic terns migrate from their Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year, covering a distance of about 71,000 kilometers (44,000 miles). This round trip ensures they experience two summers per year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet.</p>



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



<p>In East Africa, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, embark on a circular migration of over 1,800 miles through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. This migration is driven by the seasonal rains and the quest for fresh grazing and water. It's known for its dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-travel-thousands-of-miles-to-mate/">Humpback whales</a> undertake extensive migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. They feed in polar waters during the summer months and migrate to warmer tropical and subtropical waters during the winter for breeding and giving birth, traveling thousands of miles each year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their songs, complex sequences of moans, howls, cries, and other noises, are thought to play a role in communication and mating behaviors during these migrations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-white-sharks">Great white sharks</h3>



<p>Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-the-times-solitary-orcas-are-hunting-great-whites/">great white sharks</a> have been documented traveling from the coast of South Africa to Australia and back, a round trip of over 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles), in a single year. </p>



<p>These migrations are likely motivated by hunting and possibly breeding, showcasing the sharks' incredible navigation skills across vast ocean distances.</p>



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



<p>In the Arctic, caribou (reindeer in Eurasia) undertake one of the largest land migrations, with some herds traveling up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) annually. This migration is primarily driven by the search for food, with the herds moving between their winter and summer feeding grounds.</p>



<p>These migrations are critical for the survival of these species, allowing them to exploit seasonal resources, avoid harsh weather conditions, and reproduce. They also play significant roles in the ecological systems, affecting predator-prey relationships, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.</p>



<p>The UW study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2306389121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Migratory behaviors are shaped by experience

A recent study led by the University of Wyoming has...

<p>Striped marlin, some of the ocean's fastest and fiercest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/">predators</a>, work together to hunt prey. But how do they avoid colliding with each other in the frenzy of the chase? A new study from the <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University of Berlin</a> reveals a surprising secret: rapid color changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-and-habitat-of-striped-marlin">Life and habitat of striped marlin</h2>



<p>Striped marlin are impressive fish found in warm and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are easily recognized by their blue and black stripes that become more prominent in certain events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fast swimmers, reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour, use their long, pointed bills to slash through schools of smaller fish like sardines and anchovies, stunning them before eating. Their tall dorsal fin and streamlined body help them chase prey efficiently. Adult marlins can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 450 pounds.</p>



<p>Striped marlin live in the open ocean near the surface and are constantly on the move, traveling long distances for food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-found-the-worlds-largest-fish-breeding-site/">breeding</a>. They are mostly found off the coasts of Mexico, California, New Zealand, and Australia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striped-marlin-on-the-attack">Striped marlin on the attack</h2>



<p>Using high-quality drone footage, scientists were able to observe striped marlin behavior in never-before-seen detail. They discovered a remarkable phenomenon: the stripes on the marlin's body lightened dramatically during an attack on prey, then returned to normal afterward.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This change in brightness wasn't observed in marlin that weren't hunting, suggesting it might be a way for them to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-communication-among-animals/">communicate</a> with each other during the hunt. </p>



<p>"We found that the attacking marlin 'lit up' and became much brighter than its group-mates as it made its attack before rapidly returning to its 'non-bright' coloration after its attack ended," explained Alicia Burns from Humboldt University of Berlin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basis-of-the-color-change-nbsp">Basis of the color change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Striped marlin can change colors due to a few special cells in their skin called iridophores. These cells contain crystals that reflect light, allowing the marlin to go from a blue-gray to showing bold stripes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This strategic color change happens mainly when striped marlin hunt in groups, and it serves several purposes. First, it helps them communicate with each other. By making their stripes brighter just before attacking, marlin signal that they're going in, which helps organize the hunt and prevent them from bumping into each other. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the color change might keep other marlin away from their prey. This would be important when there are many predators competing for the same food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlins-with-bolder-stripes">Marlins with bolder stripes</h2>



<p>The study also suggests the color change might confuse the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-waters-have-an-unexpected-impact-on-fish-size/">fish</a> that are being hunted. The sudden appearance of bold stripes could make it harder for the fish to escape together. This idea is supported by the fact that marlin attacking schools of fish underwent significantly greater color change compared to marlin that were attacking individuals. </p>



<p>"Color change is widespread in animals, often multi-functional, and is likely to be more common in predators than is commonly reported," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"When groups of marlin make high speed, sequential attacks on the same prey target, they dynamically change color in relation to the timing of their attack. Thus, the intensity of marlin’s color contrast appears to be a reliable cue of their intent to attack."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



<p>The researchers are excited to learn more about how and why marlins change color. They have several questions they want to answer, such as:</p>



<p>Do marlins change color in other situations? The experts wonder if the rapid color changes seen during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-the-times-solitary-orcas-are-hunting-great-whites/">group hunting</a> also happen when marlins hunt alone. This would help them understand if this is a general skill or specific to group dynamics.</p>



<p>Do other predatory fish use similar tactics? This question looks beyond marlins to see if their strategy is unique or if other predatory fish use similar color-changing tactics to hunt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We already have footage of hunting behavior of sailfish and mahi mahi where we have seen even more pronounced and more variable color change than in the marlin," explained Dr Burns.</p>



<p>By answering such questions, the experts hope to understand the full purpose of the flashing stripes. This could reveal a lot about how predators and prey interact in the ocean and how marlins have evolved to be such successful hunters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Striped marlin use a quick color change to signal an attack

Striped marlin, some of the ocean's fastest and fiercest predators,...

Blue,Whale,In,Mirissa,Srilanka

<p>The ancient whale <em>Perucetus colossus</em>, once thought to rival the largest blue whales in size, has been reassessed. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-whale-peru-perucetus-colossus-largest-animal-ever-lived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Previously estimated</a> to weigh as much as 180 metric tons, new analysis suggests a significant reduction in its size, aligning it more <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/blue-whale_perucetus-colossus-extinct_size-comparison_UCDavis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closely with modern whales</a>. </p>



<p>This research from a team at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, and the <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>, challenges previous notions about the heaviest animals to have ever existed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-perucetus-colossus">Discovering <em>Perucetus colossus</em></h2>



<p>Discovered in Peru, Perucetus' fossilized remains date back approximately 39 million years, positioning it within the basilosaurids, an extinct group of early whales. </p>



<p>What sets Perucetus apart is the unusual density of its bones, a characteristic that, while beneficial for aquatic life, led to initial <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06381-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overestimations of its mass</a>.</p>



<p>Professor Ryosuke Motani, a paleobiologist at UC Davis, alongside Nick Pyenson from the Smithsonian's <a href="https://www.si.edu/museums/natural-history-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Natural History</a>, revisited these estimations. </p>



<p>They identified flaws in the original methodology, which over-projected the whale's weight based on skeletal mass without accounting for the non-linear relationship between skeletal and non-skeletal mass across different animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weighing-the-evidence">Weighing the evidence</h2>



<p>Motani and Pyenson's recalculations place <em>Perucetus colossus</em> in the 60 to 70-ton range, considerably lighter than previously thought and much less than the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-into-the-behavior-of-antarctic-blue-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue whales</a>, which can weigh up to 270 tons. </p>



<p>They suggest that even a 20-meter-long Perucetus would not surpass 110 tons, challenging the initial claim of it being the heaviest animal ever.</p>



<p>“This new weight allows the whale to come to the surface and stay there while breathing and recovering from a dive like most whales do,” Motani explained, highlighting the significance of this finding for understanding Perucetus' lifestyle and buoyancy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-the-giant">Feeding the giant</h2>



<p>The diet of <em>Perucetus colossus</em> remains speculative, as paleontologists have yet to discover its skull or teeth. Initial theories proposed by Giovanni Bianucci and colleagues from the <a href="https://www.unipi.it/index.php/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pisa</a> suggested a diet of coastal fish, shellfish, or scavenging, similar to some sharks. </p>



<p>However, the revised size estimate likens Perucetus to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-used-to-monitor-endangered-sperm-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm whales</a>, known for hunting substantial prey like giant squid, suggesting a potentially different ecological niche.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-perucetus-colossus-teaches-us">What <em>Perucetus colossus</em> teaches us</h2>



<p>In summary, the reevaluation of Perucetus colossus' weight challenges previous notions about ancient whale sizes and enriches our understanding of the life and adaptation of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-whales-will-drift-southward-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>. </p>



<p>By meticulously analyzing bone density and applying more accurate methodologies, researchers have presented a more realistic view of Perucetus. </p>



<p>Scientists have now aligned its size closer to that of modern whales and emphasizing the importance of accurate scientific analysis. </p>



<p>This work sheds light on the evolutionary biology of marine mammals, revealing how these magnificent creatures navigated their ancient environments and highlighting the continuous need for critical examination in paleontological research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-perucetus-colossus-and-whale-evolution">More about <em>Perucetus colossus</em> and whale evolution</h2>



<p>As discussed above, the story of whale evolution begins around 50 million years ago with their land-dwelling ancestors, the even-toed ungulates, a group that includes modern-day giraffes, pigs, and deer. </p>



<p>These early ancestors were small, four-legged creatures that gradually ventured into aquatic environments in search of food. </p>



<p>Over millions of years, natural selection favored adaptations that enabled these mammals to thrive in their new watery habitat, evolving into species like <em>Perucetus colossus</em> and, eventually, modern whales that inhabit Earth today.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaping-into-the-water">Leaping into the water</h3>



<p>As these early ancestors adapted to life in the water, significant changes occurred in their bodies. Their limbs transformed into flippers, tails evolved into powerful flukes, and their bodies became streamlined for efficient swimming. </p>



<p>The development of a blowhole allowed them to breathe easily at the surface, and their ears adapted for better hearing underwater. </p>



<p>These adaptations gave rise to the first true whales, known as archaeocetes, which lived during the Eocene Epoch.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-divergence-of-baleen-and-toothed-whales">Divergence of baleen and toothed whales</h3>



<p>Whale evolution took a significant turn with the divergence of two major groups: the baleen whales (Mysticeti) and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-species-of-toothed-whale-is-the-earliest-ancestor-of-modern-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toothed whales</a> (Odontoceti). </p>



<p>Baleen whales, which include the blue whale and the humpback whale, evolved baleen plates for filter-feeding on small fish and krill. </p>



<p>Toothed whales, such as orcas and sperm whales, retained teeth and developed echolocation, a sophisticated sonar system, to hunt their prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-changing-world">Adapting to a changing world</h3>



<p>Throughout their evolutionary history, whales like <em>Perucetus colossus</em> have adapted to various challenges, from changing climates to shifting ocean currents. </p>



<p>These adaptations have not only allowed them to survive but to thrive in diverse marine environments around the globe.</p>



<p>Today, whales play a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystems, acting as both predators and prey in the marine food web.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-whale-evolution">Future of whale evolution</h3>



<p>As we look to the future, human activities pose new challenges to whale populations, from climate change to ocean pollution. </p>



<p>Understanding the evolutionary history of whales can help us appreciate the resilience and adaptability of these remarkable creatures. </p>



<p>By protecting their habitats and reducing human impacts on the oceans, we can ensure that the evolutionary journey of whales continues for millions of years to come.</p>



<p>In tracing the evolutionary path of whales from land to sea, we uncover a story of remarkable transformation and adaptation. </p>



<p>This journey highlights the dynamic nature of evolution and the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Whales, with their vast migrations and deep dives, remind us of the wonders of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16978/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PeerJ</em></a>.</p>



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Ancient whale, Perucetus colossus, wasn't as big as previously believed

The ancient whale Perucetus colossus, once thought to rival the...

<p>World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd. It was established by the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/ga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations General Assembly</a> (UNGA) in 2013 to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.</p>



<p>The date was chosen to mark the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973, which plays a pivotal role in protecting species from extinction due to international trade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-innovation-in-wildlife-conservation">Digital innovation in wildlife conservation</h2>



<p>Each year, World Wildlife Day is celebrated with a theme that highlights the importance of various aspects of wildlife conservation. For example, themes have focused on sustaining all life on Earth, marine species, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/declawing-large-cats-is-a-cruel-practice-with-shocking-impacts/">big cats</a>.</p>



<p>In a transformative push towards a more inclusive and technologically driven future, the theme for World Wildlife Day 2024, "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation," sets an ambitious agenda to bridge the gap between digital advancements and wildlife conservation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This initiative aims to raise awareness about the pivotal role that digital conservation technologies and services can play in promoting sustainable wildlife trade, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering harmonious human-wildlife coexistence for the present and future generations. </p>



<p>At a time when the digital revolution is reshaping the landscape of global connectivity, this theme underscores the urgent need for universal access to digital tools and knowledge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-digital-divide">The digital divide</h2>



<p>Despite the progress made in expanding global internet access, with 66 percent of the world's population now online, a significant digital divide persists. </p>



<p>Approximately 2.7 billion people remain disconnected. This divide is particularly pronounced in the least developed countries and landlocked developing nations, where only 36 percent of the population has internet access. </p>



<p>Moreover, women and young people frequently encounter barriers to internet access and acquiring digital skills necessary for employment, underscoring the intersectional challenges of achieving digital equity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-digital-inclusion-by-2030">Universal digital inclusion by 2030</h2>



<p>The advent of technological innovations has revolutionized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/">wildlife conservation</a>, making research, communication, tracking, and DNA analysis more efficient and precise. These advancements have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding and protection of wildlife.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the benefits of these technologies are not universally accessible, and their application can sometimes lead to environmental degradation and unsustainable practices. </p>



<p>Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing the goal of universal digital inclusion by 2030 and ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-wildlife-conservation-matter">Why does wildlife conservation matter?</h2>



<p>Preserving wildlife and their habitats is essential not only for the intrinsic value of nature but also for the health, economy, and well-being of human societies. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species and their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the natural heritage of our planet. Here are some key reasons why wildlife is so important:</p>



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



<p>Wildlife contributes to the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Biodiversity is vital for the stability and resilience of ecosystems, enabling them to recover from disturbances, resist diseases, and adapt to changes. Each species, no matter how small, plays a role in the ecosystem, contributing to the complex interdependencies that sustain life.</p>



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



<p>Wildlife provides a range of ecosystem services that are crucial for human survival. These include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/">pollination</a> of crops, control of pests and diseases, purification of air and water, and regulation of climate. For example, bees and other insects pollinate plants, leading to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; birds and bats help control insect populations; and forests that are home to wildlife absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-wildlife">Economic benefits of wildlife </h3>



<p>Wildlife and natural habitats attract tourists, contributing to the economy through ecotourism and outdoor recreation. In many parts of the world, wildlife-based tourism is a major source of income and employment. Additionally, wildlife is a source of various products, including food, medicines, and materials.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-recreational-value">Cultural and recreational value</h3>



<p>Wildlife has significant cultural, spiritual, and recreational value for many people. It inspires art, folklore, and religious beliefs. Recreational activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography provide people with opportunities to connect with nature, reducing stress and improving mental health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-research-on-wildlife">Scientific research on wildlife</h3>



<p>Wildlife is an invaluable resource for scientific research, contributing to our understanding of biology, ecology, and medicine. Studying wildlife and ecosystems helps scientists develop new medicines, understand environmental changes, and find solutions to conservation challenges. Educational programs focused on wildlife conservation can foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment among people of all ages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-biodiversity-crisis">Global biodiversity crisis</h2>



<p>The ongoing biodiversity crisis is a critical environmental issue characterized by the rapid loss of species and the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. This crisis is primarily driven by human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, introduction of invasive species, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The consequences of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity loss</a> are profound, affecting ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, such as food security, water purification, disease regulation, and climate stabilization. Several key points highlight the severity of the biodiversity crisis:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-extinction">Rate of extinction</h3>



<p>The current rate of species extinction is estimated to be hundreds of times higher than the natural background rate, with many species disappearing before they are even discovered.</p>



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



<p>Expanding agriculture, urban development, deforestation, and other land-use changes have led to significant habitat destruction, making it the primary cause of biodiversity loss.</p>



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



<p>Climate change exacerbates the crisis by altering habitats and the distribution of species, making it harder for many organisms to survive.</p>



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



<p>Overfishing, hunting, and poaching have led to the decline of numerous species around the world.</p>



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



<p>Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and other waste products has contaminated ecosystems on land and in water, affecting both wildlife and their habitats.</p>



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



<p>The introduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-animals-ecosystem-non-native-culling-harmful-strategy/">non-native species</a> to new environments can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native species.</p>



<p>Efforts to combat this crisis include conservation programs, protected areas establishment, sustainable resource management practices, and international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires global cooperation, as well as local action, to reduce human impacts on the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-nbsp-wildlife-day-2024">World&nbsp;Wildlife Day 2024</h2>



<p>By focusing on the intersection of digital innovation and wildlife conservation, World Wildlife Day 2024 invites us to consider how we can use technology to protect our natural world while ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are shared by all. It is time to envision a future where digital connectivity serves both people and the planet equitably.&nbsp;</p>



<p>World Wildlife Day stands for connecting people with nature and inspiring action for animals and plants every day of the year. To learn how you can <a href="https://www.wildlifeday.org/en/get-involved" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get involved</a> visit <a href="http://www.wildlifeday.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.wildlifeday.org</a>.</p>



<p>Share Your WildLife with #WWD2024</p>



<p>#ConnectingPeopleAndPlanet</p>



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



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World Wildlife Day: Using technology to protect our natural world

World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd....

Sea,Lions,,Puerto,Deseado,,Patagonia,,Argentina

<p>The emergence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in marine environments, a pathogen capable of crossing species barriers, has raised <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-has-evolved-into-a-persistent-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant concerns</a> within the wildlife conservation community. </p>



<p>A recent collaborative study by the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (<a href="https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INTA</a>) in Argentina has shed light on the virus's adaptation and its implications for both marine and bird populations along the Atlantic coast of South America. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-h5n1-avian-influenza-strikes-marine-life">H5N1 avian influenza strikes marine life</h2>



<p>Researchers focused their investigation on a collection of brain samples from deceased sea lions, a fur seal, and a tern found in Argentina's most affected sea lion rookery. </p>



<p>The analysis confirmed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-flu-threatens-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H5N1 infection</a> in all specimens, revealing a near-identical virus sequence across the samples. </p>



<p>This uniformity included specific mutations known for mammalian adaptation, previously identified in marine mammals and a human case across Peru and Chile, and, notably, in a tern for the first time.</p>



<p>Agustina Rimondi, a virologist from INTA and the study's first author, emphasized, "This confirms that while the virus may have adapted to marine mammals, it still has the ability to infect birds. It is a multi-species outbreak." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dire-implications-of-h5n1-s-marine-mammal-mutation">Dire implications of H5N1's marine mammal mutation</h2>



<p>The presence of mammal-adaptation mutations in the tern's virus sequence highlights the potential for transmission between marine mammals.</p>



<p>Despite these findings, Marcela Uhart, a senior author and wildlife veterinarian at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, reassures that the virus currently poses a relatively low risk to humans. </p>



<p>However, she warns of the potential for increased concern if the virus continues to replicate in mammals. Uhart underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/detecting-avian-influenza-could-save-millions-of-birds-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early warning efforts</a> to mitigate this risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-path-of-h5n1">Tracing the path of H5N1</h2>



<p>Labelled as "this new monster" by Uhart, the clade 2.3.4.4b variant of H5N1 emerged in 2020 amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, initially impacting sea birds in Europe before spreading to South Africa, and then to the Americas, threatening poultry and wild bird populations. </p>



<p>By February 2023, the virus had reached Argentina, demonstrating its lethal potential by August 2023 among sea lions at Tierra del Fuego's Atlantic coastline, and then moving northward with devastating effects on marine mammals and seabirds alike.</p>



<p>A staggering toll has been observed, with at least 600,000 wild birds and 50,000 mammals, including elephant seals and sea lions across Argentina, Chile, and Peru, as well as thousands of albatrosses in the Malvinas/Falkland Islands, succumbing to the virus. </p>



<p>A significant outbreak documented by Uhart and her team resulted in a 70% mortality rate among newborn elephant seal pups during the 2023 breeding season in Argentina's Península Valdés.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avian-influenza-marching-towards-antarctic-marine-life">Avian influenza marching towards Antarctic marine life</h2>



<p>The virus's southward trajectory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gentoo-penguins-are-the-latest-victims-of-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">towards Antarctica</a> has prompted urgent wildlife surveillance efforts by Uhart and her colleague Ralph Vanstreels, aimed at assessing the risk to previously unexposed species. </p>



<p>The potential consequences of such exposure could be dire, necessitating a vigilant approach to monitoring and prevention.</p>



<p>The study embodies the One Health concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, domestic animal, wildlife, and environmental health. It calls for a unified response from public, wildlife, agricultural, and health sectors worldwide to address the challenges posed by interspecies disease outbreaks.</p>



<p>In concluding remarks, Uhart reflects on the necessity of giving a voice to affected wildlife populations, highlighting the importance of long-term observational data and global collaboration in preparing for future challenges. </p>



<p>"We are trying to be at the forefront of documenting, recording, and providing early warning," she states, emphasizing the critical role of scientific and conservation efforts in addressing the sprawling impact of the H5N1 virus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-consequences-of-h5n1-in-the-wild">Global consequences of H5N1 in the wild</h2>



<p>In summary, this disturbing study by the University of California, Davis has illuminated a critical shift in the behavior of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, revealing its newfound ability to infect and spread among marine mammals, alongside its traditional avian hosts. </p>



<p>Their research underscores the virus's escalating threat to global wildlife conservation while highlighting the imperative for heightened surveillance and international collaboration to mitigate its spread. </p>



<p>By tracing the genomic footprints of H5N1 across species and continents, scientists offer a clarion call to action, urging a unified approach to safeguard the health of our planet's diverse ecosystems against this formidable viral foe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-h5n1-avian-influenza">More about H5N1 avian influenza</h2>



<p>The H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, represents a significant threat to both avian and human populations worldwide.</p>



<p>Identified initially in 1959 during an outbreak in Scottish chickens, H5N1 has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain that inflicts severe respiratory disease in birds and poses a zoonotic risk to humans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transmission-and-spread">Transmission and spread</h3>



<p>H5N1 primarily affects birds, both wild and domestic, with waterfowl and poultry being particularly susceptible. The virus transmits through direct contact with infected animals, their secretions, or contaminated environments. Notably, migratory birds play a crucial role in spreading the virus across continents, facilitating outbreaks that can decimate poultry industries and threaten food security.</p>



<p>Human cases of H5N1 infection are rare but have occurred, primarily among individuals with close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission remains extremely limited, but the potential for the virus to evolve and gain this capability is a source of global concern.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms-and-treatment">Symptoms and treatment</h3>



<p>In birds, H5N1 causes severe respiratory problems, leading to high mortality rates. Symptoms in infected birds include sudden death, uncoordinated movement, and decreased egg production.</p>



<p>In humans, H5N1 infection can cause severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia. Symptoms often begin as typical flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress and other complications. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, and early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-and-control-measures">Prevention and control measures</h3>



<p>Preventing H5N1 spread involves rigorous biosecurity measures, including surveillance of poultry farms, culling infected animals, and vaccinating poultry. </p>



<p>Public health initiatives focus on reducing human exposure to infected birds, improving hygiene practices, and preparing for potential pandemics through vaccine development and strategic planning.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-study">Implications and future study</h3>



<p>The H5N1 avian influenza virus remains a potent threat to global health and economy, necessitating ongoing vigilance, research, and cooperation among nations to mitigate its impact. </p>



<p>While primarily an avian disease, its potential to evolve and spread among humans underscores the importance of preparedness and response strategies to protect public health.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/4/23-1725_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emerging Infectious Diseases</a></em>.</p>



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Avian influenza is spreading globally from birds to marine mammals

The emergence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in marine...

<p>In the face of rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a>, fish are altering their foraging behavior and prey selection, leading to potentially significant ecological impacts. </p>



<p>A recent study conducted by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (<a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html">iDiv</a>) and <a href="https://www.uni-jena.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Friedrich Schiller University Jena</a>, discovers how these changes could escalate the risk of extinctions within marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-climate-change-impacts-fish-foraging">Studying how climate change impacts fish foraging</h2>



<p>The research focused on fish in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-blooms-baltic-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baltic Sea</a>, revealing that with temperature increases, fish tend to consume the first prey they encounter, which are usually more abundant but smaller, such as brittle stars, small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks.</p>



<p>This shift towards what is termed "flexible foraging behavior" is driven by the need to meet higher metabolic demands in warmer waters. </p>



<p>While opting for readily available, smaller prey offers a quick energy fix, it falls short of meeting the long-term energy requirements of fish, as larger prey would.</p>



<p>This discrepancy between the fish's energy needs and their actual intake could, according to model food web calculations, lead to a higher likelihood of extinctions, particularly under warmer conditions. </p>



<p>This effect is pronounced higher up the food chain, suggesting that climate change could make ecosystems more susceptible to disruption.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-dietary-shifts">Unexpected dietary shifts</h2>



<p>Benoit Gauzens of iDiv and the University of Jena, the study's lead author, points out, "It is usually assumed that species will adapt their foraging to maximize energy intake. However, our findings indicate that fish, and potentially other animals, might respond to climate change stress in unexpected and inefficient ways."</p>



<p>The research team analyzed a decade's worth of data on the stomach contents of six commercially significant fish species from the Bay of Kiel, covering various feeding strategies. </p>



<p>This analysis, which spanned from 1968 to 1978, revealed a gradual shift in diet from less abundant to more abundant prey as temperatures increased.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-threat-to-marine-biodiversity">Ripple effect: Threat to marine biodiversity</h2>



<p>"Fish species in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere are facing a multitude of human-made pressures, like overfishing or pollution”, adds co-author Gregor Kalinkat of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (<a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGB</a>). </p>



<p>“The effect of more inefficient prey searching behavior under warming might be another, so far overlooked factor leading to fish stocks that cannot recover even when fisheries pressure is significantly reduced."</p>



<p>The study's theoretical models, based on mathematical food web calculations, indicate that warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water temperatures</a> lead to changes in foraging behavior that, in turn, increase extinction risks for consumer species, including fish. These extinctions could have cascading effects on other species within the ecosystem.</p>



<p>Gauzens adds a thought-provoking perspective, "Adaptation to local environmental conditions is typically crucial for maintaining biodiversity. Yet, it seems this principle might not hold in the context of rising temperatures."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-warmer-waters-and-fish-foraging">Implications of warmer waters and fish foraging</h2>



<p>In summary, this important and disturbing study uncovers a critical, yet overlooked aspect of climate change's impact on marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>By demonstrating how fish in warmer waters shift their dietary preferences towards smaller, more abundant prey, the research highlights a significant behavioral adaptation that could have far-reaching consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-treaty-adopted-to-protect-biodiversity-in-the-high-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a> and the stability of ecosystems. </p>



<p>This change in foraging behavior, driven by the need to meet increased metabolic demands, threatens the survival of fish species themselves and poses a risk to the broader community of marine organisms. </p>



<p>As such, these findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate change effects on marine life, ensuring the resilience of our oceans in the face of environmental shifts.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, fish foraging involves the various strategies and behaviors fish employ to locate, capture, and consume their food. It's a fundamental aspect of their existence, crucial for survival, growth, and reproduction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-and-behaviors">Strategies and behaviors</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-search-tactics">Search Tactics</h4>



<p>Fish use a range of search tactics to find food. Some species rely on keen eyesight, others on sensitive olfactory cues, and yet others on the detection of vibrations through their lateral lines. Predatory fish might stalk their prey, while others graze continuously on algae or detritus.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-foraging">Social Foraging</h4>



<p>Many fish forage in groups, benefiting from the collective effort. Schooling, for instance, allows fish to cover more area and efficiently locate food sources. This social behavior can also confuse predators, reducing individual risk while feeding.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-and-diurnal-patterns">Seasonal and Diurnal Patterns</h4>



<p>Foraging behavior often follows seasonal and diurnal patterns. Some species are diurnal, actively searching for food during the day, while others are nocturnal, exploiting the cover of darkness to surprise their prey. Seasonal migrations to areas abundant in food are common among various fish species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptations-for-foraging">Adaptations for foraging</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morphological-adaptations">Morphological Adaptations</h4>



<p>Fish exhibit a wide array of physical adaptations for foraging. The shape of the mouth, teeth, and body can indicate a fish's preferred diet and foraging style. For instance, bottom feeders might have downward-facing mouths suitable for scavenging, whereas predators have sharp teeth for seizing prey.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-adaptations">Sensory Adaptations</h4>



<p>Sensory adaptations play a crucial role in fish foraging. Some species have developed highly sensitive barbels or whiskers to detect prey in murky waters. Others might use electric fields to locate hidden prey. These adaptations enhance their ability to find and capture food in diverse and challenging environments.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-study">Implications and future study</h3>



<p>In summary, fish foraging is a complex, dynamic aspect of aquatic life, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of fish. </p>



<p>Through diverse strategies and specialized adaptations, fish have evolved to exploit their environments efficiently. </p>



<p>Understanding these behaviors not only fascinates but also informs conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of fish populations in the face of environmental challenges.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01946-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>.</p>



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Fish foraging behavior is changing as they adapt to warming waters

In the face of rising ocean temperatures, fish are altering...

<p>In an unprecedented discovery, scientists from Oregon State University (<a href="https://www.oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a>) documented the first-ever sighting of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/hoary-bat_flying-over-ocean_Credit-Oregon-State-U_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hoary bat over the open ocean</a>, shocking scientists while shedding new light on the mysteries of nature and the unexpected journeys of terrestrial mammals.</p>



<p>This discovery came during a research cruise aimed at studying marine mammals and seabirds in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area, approximately 30 miles off Northern California's coast. </p>



<p>This area is known for its potential in offshore energy development and, interestingly, is a region where hoary bats are frequently found deceased at land-based wind power facilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hoary-bat-s-journey-over-open-ocean">Hoary bat's journey over open ocean</h2>



<p>Will Kennerley, an OSU faculty research assistant and the first to spot the bat, alongside his colleagues, captured this rare moment and later detailed their observations in the Journal of North American Bat Research. </p>



<p>The sighting occurred under clear skies just after 1 p.m. on October 3, 2022, highlighting the bat's robust and migratory nature.</p>



<p>“I have spent a lot of time at sea in all oceans of the world, and I’ve seen a lot of amazing things,” said Lisa Ballance, director of OSU’s <a href="https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Institute</a>. “A hoary bat was a first for all of us. It’s a reminder of the wonder of nature, and of its vulnerability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mystery-of-the-hoary-bat">Unveiling the mystery of the hoary bat</h2>



<p>Hoary bats are known for their impressive flying capabilities, migrating across North America from breeding to wintering areas. </p>



<p>Despite being regular visitors to places like the Farallon Islands near San Francisco and Bermuda, no records existed of a hoary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-protein-in-bats-that-can-slow-aging-and-fight-most-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat</a> being observed from a ship in North American offshore waters until this event.</p>



<p>The researchers aboard the R/V Pacific Storm, including Kennerley and marine ecologist Leigh Torres, were part of the MOSAIC Project, led by Ballance. </p>



<p>This four-year initiative aims to study the distributions and densities of seabirds and marine mammals around potential offshore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wind-turbines-bird-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind energy</a> areas. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-the-first-open-ocean-bat-sighting">Documenting the first open ocean bat sighting</h2>



<p>The unexpected appearance of the hoary bat, flying between 5 and 10 meters above the ocean surface and nearing the vessel to within 50 meters, underscores the importance of field research in revealing unforeseen aspects of wildlife behavior.</p>



<p>Kennerley, who photographed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat</a>, remarked on the significance of such unexpected findings. </p>



<p>"We of course didn’t set out to look for bats at sea, but this demonstrates the value of having observers out on the water ready and able to document unexpected observations like this,” said Kennerley. “I think surprises like this are one of the most exciting parts of doing science."</p>



<p>The sighting raises concerns about the hoary bat's future, especially considering a 2019 study led by OSU-Cascades indicating a decline in its population in the Pacific Northwest. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-flyers-migratory-might-of-the-hoary-bat">High flyers: Migratory might of the hoary bat</h2>



<p>Bats play crucial roles in ecosystems worldwide, offering services such as pollination, pest control, and seed dispersion. However, they face significant threats from wind energy production and diseases like white-nose syndrome.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-wind-farms-interact-with-wind-can-optimize-their-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wind turbines</a>, for example, can cause fatal injuries to bats through collision and barotrauma, a condition resulting from rapid atmospheric pressure changes. </p>



<p>This sighting within a leased offshore wind energy area emphasizes the need for further research on the potential risks offshore environments pose to bats.</p>



<p>"Our study only documents a single individual but nonetheless suggests a greater need for studies looking at threats bats may face at sea," Kennerley concluded, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-bats-from-the-open-ocean">Protecting bats from the open ocean</h2>



<p>In summary, the unexpected sighting of a hoary bat flying over the open ocean not only underscores the boundless wonders of the natural world, but also highlights the critical need for ongoing research and conservation efforts. </p>



<p>This remarkable discovery by the Oregon State University scientists aboard the R/V Pacific Storm propels us to reconsider our understanding of wildlife behaviors and the potential impacts of human activities, such as offshore wind energy development, on migratory species. </p>



<p>It serves as a vivid reminder of the interconnectedness of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the importance of vigilance and curiosity in scientific exploration, urging us to protect these delicate balances for future generations.</p>



<p>The study, funded by the U.S. Departments of Energy and the Interior, was co-authored by Donald Solick of the <a href="https://www.epri.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric Power Research Institute</a> and <a href="https://www.batacousticsurveys.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vesper Bat Detection Services</a>, along with OSU marine ecologist Rachael Orben.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-hoary-bats-and-the-ocean">More about hoary bats and the ocean</h2>



<p>The hoary bat, a creature of the night skies, captivates with its distinctive frosted fur and widespread wings. </p>



<p>Known scientifically as <em>Lasiurus cinereus</em>, this species stands out as one of the most widespread bats in the Americas, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. </p>



<p>Dwelling primarily in woodlands and forests, hoary bats embark on remarkable migrations that showcase their incredible resilience and adaptability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-and-habitat">Features and habitat</h3>



<p>Characterized by their striking grayish-brown fur with white tips, hoary bats embody a frosty appearance that sets them apart in the bat world. </p>



<p>They possess large, rounded ears and a wingspan that can reach up to 16 inches, making them adept fliers capable of long-distance travel. </p>



<p>These solitary creatures prefer the solitude of tree canopies, emerging at dusk to hunt for insects in a display of aerial agility.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-and-behavior">Migration and behavior</h3>



<p>Hoary bats are not just any nocturnal hunters; they are seasoned travelers, migrating across continents from their summer breeding grounds in the north to warmer southern or coastal wintering areas. </p>



<p>This migration highlights their unique role in ecosystems as pest controllers, managing insect populations wherever they go. </p>



<p>Unlike many bat species that hibernate in caves or mines, hoary bats find refuge in the leaves and branches of trees, even during their migration stops.</p>



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



<p>Despite their widespread presence, hoary bats face significant threats from habitat loss, wind turbines, and climate change. </p>



<p>Wind energy, while a renewable resource, poses a risk to these bats through collisions and barotrauma caused by the turbines. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease lethal to bats, adds to the conservation challenges. These threats underscore the importance of research and conservation strategies to ensure the hoary bat's survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calls-for-bat-protection">Calls for bat protection</h3>



<p>The hoary bat's journey through the night skies is a testament to nature's wonders and complexities. As we uncover more about these elusive creatures, the need to protect them and their habitats becomes increasingly clear. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts must balance human development with the preservation of the natural world, ensuring that hoary bats continue to grace our skies for generations to come.</p>



<p>In essence, the hoary bat's story is a reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and the critical role we play in safeguarding its diversity. </p>



<p>By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for species like the hoary bat, we can inspire actions that contribute to the health and vibrancy of our planet's ecosystems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://www.eaglehill.us/nabr-pdfs-notes/nabr-004-Solick.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of North American Bat Research</a>.</em></p>



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A bat is seen flying over the open ocean for the first time ever

In an unprecedented discovery, scientists from Oregon State University (OSU)...

<p>In Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan, the presence of invasive brown bears in artificial conifer forests has been linked to significant disruptions in tree growth, a recent study reveals. </p>



<p>Researchers investigating the interaction between these bears and reforested areas found that the bears' search for cicada nymphs, an atypical food source, leads to root damage and soil nitrogen alterations, subsequently stunting tree growth. </p>



<p>This behavior, peculiar to human-planted conifer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-around-the-world-are-turning-brown-during-summer/">forests</a>, underscores the unintended consequences of artificial afforestation efforts and the complex dynamics between wildlife and human-modified landscapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shiretoko-peninsula">The Shiretoko Peninsula</h2>



<p>The Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Nature Heritage site, is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Japan's largest brown bear population. </p>



<p>With conservation efforts leading to a rebound in bear numbers since the 1990s, the peninsula has become a focal point for understanding human-wildlife coexistence. </p>



<p>This balance is challenged by the peninsula's dual role as a habitat for wildlife and a hub for human activity, including tourism and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reforestation-cannot-offset-carbon-emissions-from-harvesting-wood/">reforestation</a> projects initiated in the 1970s to restore the region's original forested state through the planting of conifers such as larch and spruce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-brown-bears">Japan's brown bears </h2>



<p>Professor Kanji Tomita from <a href="https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kochi University</a> and Professor Tsutom Hiura from the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> have delved into how brown bears interact with these artificial forests. </p>



<p>Their findings reveal a marked difference in bear behavior in artificial forests compared to natural ones. </p>



<p>"In our latest study, we found that brown bears have been negatively impacting the growth of replanted larch conifer trees. They come to the new forests to dig for cicada nymphs, a behavior we haven’t seen in natural woodland or heard reported elsewhere in the world," Hiura explained. </p>



<p>This distinction highlights the unique impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-that-climate-change-is-caused-by-human-activities/">anthropogenic changes</a> on wildlife behaviors and ecosystem dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminished-tree-growth-nbsp">Diminished tree growth&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team's analysis involved comparing soil and tree samples from areas affected and unaffected by bear digging within these artificial forests. The difficulty in locating undisturbed plots led them to select areas where bamboo undergrowth deterred bear activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The comprehensive study indicated that bear foraging not only reduced root biomass and soil moisture but also decreased nitrogen levels, culminating in diminished tree growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study's implications extend beyond the immediate effects on tree growth, touching on broader themes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/">wildlife conservation</a> and land management.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Previous studies have not considered the human impacts of afforestation efforts because data were collected from natural ecosystems. So, this study is important for wildlife conservation and understanding the roles of large mammals in anthropogenic landscapes,” Tomita said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Referring to knowledge from only pristine ecosystems is not sufficient. To develop more appropriate management strategies for large carnivores, we need to further understand their ecosystem roles in human-made landscapes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-regeneration-methods-nbsp">Natural regeneration methods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Rather than rely on artificial afforestation (converting land into forest) methods, this research highlights the necessity of introducing natural regeneration methods by seed dispersal from the surrounding area,” Hiura added.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This will not only restore ecosystems with high species diversity and rich interactions among animals and plants, but it will also be beneficial to human society in the long term.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-bear-populations">Supporting bear populations </h2>



<p>The challenges faced by Shiretoko's brown bears, including limited access to traditional food sources due to human encroachment and climate change, highlight the urgent need for integrated management strategies. </p>



<p>By fostering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/">ecosystems</a> that support both bear populations and human activities, the goal is to ensure a harmonious coexistence that benefits both nature and society. </p>



<p>The research serves as a critical reminder of the importance of basing afforestation and conservation efforts on sound ecological research to mitigate conflicts and promote biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-japan-s-brown-bears">More about Japan's brown bears</h2>



<p>As discussed above, the Shiretoko Peninsula, located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine natural environment and diverse wildlife. </p>



<p>Among its most iconic inhabitants are the Shiretoko brown bears, a species that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of this remote wilderness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-of-shiretoko-brown-bears">Habitat of Shiretoko brown bears</h3>



<p>The Shiretoko brown bears inhabit dense forests and rugged mountains of the peninsula, taking advantage of the area's rich biodiversity. </p>



<p>The region's cold climate and abundant food sources, such as salmon and nuts, provide an ideal habitat for these bears. Their presence indicates the health and balance of Shiretoko's ecosystem, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts in the area.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-and-lifestyle">Behavior and lifestyle</h3>



<p>Shiretoko's brown bears are mainly solitary creatures, with the exception of mothers with cubs. They are most active during the warmer months, from spring to fall, when they forage for food to build up fat reserves for the winter hibernation. </p>



<p>The bears have a varied diet, feeding on fish, insects, and plants, showcasing their adaptability to the diverse environment of the peninsula.</p>



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



<p>The conservation of Shiretoko's brown bears is a priority for both local authorities and international organizations. </p>



<p>Efforts include monitoring bear populations, researching bear behavior, and implementing measures to prevent human-bear conflicts. </p>



<p>Education programs also play a crucial role, teaching locals and visitors how to coexist safely with these majestic animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coexisting-with-the-bears">Coexisting with the bears</h3>



<p>The presence of brown bears in Shiretoko requires careful management to ensure the safety of both bears and humans. Local authorities have established guidelines for visitors, such as maintaining a safe distance from bears, properly storing food, and what to do in the unlikely event of a bear encounter. </p>



<p>These measures help prevent negative interactions and support the peaceful coexistence of humans and bears in this unique ecosystem.</p>



<p>In summary, the Shiretoko brown bears are a symbol of the wild and untamed beauty of nature. Their presence highlights the importance of conservation and the need to respect and protect the natural world. </p>



<p>As we continue to explore and understand these magnificent creatures, we learn more about the delicate balance of ecosystems and our place within them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4266" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Invasive brown bears are digging up Japan’s artificial forests

In Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan, the presence of invasive brown...

Two,Dung,Beetles,On,Ball,Of,Elephant,Dung,In,Pilansburg

<p>In the intricate dance of nature, dung beetles stand out for their remarkable teamwork, especially when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dung-beetles-important-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brood balls</a> and nurturing their future generations. </p>



<p>These industrious creatures transform the task of transporting a "brood ball" into a testament of their affection and cooperation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rolling-together-the-dung-beetle-s-love-ball">Rolling Together - The Dung Beetle's Love Ball</h2>



<p>This brood ball, ingeniously crafted from dung, serves a pivotal role in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contaminated-manure-dung-beetles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifecycle</a>. Within each ball, an egg is laid and then buried. </p>



<p>Upon hatching, the larva finds itself in a makeshift nursery, where it consumes the ball from within, meticulously ensuring the ball's integrity by only shaving off layers.</p>



<p>Professor Marcus Byrne from the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Studies at <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wits University</a>, alongside Professor Marie Dacke of Lund University's <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/lucat/group/v1001407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Group</a>, have delved deep into the navigational prowess of these beetles. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-world-with-dung-beetles">Navigating the World with Dung Beetles</h2>



<p>Their findings reveal that dung beetles, despite their limited capacity for memorizing environmental cues, ingeniously navigate using celestial bodies and natural elements such as the stars, wind, and the sun and moon. This natural GPS aids them in evading competition by leading them away from dung sources.</p>



<p>The duo, in collaboration with Dr. Claudia Tocco, has recently unveiled insights into the cooperative dynamics between male and female dung beetles during brood ball transportation. </p>



<p>Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> or spiders, which collectively move food towards a predetermined location, dung beetle pairs embark on a journey to an unknown destination, working in unison to transport their precious cargo. </p>



<p>This study, published in <em>The Proceedings of the Royal Society B</em>, emphasizes the fluid collaboration between the sexes, a stark contrast to other species' goal-oriented cooperation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-dung-beetle-communication">Mysteries of Dung Beetle Communication</h2>



<p>Investigating the transport behavior of brood balls by pairs of the Southern African <em>Sisyphus fasciculatus</em> and European <em>Sisyphus schaefferi</em>, the researchers observed how these beetles navigate through their woodland habitats. </p>



<p>Despite encountering obstacles such as plant debris, the beetles' cooperative efforts lead to enhanced transport efficiency. </p>



<p>This synergy is characterized by the male steering and the female aiding in lifting the ball over obstacles, showcasing a remarkable example of natural teamwork.</p>



<p>The strategic importance of their straight-line escape tactic cannot be overstated. It ensures that the beetles not only avoid returning to the competitive environment of the dropping site but also maximize their distance from it. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-secrets-of-navigation">Discovering the Secrets of Navigation</h2>



<p>The decision-making process regarding the final resting place for their brood ball also reflects their adaptability and responsiveness to the terrain's properties.</p>



<p>However, the underlying mechanisms of communication and coordination between the beetle pair remain a mystery, sparking curiosity and opening avenues for research in fields beyond biology, such as robotics. </p>



<p>As Professor Byrne points out, understanding how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beetle-diversity-is-influenced-by-energy-stored-in-dead-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beetles</a> seamlessly collaborate without a pre-defined plan presents an intriguing puzzle, one that could inspire innovation across various disciplines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-in-cooperation-and-efficiency">Lessons in Cooperation and Efficiency</h2>



<p>In summary, the collaborative behavior of dung beetle pairs in transporting brood balls reveals remarkable insights into the efficiency and communication of these tiny creatures. </p>



<p>Through their joint efforts, male and female beetles navigate unknown terrains, overcome obstacles, and secure the future of their offspring, guided by celestial cues and an innate sense of cooperation. </p>



<p>This study focuses on the fascinating world of dung beetles while opening new avenues for research in fields like robotics, where the principles of beetle collaboration could inspire innovative solutions to complex problems. </p>



<p>The work of Professors Byrne, Dacke, and Dr. Tocco underscores the importance of teamwork, even in the smallest of nature's creatures, offering valuable lessons on the power of working together towards a common goal.</p>



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



<p>Dung beetles, those small but mighty insects, play a crucial role in our ecosystems. Despite their unappealing name and diet, these creatures have fascinating behaviors and benefits that are worth exploring. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dung-beetle-family">Dung Beetle Family</h3>



<p>Dung beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae and are known for their unique diet of feces. These beetles are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in habitats ranging from deserts to forests. </p>



<p>Dung beetles come in various shapes and sizes, with some species showcasing metallic hues that add a touch of beauty to their otherwise humble appearance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-of-dung-beetles">Diet of Dung Beetles</h3>



<p>The primary diet of dung beetles is animal feces, which they use for both nutrition and as a breeding ground. They are nature's recyclers, breaking down and burying dung, which enriches the soil and prevents the spread of disease. </p>



<p>Dung beetles can be classified into three types based on how they consume dung: rollers, tunnelers, and dwellers. </p>



<p>Rollers form balls of dung and roll them away to bury and consume later, tunnelers dig directly beneath the dung to bury it, and dwellers simply live in the dung pile.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological Importance</h3>



<p>Dung beetles play a vital role in agriculture and natural ecosystems. By burying and consuming dung, they improve nutrient recycling and soil structure. </p>



<p>Their activities promote the growth of healthy vegetation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dung. </p>



<p>Furthermore, dung beetles help control populations of flies and parasites that breed in dung, contributing to the health and welfare of both wild and domestic animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigation-skills">Navigation Skills</h3>



<p>One of the most remarkable abilities of dung beetles is their navigation skill. Some species are known to use the Milky Way as a navigational aid, the only insects known to do so. </p>



<p>This incredible feat allows them to roll their dung balls in a straight line, avoiding competition and predators.</p>



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



<p>Despite their benefits, dung beetles face threats from habitat destruction, pesticides, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these beetles and maintain the ecological services they provide. </p>



<p>Research and educational programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of dung beetles and promote practices that support their populations.</p>



<p>To conclude, dung beetles, with their unique lifestyle and ecological benefits, are a testament to the wonders of nature. </p>



<p>These industrious insects not only contribute to soil health and agriculture but also demonstrate remarkable navigation skills. </p>



<p>By understanding and protecting dung beetles, we can ensure the continued health and balance of our ecosystems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2621" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Dung beetles share their workload with their mates

In the intricate dance of nature, dung beetles stand out...

<p>In a world where celebrations often revolve around human achievements and milestones, there's a day dedicated to honoring a creature that has been alongside humanity for thousands of years – the pig. </p>



<p>National Pig Day, observed on March 1st each year, is a testament to the significance of these animals in our lives and their underappreciated role in society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-national-pig-day-nbsp">Origins of National Pig Day&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The origins of National Pig Day date back to 1972 when two sisters, Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave, established March 1st as a day to recognize the importance of pigs in everyday life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal was not just to designate a day for festivities, but rather to elevate the status of pigs in human consciousness. According to the founders, the pig deserves recognition for its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-monkeys-are-much-smarter-than-we-thought-they-were/">intelligence</a> and domestication - qualities that are often overlooked by many.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-pigs">Celebrating pigs</h2>



<p>National Pig Day is celebrated all over the world but is most commonly celebrated in the American Midwest, where the holiday holds special significance.</p>



<p>In Illinois, a state with a 1.9 billion dollar pork industry, communities come together to honor the pig's contribution. Meanwhile, even urban centers like New York City embrace the spirit of National Pig Day, welcoming pot-bellied pigs into the Central Park Zoo for special events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-purpose-of-national-pig-day-nbsp">The purpose of National Pig Day&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the commercialization of pork products associated with National Pig Day, true enthusiasts of the holiday advocate for a more respectful approach. They believe that it is important to give pigs a break and refrain from eating pork products on this day.</p>



<p>According to Mary Lynne Rave the purpose of the National Pig Day is "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place" as one of the most intelligent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-bonded-with-humans-after-a-single-domestication-event/">domesticated animals</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics-of-pigs">Unique characteristics of pigs</h2>



<p>Pigs are fascinating animals with many unique characteristics such as intelligence, emotional depth, and surprising abilities that often go unnoticed. Here are some special attributes and intriguing facts about pigs:</p>



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



<p>Pigs are considered to be one of the smartest domestic animals, comparable to dogs and even some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a>. They can learn tricks, navigate complex environments, and even play video games with more focus and success than some primates.</p>



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



<p>Pigs are highly social creatures. They form close bonds with other pigs and humans, communicate with each other through various noises, and show empathy for other pigs in distress.</p>



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



<p>Pigs have excellent long-term memories. They can remember objects, recognize other individual pigs and humans, and remember tasks they've learned for years.</p>



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



<p>Pigs have an exceptional sense of smell. They can root in the ground with their snouts to find food buried deep underground, including truffles, a highly prized type of mushroom.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleanliness-nbsp">Cleanliness&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Despite popular belief, pigs are quite clean. They keep their toilet area far away from where they eat and sleep. The misconception that pigs are dirty comes from their need to cool off in mud because they cannot sweat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swimming-nbsp">Swimming&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Pigs are capable swimmers and enjoy water. There's even a famous beach in the Bahamas known as "Pig Beach," where wild pigs swim alongside tourists.</p>



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



<p>Pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">plants</a> and animals. In the wild, their diet can include leaves, roots, fruits, rodents, and small reptiles.</p>



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



<p>Pigs are valuable in medical research due to their physiological similarities to humans. They have contributed to advancements in organ transplantation, dermatology, and cardiovascular research.</p>



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



<p>Pigs communicate using more than 20 different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baleen-whales-cannot-escape-human-noise/">vocalizations</a>, ranging from grunts to squeals, each with its own meaning. They can convey alerts, food signals, and mating calls among many other messages.</p>



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



<p>Pigs display a wide range of emotions and have been observed to experience joy, sadness, and even grief. They enjoy playing, exploring, and can get bored, stressed, or lonely if not given adequate attention.</p>



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



<p>Pigs are highly valued in many parts of the world for their agricultural and economic contributions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are efficient converters of feed into meat, and their meat (pork) is one of the most widely consumed meats globally. Their by-products are also used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.</p>



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



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National Pig Day: Honoring the role of an underappreciated animal

In a world where celebrations often revolve around human achievements...

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

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>



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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>



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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...

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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 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

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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>



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<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?

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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

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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>



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<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

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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>



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<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>



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<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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