If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot.



In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. 



But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things get messy. Female choices become unpredictable. This isn’t just a frog issue - it ties into a broader idea that scientists call “choice overload.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frogs-face-chaos-in-the-chorus">Frogs face chaos in the chorus</h2>



In nature, frogs gather in large, noisy groups called choruses. Picture a shallow pond in spring, with dozens of males calling out at the same time. It’s the frog equivalent of a dating scene in a packed nightclub.



The researchers found that the crowded conditions of these choruses might be too overwhelming for females to reliably pick the best mate. It’s not that they stop caring - it’s that they can’t tell who’s who.



Professor Jessie Tanner of the <a href="https://www.utk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tennessee, Knoxville</a>, led a team studying how choice overload affects evolution.



“Because female mate choice can drive evolution, our results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/">evolution</a> might happen more slowly than we thought before,” she said. 



“Some males that are fairly unattractive could still mate, especially if they take advantage of crowded spaces where females might be less able to discriminate between attractive and unattractive males.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-choices-are-too-hard">What happens when choices are too hard?</h2>



The idea of choice overload is pretty common in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-behind-predicting-and-changing-human-behavior/">human behavior</a>. You walk into a store to buy toothpaste and face 50 brands. You either freeze, grab something random, or walk away. Same goes for dating apps with endless swiping.



“We wanted to understand how having to make mating decisions in crowded environments, where choice overload could be a problem, might drive the evolution of calls,” Tanner explained. 



“Since males that are chosen by females pass on their genes to the next generation, this mate choice can cause the population to change over time.”



When animals, like people, face too many options, their decision-making can break down. That opens up a chance for less attractive mates to get picked - not because they became more appealing, but because the chooser got overwhelmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choice-overload-in-other-animals">Choice overload in other animals</h2>



This isn’t just about frogs. Scientists are now looking at how this effect shows up in other animals. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-increasingly-stressed-over-the-past-century/">Bumblebees</a>, for instance, are on the list. So are wood roaches.



“Our lab is working to understand how choice overload and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-lungs-that-cancel-out-background-noise/">noise</a> may each contribute to the difficulty female treefrogs face in making mating decisions,” Tanner said. 



“We are also working to understand whether this choice overload is something that occurs generally in many different kinds of animals or is more specific to individual species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simultaneous-cricket-songs">Simultaneous cricket songs </h2>



Tanner, who has a background in both psychology and biology, first got into animal behavior while studying mate choice as an undergrad. She later became interested in sound - especially how it plays into animal communication.



That led to earlier work on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-male-crickets-go-silent-how-females-adapt-and-respond/">crickets</a>. Like treefrogs, male crickets use sound to attract mates. A study on cricket mating showed that noisy environments might either block females from hearing calls or make them too confused to pick. It was hard to tell which was causing the problem.



“During that study, it became clear that our work was consistent with both the possibility that many simultaneous cricket songs created noise that made it hard for females to hear, and the possibility that the females were experiencing choice overload,” Tanner said. “Our current work looks to disentangle those ideas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-average-becomes-good-enough">When average becomes good enough</h2>



The research adds a new layer to how scientists think about evolution. Normally, stronger signals - like a faster frog call - are expected to win out and spread through the population over time. 



But if crowded conditions keep females from consistently picking the top performers, evolution slows down. Mediocre traits stick around longer.



That changes the math for survival. In nature, being the best isn’t always enough - and sometimes, being just okay is good enough, especially if the crowd’s loud and the choices are many.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Frogs settle for average mates when dating gets too noisy

If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot. In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things...

A previously unknown species of pterosaur has been found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The research is shedding new light on the evolutionary journey of ancient flying reptiles. 



The discovery was recently announced by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>, and <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>. 



Named as part of the Darwinoptera clade, the new pterosaur indicates a previously unappreciated diversity and geographical spread of this group from the late Early Jurassic through to the latest Jurassic period, spanning over 25 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ceoptera-evansae">Ceoptera evansae</h2>



The species has been named Ceoptera evansae, with "Ceoptera" combining the Scottish Gaelic word for mist, "Cheò" (referencing the Isle of Skye's nickname, the Isle of Mist), and the Latin term for wing, "-ptera."&nbsp;



The designation "evansae" honors Professor Susan E. Evans for her extensive contributions to anatomical and paleontological research, particularly on the Isle of Skye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-evolution-nbsp">Pterosaur evolution&nbsp;</h2>



The study of Ceoptera challenges existing models of early pterosaur evolution, suggesting that all major Jurassic pterosaur lineages had already emerged by the end of the Early Jurassic, much earlier than previously thought.&nbsp;



Furthermore, it highlights the coexistence of pterosaurs with avialans, the dinosaur lineage that would give rise to modern birds, well into the late Jurassic.



“Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the UK was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution,” said study senior author Paul Barrett, a Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum.&nbsp;



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



The discovery was made possible through the examination of a partial skeleton, which includes elements of the shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone. Due to the condition of the find, with many bones embedded within rock, advanced CT-scanning techniques were essential for study.



"The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance," said study lead author Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist at the University of Bristol.



"To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved."&nbsp;



More about pterosaurs



Pterosaurs were a group of flying reptiles that lived during the age of dinosaurs, from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 228 to 66 million years ago.&nbsp;



Unlike birds or bats, pterosaurs are not descendants of dinosaurs but are more closely related to modern reptiles. They were the first vertebrates known to have evolved powered flight, meaning they could flap their wings to fly rather than just glide.



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



The wings of pterosaurs were formed by a skin and muscle membrane that stretched from their extremely long fourth finger to their hind limbs. This design is quite distinct from that of birds, which have wings made of feathers, or bats, which have wings formed by membranes stretched between their fingers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-appearance-nbsp">Size and appearance&nbsp;</h3>



Pterosaurs varied greatly in size, from the small Nemicolopterus, with a wingspan of about 10 inches, to the enormous Quetzalcoatlus, which is among the largest known flying creatures with a wingspan estimated to be over 30 feet.&nbsp;



Their bodies were adapted for flight, with hollow bones to reduce weight and large brains and eyes that likely helped them navigate through the air.



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



These creatures inhabited a variety of ecosystems, from coastal and marine environments to inland habitats. Their diets were as diverse as their habitats; some species had long, narrow beaks for fishing, while others had short, strong beaks for crushing hard-shelled insects.



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



Despite their successful adaptation to flight and dominance in the skies for millions of years, pterosaurs went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, around the same time as the dinosaurs.&nbsp;



This extinction event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, is thought to have been caused by a combination of volcanic activity, climate change, and the impact of a large asteroid or comet on Earth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-record-nbsp">Fossil record&nbsp;</h3>



The fossil record for pterosaurs, while not as complete as that of dinosaurs, has provided significant insights into their diversity, anatomy, and lifestyle. Advances in technology and new discoveries continue to shed light on these fascinating creatures, offering a glimpse into the complexity of prehistoric life on Earth.



Image Credit: © NHM &amp; Witton 2021



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New species of Jurassic pterosaur found on the Isle of Skye

A previously unknown species of pterosaur has been found on...

In the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean, scientists have revealed a fascinating new species of medusa jellyfish, known as Santjordia pagesi, or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jellyfish_new-species_Santjordia-pagesi_Japan_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St George’s Cross Medusa</a>.



This unique creature captivates with its gelatinous, umbrella-shaped body and a striking red stomach that resembles the Cross of St George when viewed from above. 



Spanning about 10 cm in diameter, this medusa stands out for its vibrant coloration and diminutive size, especially when compared to other deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-impacts-helmet-jellyfish-foretell-the-dangers-of-seafloor-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-medusa-jellyfish-santjordia-pagesi">Finding the medusa jellyfish Santjordia pagesi</h2>



S. pagesi's home is the Sumisu Caldera in the Ogasawara Islands, a hydrothermally active deep-sea volcanic structure located about 460 km south of Tokyo. 



This environment, known for its rich mineral substrate and potential for commercial development, has revealed a species that defies the common characteristics of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-jellyfish-are-more-nutritious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>. 



“The species is very different from all the deep-sea medusae discovered to date. It’s relatively small, whereas others in this kind of environment are much larger. The bright red coloring of its stomach probably has to do with capturing food,” Morandini elaborated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-adaptations-survival-in-the-deep">Evolutionary adaptations: Survival in the deep</h2>



One of the most intriguing aspects of Santjordia pagesi is its transparency and the bright red stomach, which plays a crucial role in its survival. 



This feature ensures that bioluminescent prey, common in the dark depths of the ocean, cannot be seen by predators once swallowed, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary adaptations of deep-sea life.



The naming of the species pays homage to Dr. Francesc Pagès, a renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-can-regenerate-functioning-tentacles-in-just-a-few-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> taxonomist, further emphasizing the scientific community’s tradition of honoring its members’ contributions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medusa-jellyfish-santjordia-pagesi-is-rare-and-elusive">Medusa jellyfish Santjordia pagesi is rare and elusive</h2>



Additionally, the discovery process for S. pagesi was notably challenging due to its rarity. 



The team relied on a single specimen captured in 2002 by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) <a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/about/equipment/ships/hyperdolphin.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hyperdolphin</a>, with another sighting in 2020, underscoring the difficulties of deep-sea exploration.



“We opted to publish the description and call attention to the species that are present at the site, which has a substrate rich in minerals and the potential to be commercially developed," explained Morandini. 



"Unfortunately, research can’t be conducted in such places without partners who have interests of this kind.”



Morandini’s insights also touch on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-shed-light-on-the-origins-of-hunger-regulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broader implications</a> of such discoveries, pointing out the potential for Santjordia pagesi to possess unique venoms, distinct even from those of closely related species. 



“Who knows? Maybe it holds secrets more valuable than all the mineral wealth that could be extracted from that place. All this with the advantage of keeping the species and the site intact,” he speculated, highlighting the untapped potential of biodiversity over commercial exploitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration">International collaboration</h2>



The discovery of S. pagesi was a collaborative effort involving an international team of scientists, including <a href="https://bv.fapesp.br/en/pesquisador/30050/andre-carrara-morandini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">André Morandini</a>, a zoologist from the University of São Paulo’s <a href="https://www.ibb.unesp.br/#!/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biosciences</a> and Director of the Center for Marine Biology. 



Morandini's research was supported by FAPESP’s Research Program on Biodiversity Characterization, Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use (<a href="https://www.biota.org.br/en/biotafapesp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BIOTA-FAPESP</a>), highlighting the importance of international and interdisciplinary cooperation in marine biology.



In summary, this study expands our understanding of the rich tapestry of life in the deep sea while emphasizing the importance of preserving these environments. 



As scientists continue to explore these uncharted territories, each new medusa <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-swimming-jellyfish-date-back-505-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> species discovery, like Santjordia pagesi, brings us closer to understanding the complex web of life that exists in the depths of our oceans, reminding us of the wonders that lie hidden beneath the waves and the need to protect them for future generations.



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



As discussed above, medusa <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-are-capable-of-more-complex-learning-than-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>, named after the mythical Greek monster with snakes for hair, captivate observers with their mesmerizing forms and graceful movements through the water. 



These creatures, part of the larger jellyfish family, distinguish themselves with their bell-shaped bodies and trailing tentacles, embodying the quintessential image of a jellyfish.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-and-characteristics">Anatomy and characteristics</h3>



The anatomy of a medusa jellyfish is both simple and intricate. At the heart of their design is the bell or umbrella, capable of pulsating to propel the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-eyes-catch-a-glimpse-of-evolutionary-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> through the water. 



Hanging from the bell are tentacles equipped with cnidocytes, specialized cells that release venom to capture prey or deter predators. 



This efficient predatory strategy highlights the medusa's role as an adept hunter within its aquatic realm.



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



Medusa jellyfish, like Santjordia pagesi, are not confined to any single marine environment but are found across the world's oceans, from the shallows to the depths of the open sea. 



Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions, including temperate, tropical, and even some freshwater ecosystems, showcasing their broad ecological range.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-and-reproduction">Life cycle and reproduction</h3>



The life cycle of medusa jellyfish includes two main stages: the sessile polyp stage and the free-swimming medusa stage. 



This dual-phase life cycle allows them to exploit different ecological niches and contributes to their success as a species. 



Reproduction can occur both sexually, with the medusa stage releasing sperm and eggs into the water, and asexually, with polyps budding off new individuals, ensuring their widespread presence in marine environments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-and-impact">Ecological role and impact</h3>



Medusa jellyfish play a significant role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predator and prey. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-the-mysterious-jellyfish-diet-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Their diet</a> mainly consists of small fish, zooplankton, and other jellyfish, positioning them as important regulators of marine population dynamics. 



However, their capability to form large blooms can also have significant impacts on human activities, such as fishing and tourism, and on the overall health of marine ecosystems.



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



The study of medusa jellyfish, like Santjordia pagesi, is crucial for understanding marine biodiversity and the health of oceanic ecosystems. 



Researchers focus on their distribution, population dynamics, and ecological impacts to better manage and conserve marine environments. 



The beauty and mystery of medusa jellyfish continue to inspire both scientific curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life beneath the waves.



In summary, medusa jellyfish, with their elegant forms and ecological importance, remind us of the ocean's vast mysteries and the need to protect its fragile ecosystems. 



As symbols of the sea's beauty and power, they challenge us to explore, understand, and ultimately safeguard the marine world for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5374.4.5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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Very rare medusa jellyfish species spotted near Japan

In the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean, scientists...

A,Large,Female,Atlas,Moth,(attacus,Atlas),From,South,And

For years, the enigmatic draw of flying insects to artificial light sources has puzzled both scientists and poets alike. 



The common belief that these creatures are simply attracted to the brightness of lights, like moths to a flame, has been challenged by recent research. 



This study, conducted by the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/bioengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Bioengineering</a> at Imperial College London, sheds new light on the phenomenon, proposing that artificial lights at night disrupt the insects' innate navigational systems rather than attracting them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-and-light-debunking-myths-with-science">Insects and light: Debunking myths with science</h2>



Phototaxis, or the movement of organisms in response to light, has been a subject of interest among researchers for decades. 



Various theories have been proposed to explain why nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are so often found spiraling around artificial luminescence, ranging from mistaking these lights for gaps in foliage to using them as navigational aids. 



Some have even suggested that insects are drawn to the warmth of the lights or become disoriented by their brightness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigational-disruption-over-attraction">Navigational disruption over attraction</h2>



The research, led by Dr. Samuel Fabian from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, introduces a new theory. He posits that flying insects are not attracted to artificial light but become disoriented, mistaking it for the sky. 



This confusion leads to erratic flight patterns and, ultimately, collisions with the light source. 



Dr. Fabian explains, “We wanted to understand why insects seem unable to resist flying into and around potentially fatal light sources. Answering this question could help us get a better grip on humans’ impact on insects and the wider natural world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-computer-models">Innovative computer models</h2>



Utilizing advanced techniques such as stereo-videography in Costa Rica and high-resolution motion capture and computer analyses in laboratory settings, the researchers were able to reconstruct the 3D movements of insects' flight around artificial luminescence. 



Their findings contradicted the prevailing belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are attracted to light from afar. Instead, insects only become trapped if they venture close to an artificial light source.



At a certain distance, their natural inclination to turn their dorsum (top) towards the light -- a behavior beneficial under natural lighting conditions -- results in their entrapment.



“Flying animals need a reliable way to determine their orientation, especially relative to the direction of gravity. With help from new technologies that enable us to track the movements of tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> in difficult and dark conditions, we were able to understand how these insects behave around different light sources," Dr. Fabian said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unnatural-insect-behaviors-light-induced-confusion">Unnatural insect behaviors: Light-induced confusion</h2>



The study observed three distinct behaviors in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> around artificial luminescence: orbiting, stalling, and inversion. 



These behaviors suggest that the insects continually attempt to orient themselves by directing their dorsal axis towards the light, a strategy that fails under artificial conditions, leading to crashes.



In laboratory experiments with various insect species, including dragonflies, moths, and hawkmoths, the researchers discovered that artificial lights significantly impair insects' ability to maintain control over their flight direction. 



Computer modeling further supported the theory that this disorientation stems from the insects' attempts to orient their bodies towards the light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-artificial-lighting">Rethinking artificial lighting</h2>



This research provides the most plausible model for why flying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are drawn to artificial luminescence, while emphasizing the impact of human-generated light pollution on nocturnal wildlife. 



With the proliferation of artificial light sources, such as streetlamps and vehicle headlights, the natural night sky is increasingly obscured, disrupting the natural behaviors of flying insects.



Dr. Fabian stresses the importance of reevaluating our use of artificial light at night, suggesting that measures such as shielding lights and reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting could significantly benefit nocturnal wildlife. 



He concludes, “Light at night is pollution, and we need to think of it as such. It may be that simply shrouding and restricting our lights can dramatically improve life for our nocturnal wildlife.”



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



In summary, this fascinating research marks a significant step forward in understanding the effects of artificial light on flying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flightless-stick-insects-spread-their-populations-over-vast-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> and highlights the need for further investigation into how distance from light sources affects insects' behaviors. 



Dr. Fabian feels more research is needed, suggesting, “A key next step for this research is to work out how distance changes the effect of lights at night. We know what’s happening at 1 meter from a light, but what’s happening at 100 meters?”



This insight advances our knowledge of insect behavior and prompts a reevaluation of our environmental impact, urging us to consider more wildlife-friendly lighting solutions.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Why insects seem to be attracted to light has long been a mystery

For years, the enigmatic draw of flying insects to artificial...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> sheds light on the complex defensive mechanisms employed by nature. The researchers have unraveled the mystery behind the ultrasonic warning sounds produced by ermine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-moths-use-an-aphrodisiac-during-mating-to-feel-macho/">moths</a>, a species known as Yponomeuta. 



This discovery not only provides fascinating insights into the natural world but also holds potential implications for the fields of engineering and technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ermine-moths-nbsp">Ermine moths&nbsp;</h2>



Ermine moths, which lack hearing organs and are unaware of the sounds they produce, have developed an ingenious acoustic defense mechanism to deter their predators, primarily echolocating bats.&nbsp;



The researchers found that these moths generate ultrasonic clicking sounds at an astonishing rate of twice per wingbeat cycle. This sound production is facilitated by a minute corrugated membrane located in their hindwings, known as an "aeroelastic tymbal."



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



The study reveals that the unique sound production mechanism is a result of the snap-through buckling of individual ridges on the corrugated patch in the moth's hindwings during flight. The buckling causes a sudden vibration of an adjacent membrane, significantly amplifying the sound's strength and direction.&nbsp;



This process occurs passively, without any muscular action from the moth, highlighting the efficiency and elegance of this natural defense strategy.&nbsp;



“Our goal in this research was to understand how the corrugations in these tymbals can buckle and snap through in a choreographed way to produce a chain of broadband clicks," explained Professor Marc Holderied. "With this study, we unfolded the biomechanics that trigger the buckling sequence and shed light on how the clicking sounds are emitted through tymbal resonance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasonic-sound-production-nbsp">Ultrasonic sound production&nbsp;</h2>



Study first author Hernaldo Mendoza Nava investigated the mechanics of the aeroelastic tymbal as a PhD student at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Composites for Innovation and Science of the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI).



"Sound production and radiation is linked to mechanical vibration, for example in the skin of a drum or a loudspeaker," said Mendoza.&nbsp;



“In ermine moths, the snap-through buckling events act like drumbeats at the edge of a tymbal drum, exciting a much larger portion of the wing to vibrate and radiate sound. As a result, these millimeter-sized tymbals can produce ultrasounds at the equivalent level of a lively human conversation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdisciplinary-research-nbsp">Interdisciplinary research&nbsp;</h2>



The team used advanced techniques from both biology and engineering mechanics to achieve their findings. Detailed computer simulations, along with biological characterization of the wing's morphology and material properties, enabled the researchers to accurately model the snap-through response and sound production, closely matching recorded moth signals.



“The integration of various methods across the sciences with a consistent information flow across discipline boundaries in the spirit of ‘team science’ is what made this study unique and a success," said co-author Rainer Groh. "In addition, without the amazing modern capabilities in imaging, data analysis and computation, uncovering the mechanics of this complex biological phenomenon would not have been possible."



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



The study not only contributes to our understanding of insect defense mechanisms against predators but also has broader implications for engineering and technology.&nbsp;



The phenomenon of structural buckling and sound production, though rarely studied together, presents exciting opportunities for developing morphing structures with enhanced functionality or efficiency, particularly in fields such as aerospace.



“In the realm of engineering design, nonlinear elastic responses, such as buckling and snap-through instabilities, have traditionally been perceived as failure modes to be avoided," said Professor Alberto Pirrera.&nbsp;



"In our research, we have been advocating a paradigm shift and have demonstrated that buckling events can be strategically leveraged to imbue structures with smart functionality or enhanced mass-efficiency. Yponomeuta’s aeroelastic tymbal embodies the concept of beneficial nonlinearity. The natural world, once again, serves as a source of inspiration.”



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.&nbsp;



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How ermine moths effortlessly produce ultrasonic warning sounds 

A new study from the University of Bristol sheds light...

In an unprecedented medical event, a French Bulldog puppy named Tyson experienced the spontaneous regrowth of his jaw after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. 



This remarkable case, documented by <a href="https://vet.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> veterinarians, marks the first of its kind for dogs, offering new hope and insights into veterinary oncology and surgical recovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-a-malignant-diagnosis">The challenge: A malignant diagnosis</h2>



Tyson, a three-month-old French <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulldog</a>, was initially brought to Cornell’s Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service for a cleft palate operation. 



It was during this time that a malignant tumor was discovered on his lower left mandible. Dr. Alexandra Wright, D.V.M. ’18, who spearheaded Tyson’s treatment, identified the tumor as an <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/oral-tumors-squamous-cell-carcinoma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma</a> -- a rare but aggressive cancer in dogs. 



“Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common malignant oral tumor in dogs, and this papillary subtype has previously been reported in young dogs," explained Dr. Wright.



This diagnosis prompted an urgent and drastic response: the removal of a significant portion of Tyson's jaw to save his life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-of-faith-to-save-tyson">A leap of faith to save Tyson</h2>



Despite the grim prognosis, Tyson's owners, Melissa Forsythe and Mike Lacagnina, chose to proceed with the surgery after learning the cancer hadn't spread beyond the tumor site. 



“We didn’t know if we wanted to put a puppy through all this. The prognosis at the time was uncertain,” Forsythe said. 



However, since Tyson’s CT scans were clear, meaning that the cancer hadn’t spread to other sites in the body, “we decided to give him a chance and continue with surgery. We had no idea his jaw would grow back!”



The surgical team, led by Wright, managed to preserve a vital layer of tissue called the periosteum, which played a crucial role in Tyson's recovery. 



The periosteum, rich in blood vessels and nerves, is essential for bone growth and regeneration. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-miracle-french-bulldog-s-jaw-regrows">Medical miracle: French bulldog's jaw regrows</h2>



This meticulous surgical approach, coupled with Tyson's early cancer detection, set the stage for what was to come: the spontaneous and almost complete regrowth of his mandible.



Tyson's recovery defied all odds. Typically, such extensive bone loss in dogs does not regenerate, especially to the extent seen in Tyson's case. 



His new mandible, while slightly abnormal in its lack of certain features such as the mandibular canal and teeth, matched the length of the opposite side, maintaining proper jaw alignment and showing no signs of cancer recurrence.



Following his jaw surgery, Tyson faced another challenge with his cleft palate, which also required surgical intervention. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-and-thriving-despite-obstacles">Surviving and thriving despite obstacles</h2>



Throughout his recovery, Tyson displayed remarkable resilience, adapting to life with an E-collar and restrictions on his activity. 



Forsythe shared that despite these limitations, their French <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/french-bulldogs-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulldog</a> remained spirited as his jaw healed, enjoying water-soaked kibble and soft toys, and keeping active with walks around the house.



Today, Tyson's story is not just about survival but thriving. He has graduated from obedience class, earned his Canine Good Citizen certification, and even participated in a Christmas parade. 



His journey from a critical cancer diagnosis to becoming a symbol of hope and resilience is a testament to the advances in veterinary medicine and the possibilities of regenerative healing.



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



Dr. Wright, reflecting on Tyson's case, highlighted its significance in expanding our understanding of bone regeneration in young dogs and its potential implications for other animals facing similar diagnoses. 



Tyson's case underscores the importance of early detection, surgical precision, and the inherent capacity for healing present in young animals.



For Forsythe, Tyson's story is one of love, determination, and the joy of seeing a beloved pet overcome incredible odds. 



She hopes that Tyson's remarkable recovery will inspire and inform future treatments for other dogs facing life-threatening conditions. 



Through Tyson's journey, the veterinary community has gained invaluable insights into the potential for spontaneous bone regeneration, opening new avenues for research and treatment in veterinary care.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1281232/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>.



Special thanks to Melanie Greaver Cordova



-----



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French Bulldog puppy spontaneously regrows jaw after cancer diagnosis

In an unprecedented medical event, a French Bulldog puppy named...

Food availability may be a catalyst for cultural transmission among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orangutans-are-starving-from-fruit-shortages/">orangutans</a>, according to the results of a new study. Based on 18 years of observations of wild orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra, the researchers identified a relationship between an animal's ecological environment, resource availability, and social learning behaviors.



The study was a collaborative effort by experts at the <a href="https://www.eva.mpg.de/index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology</a> (MPI-EVA), the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB), and the University of Leipzig. 



"Social learning includes any learning that is influenced by the observation of or interaction with another individual," wrote the researchers.



"Culture, hence, at its most basic definition can be described as 'socially transmitted innovations,' and more specifically as the sum of 'all behaviors and knowledge that are acquired and passed on within and between generations through social learning.'"&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities-for-social-learning-nbsp">Opportunities for social learning&nbsp;</h2>



While investigating how male orangutans learn from others, the experts found that individuals who grew up in habitats with an abundance of food were more likely to pay attention to social information.&nbsp;



This finding indicates that an animal's ecological surroundings directly influence its opportunities for social learning, thereby affecting the likelihood of new behaviors becoming cultural innovations.&nbsp;



“We’ve shown that animal’s ecological environment and respective resource availability has knock-on effects on an individual’s social learning opportunities, but also on their propensity for social learning over evolutionary time,” said study first author Julia Mörchen, a doctoral student at the University of Leipzig.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nomadic-lifestyle">Nomadic lifestyle</h2>



The research was focused on adult male orangutans, a demographic chosen for their unique life history traits. Once reaching maturity, male orangutans leave their birthplaces to lead nomadic lives, constantly learning to adapt to new environments. This migrant lifestyle makes them reliant on social learning to survive.



“This means that males are like perpetual tourists, so they have to constantly learn crucial behaviors, like what food is safe to eat, from experienced locals,” explained Mörchen. To learn new skills, the migrant males watch resident orangutans in a behavior known as “peering."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



In both Borneo and Sumatra, instances of migrant males peering at local residents were closely monitored.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered that males were more inclined to spend time near others and engage in peering when food was abundant. This provides evidence that an animal’s environment can modulate social learning, noted the researchers.&nbsp;



“When times are good, orangutans spend more time in close contact, and so there are more opportunities for social learning,” said Mörchen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stable-food-resources-nbsp">Stable food resources&nbsp;</h2>



A comparison between the Sumatran and Bornean populations further underscored the study's findings. Sumatran orangutans, living in areas with a high food supply, exhibited a higher rate of peering compared to their Bornean counterparts, who contend with less stable food resources.&nbsp;



This difference persisted even after accounting for the variations in food availability, indicating a deeper, possibly inherent propensity for social learning among Sumatran males.



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



The researchers pointed out that the study cannot disentangle the mechanisms driving the difference in the propensities to attend to social information.&nbsp;



“It could be the result of developmental effects, of Bornean and Sumatran orangutans growing up under different ecological conditions,” said Mörchen. “Or, it could be the result of genetic differences between the species that split approximately 674 thousand years ago, or a combination of both.”



“Our study provides a glimpse into how ecology may affect cultural transmission," said study senior author Caroline Schuppli. "We show that availability of food modulates social learning opportunities and thus how likely new behaviors are to become cultural,"&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108940" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>. 



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Food availability influences social learning in orangutans

Food availability may be a catalyst for cultural transmission among...

The frequency of unprovoked shark attacks around the globe saw an increase in 2023, marking a rise in both the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-attacks-decreased-in-2022-but-spiked-in-local-hotspots/">incidents</a> and fatalities from the previous year.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Shark Attack File</a> (ISAF) at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a>, a comprehensive database tracking attacks worldwide, reported 69 unprovoked shark encounters for the year. This figure stands above the average of 63 shark attacks noted over the past five years, yet it aligns with the historical trend observed over the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-in-fatalities-nbsp">Rise in fatalities&nbsp;</h2>



The year witnessed a notable rise in fatal unprovoked shark attacks, with ten recorded instances, a significant jump from the five fatalities documented in the prior year. Australia was particularly affected, where a large portion of these tragic events took place.&nbsp;



Despite accounting for only 22% of global attacks, Australia was the location for 40% of the fatal incidents. Additionally, the United States, the Bahamas, Egypt, Mexico, and New Caledonia each reported fatal attacks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-encounters-nbsp">Widespread encounters&nbsp;</h2>



Non-fatal encounters were recorded in various locations, including Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, New Zealand, Seychelles, Turks and Caicos, Ecuador (specifically in The Galápagos Islands), and South Africa.



“This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year,” said Gavin Naylor, who heads the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>’s shark research program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprovoked-attacks-nbsp">Unprovoked attacks&nbsp;</h2>



In the United States alone, there were 36 unprovoked shark attacks, making up over half of the worldwide incidents. Among these, one fatal attack occurred in California and another in Hawaii. Consistently, Florida reported the highest number of shark encounters, with 16 documented cases.



The ISAF's annual report primarily focuses on unprovoked attacks, defined as incidents where a shark bites a human in its natural habitat without provocation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the inherent behavior of these marine predators.



“We’re biologists, and we want to understand the natural behavior of the animals - not the unnatural behavior,” explained Naylor.



Additionally, the ISAF recorded 22 provoked attacks within the same period, with spearfishing emerging as the most frequent activity during these encounters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-risk-for-surfers">Significant risk for surfers</h2>



The report highlighted a significant risk for surfers and those in Australia, noting three fatalities in 2023 at the Eyre Peninsula, a renowned surfing destination in Southern Australia known for its seal colonies and high concentration of white sharks.



“If a white shark is going after a seal and the seal knows it, the white shark hasn’t got a chance,” Naylor said. “Seals are really agile, so the only ones that get caught are the ones that are goofing off and flopping around on the surface minding their own business. And that’s kind of what a surfer looks like.”



Surfers constituted 42% of global shark bite victims, closely followed by swimmers and waders at 39%. The study also acknowledged the presence of bull sharks in Australian rivers, attributing one early 2023 fatality to this species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beach-safety-nbsp">Beach safety&nbsp;</h2>



Joe Miguez, a doctoral student in the Florida Program for Shark Research, emphasized the importance of beach safety, particularly in remote regions lacking established safety measures.



The majority of unprovoked shark attacks are believed to be "test bites," where sharks mistake humans for their usual prey. Despite the increase in attacks, the overall numbers remain consistent with the decade's average, underscoring the low probability of such incidents compared to other risks.



ISAF suggests several precautions for reducing the risk of shark bites, including staying close to shore and avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk. Further details and the complete 2023 report are available on the International Shark Attack File's website.



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Unprovoked shark attacks and fatalities increased in 2023

The frequency of unprovoked shark attacks around the globe saw...

In an innovative approach to ecosystem restoration, marine biologist Jildou Schotanus has demonstrated that the establishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-freshwater-mussels-are-threatened-by-sea-level-rise/">mussel</a> beds in aquatic environments like the Wadden Sea can be significantly enhanced through the use of protective structures.&nbsp;



Conducting her research at the <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1033407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> in Yerseke, Schotanus has brought to light the vital role of mussels as ecosystem engineers, capable of altering their surroundings to benefit not only themselves but also a wide array of other marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reshaping-ecosystems">Reshaping ecosystems</h2>



Mussels are not merely inhabitants of their environments but are active participants in shaping them. By forming large banks, these bivalves create conditions that favor the settlement of other mussels, while simultaneously offering refuge and a habitat for various plants and animals.&nbsp;



The ability of mussels to trap silt and sand, as well as to reduce the force of waves during storms, underscores their importance in maintaining the ecological balance and integrity of marine ecosystems. "For this reason, there are lots of initiatives to restore mussel beds," said Schotanus. "But it is, usually, a daunting task!"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-mussel-beds-nbsp">Restoring mussel beds&nbsp;</h2>



One of the problems in restoring mussel beds is the type of mussel that is used, noted Schotanus. "In the past, adult mussels that were not used to dry conditions of intertidal mud flats were often used for this purpose. But if you suddenly try to get these mussels to settle on a mudflat that is exposed to air during low tide, where they also have to endure much more wave energy, they turn out to be unaccustomed to these conditions."&nbsp;



"Experiments we have done with very small mussels, the so-called mussel seed, show that these are still flexible enough to adapt to the rougher conditions on the tidal flats."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-various-strategies-nbsp">Testing various strategies&nbsp;</h2>



On the banks of the Oosterschelde, Schotanus investigated how mussels could be given the best head start. She experimented with breakwaters, netting to keep hungry crabs away, and with coir mats to help the shellfish adhere to the bottom.&nbsp;



"All of these methods do work to some extent, but they are also very labor intensive," said Schotanus. She found that relatively simple fencing seemed the most efficient strategy. This method provides a sheltered environment for young mussels, promoting their survival and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-interactions">Wildlife interactions</h2>



An interesting aspect of Schotanus's study involves the response of avian species to the restoration structures. Using camera surveillance, the researchers observed that birds such as curlews and oystercatchers initially showed hesitation towards the unfamiliar installations. Over time, however, these birds adapted.



“They appear to get used to them after a while," said Schotanus. "Gulls found the larger quantities of shellfish near the fences very quickly anyway. Oystercatchers needed some time and curlews also only discovered after some time, that there were also many small crabs near the fences, which is their favorite food."



According to Schotanus, the most important lesson from her research is that in restoring mussel beds, you must take advantage of the positive interactions between the shellfish themselves. "Mussels simply find strength and safety in numbers. All our artificial tools have their drawbacks, so the simpler we can make it for the mussels, the better."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-ecosystem-restoration-nbsp">Marine ecosystem restoration&nbsp;</h2>



Marine ecosystem restoration involves a range of activities aimed at repairing and revitalizing aquatic environments that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This process is crucial for the health of the planet, as marine ecosystems play vital roles in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing resources and services that humans rely on, such as fisheries and coastal protection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-nbsp">Coral reefs&nbsp;</h3>



Restoration efforts can take many forms, depending on the specific ecosystem and the challenges it faces. For coral reefs, restoration might involve the cultivation and transplantation of coral fragments to rebuild reef structures and boost biodiversity. These activities often require careful selection of coral species that are resilient to warming waters and other stressors.



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



In the case of mangroves and salt marshes, restoration can involve replanting vegetation that has been removed or destroyed. These ecosystems are critical for carbon sequestration, shoreline stabilization, and as nurseries for marine life. Replanting helps to restore their ecological functions and benefits to local communities, including flood protection and improved water quality.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-meadows-nbsp">Seagrass meadows&nbsp;</h3>



Seagrass meadows are restored by replanting seagrass shoots in areas where they have been lost, often due to pollution, anchoring, or dredging. Restoring seagrass meadows can improve water quality, support fish populations, and sequester carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.



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



Beyond specific habitat restoration, broader approaches include reducing pollution inputs, such as nutrients and plastics, that harm marine ecosystems. Regulations and cleanup efforts aim to reduce the impact of these pollutants, while sustainable fisheries management practices seek to ensure that fish stocks and their habitats are preserved for the future.



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



Marine protected areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in restoration efforts by providing safe havens where ecosystems can recover and thrive without human interference. MPAs can help to replenish overfished stocks, protect endangered species, and allow ecological processes to function naturally.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultimate-goal-nbsp">Ultimate goal&nbsp;</h3>



The ultimate goal of marine ecosystem restoration is to create resilient, functioning ecosystems that can sustain their biodiversity and services for future generations. This not only involves the recovery of specific habitats or species but also a commitment to maintaining the health of the marine environment as a whole through sustainable management and conservation practices.



Image Credit: Edwin Paree



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Young mussels are ideal for ecosystem restoration 

In an innovative approach to ecosystem restoration, marine biologist Jildou...

Colorful,Painted,Bunting,(passerina,Ciris),On,A,Log

North America's bird populations have experienced a drastic decline, with an alarming loss of approximately 2.9 billion <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-benefits-people-as-much-as-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, or more than one in four, since 1970. 



This decline signals an urgent need for change in our daily behaviors and environmental policies to halt and reverse this trend. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes-of-bird-population-decline">Root causes of bird population decline</h2>



<a href="https://fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/dayer.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashley Dayer</a>, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and an expert in wildlife conservation, emphasizes the critical threats facing birds today.



These include habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a>, climate change, window collisions, and predation by cats.



Dayer, whose research focuses on applying social science to wildlife conservation, highlights the vital role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> play in our ecosystems. 



They are not only indicators of environmental health but also contribute significantly by controlling pests and diseases. 



Furthermore, Dayer's research underlines the positive impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> have on human well-being through their sounds and the joy of observing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobilization-and-conservation-initiatives">Mobilization and conservation initiatives</h2>



To combat the decline, ecological and social scientists, along with conservationists, are intensifying their efforts. 



Initiatives like the "<a href="https://r2rbirds.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Road to Recovery: Saving Our Shared Birds</a>," spearheaded by Virginia Tech and <a href="https://www.georgetown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgetown University</a>, aim to revamp conservation strategies. 



This initiative brought together nearly 200 leaders in bird conservation to focus on reversing the population declines of over 100 "tipping point species."



Dayer stresses the importance of collective action in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-interest-in-bird-feeding-was-unprecedented-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>, from researchers to the general public. 



The loss of the Po’ouli bird species in Maui, an event that profoundly affected Dayer early in her career, serves as a poignant reminder of what is at stake if we fail to act.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-can-help-bird-populations-rebound">How we can help bird populations rebound</h2>



To support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird conservation</a>, Dayer offers several practical recommendations for the public.



Keep Cats Indoors: Domestic and feral cats are natural predators of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>. By keeping cats indoors, we can significantly reduce bird fatalities.



Make Windows Safer for Birds: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-do-migrating-birds-stop-to-rest-and-refuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> often cannot distinguish reflections from real habitats, leading to fatal collisions with windows. Simple measures like installing screens or using films to disrupt reflections can save lives.



Cultivate Native Plants: Enhancing our yards and gardens with native plants provides essential habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, supporting their survival and well-being.



Support Bird-Friendly Coffee: Choosing coffee that is certified organic and grown in a manner that preserves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-birds-are-developing-smaller-eyes-due-to-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird habitats</a> can help prevent the loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-plantations-limit-native-birds-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crucial tropical habitats</a>.



Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Engaging with projects such as <a href="https://feederwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project Feederwatch</a> and eBird allows individuals to contribute to important conservation science and help track bird populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-effort-for-bird-conservation">Unified effort for bird conservation</h2>



In summary, this disturbing research highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to reverse the alarming decline in North America's bird populations, emphasizing practical steps individuals and communities can take to make a difference. 



By spotlighting the work of dedicated scientists like Ashley Dayer and mobilizing public support for initiatives like "Road to Recovery: Saving Our Shared Birds," it calls on everyone to play a role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird conservation</a>. 



From keeping cats indoors to supporting bird-friendly agriculture, the team's research lays out a blueprint for action that aims to save bird species on the brink of extinction while underscoring the broader significance of birds to ecological health and human well-being. 



This rallying cry for avian conservation underscores a collective responsibility to preserve our planet's biodiversity for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-bird-populations">Impact of climate change on bird populations</h2>



As discussed above, bird populations across the globe are facing significant challenges as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-climate-change-happening-too-fast-for-birds-to-keep-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> disrupts their habitats, food sources, and migratory patterns. 



Rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems are forcing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-changes-in-birds-linked-to-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds to adapt</a>, migrate, or face the risk of extinction. 



This urgent situation calls for immediate action to understand and mitigate the effects of a warming planet on avian life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Habitat disruption</h3>



Climate change is transforming the landscapes birds have called home for ages. As their environments evolve, birds are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-startling-impacts-of-artificial-light-on-backyard-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nesting sites</a> and reliable food sources. 



The timing of natural events, crucial for breeding and feeding, is no longer in sync with bird life cycles, causing a ripple effect on reproduction and survival rates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Migration and extreme weather</h3>



The annual journeys of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> are becoming more perilous with altered weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events. 



These changes pose significant risks, from loss of navigational cues to heightened exposure to storms and droughts, threatening the very existence of these incredible travelers.



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



In response to these challenges, a concerted effort is underway to protect bird populations. 



By creating adaptive habitats, safeguarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration routes</a>, and advocating for climate-aware conservation policies, there is a growing movement aimed at securing a future for birds in a changing climate. 



Public involvement and global cooperation are key to turning the tide, highlighting the critical role everyone plays in conservation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Taking action</h3>



The fight to protect bird populations from climate change is a call to action for all. Reducing carbon emissions, supporting sustainable practices, and pushing for effective environmental policies are steps we can all take to make a difference. 



Together, we can ensure that birds, and the ecosystems they support, remain vibrant and resilient in the face of climate change, preserving the beauty and balance of nature for future generations.



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Bird population in North America has plummeted by 3 billion birds

North America's bird populations have experienced a drastic decline, with...

A new study is challenging the conventional approach to conservation that often leads to killing the non-native animals in a particular area in order to protect plant species. 



This practice, which costs millions of dollars and results in the death of millions of healthy wild animals, is based on the assumption that introduced large herbivores, or megafauna, harm ecosystems by damaging sensitive plants, reducing native plant diversity, and supporting invasive plant species. 



However, this new research from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, Denmark, and the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, UK, suggests that the distinction between native and non-native large herbivores may not be as clear-cut as previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-practices-of-killing-non-native-animals">Challenging practices of killing non-native animals</h2>



The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing the effects of native and introduced large mammal species on plant abundance and diversity across 221 studies worldwide. 



Their findings revealed that both groups have similar impacts on native plant communities. 



Dr. Jeppe Kristensen from the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute shared his thoughts. 



"We do not find evidence to support the claim that native large herbivores have different impacts on ecosystems, specifically plant communities in this case, than their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native</a> counterparts," said Dr. Kristensen.



"Therefore, we should study the ecological roles these animals - native or not - play in ecosystems rather than judge them based on their belonging."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trait-based-effects-on-ecosystems">Trait-based effects on ecosystems</h2>



Interestingly, the study found that the ecological effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-cats-are-one-of-the-most-problematic-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive animals</a> are more closely related to their traits than their nativeness. 



For example, small-bodied selective feeders like deer tend to reduce plant diversity, whereas larger, non-selective feeders such as buffalo are more likely to enhance it. 



This is attributed to the inability of large animals to selectively feed, which prevents the dominance of certain plant species and promotes biodiversity.



Moreover, the study notes the unique impact of individual animal body mass over the collective weight of animals in an area, underscoring the distinct roles large animals play in shaping ecosystems. 



Dr Kristensen explained, "While one elephant can push over a mid-sized tree, 50 red deer cannot. You can’t total the body mass to understand the effect of animal presence on the landscape, you have to consider the effect of each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-american-mink-has-spread-throughout-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal species</a> present."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradox-of-culling-rethinking-conservation">Paradox of culling: Rethinking conservation</h2>



This research also addresses the broader implications of eradicating non-native animals, many of which are endangered in their native habitats. 



The paradox of spending millions to remove these animals from areas where they are considered invasive, while their populations decline elsewhere, raises questions about current conservation priorities. 



Professor Jens-Christian Svenning from Aarhus University suggests, "This interpretation suggests that functional niches vacated by extinctions and extirpations in recent prehistory, often due to humans, are better refilled with animals with similar functional traits as the ones that were lost even if these new species are non-native or feral."



The study emphasizes the need to reassess how we perceive native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> and their roles in ecosystems. 



Rather than focusing solely on the concept of belonging, conservation strategies should prioritize re-establishing essential ecosystem functions, potentially through the adaptive introduction of non-native species. 



Lead author Dr Erick Lundgren (Aarhus University) concluded, ‘"Our findings suggest it is time to start using the same standards to understand the effects of native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-red-fire-ants-have-made-their-way-to-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced organisms</a> alike and to consider seriously the implications of eradication and culling programs that are based on cultural notions of “belonging.” Instead, introduced animals should be studied in the same way as any native wildlife, through the lens of functional ecology."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-include-non-native-animals-instead-of-killing-them">Include non-native animals instead of killing them</h2>



In summary, this transformative study urges the conservation community to reconsider long-held beliefs about the role of native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> within ecosystems. 



By demonstrating that the impact of large herbivores on plant diversity and abundance is more a matter of individual traits than origin, it challenges the costly and often counterproductive practice of killing non-native animal species solely based on their non-native status. 



Instead, the findings advocate for an adaptive conservation approach that prioritizes ecological function and embraces the potential of non-native species to fill crucial roles left vacant by extinct species. 



This paradigm shift could not only enhance biodiversity conservation efforts but also encourage a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of species' contributions to ecosystem health and resilience.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh2616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Killing animals that "don't belong" in an ecosystem is a harmful strategy

A new study is challenging the conventional approach to conservation...

The relentless march of climate change has left its mark on ecosystems worldwide, with coral reefs among the most affected, mainly by heat waves in the warming oceans.



These vibrant underwater ecosystems, vital for sustaining ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a>, are under siege from the escalating threat of marine heat waves. 



Amid these dire circumstances, some good news has emerged in a study from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>. The research team spent nearly a decade investigating the resilience of coral species in Hawaii.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-and-climate-change">Coral reefs and climate change</h2>



"Coral reefs are in jeopardy as climate change leads to increasingly frequent marine heat waves," wrote the researchers. 



Some corals survive these extreme events, and this exposure may prime <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> to increase their heat tolerance.



Yet, as the time between heatwaves decreases, the accumulation of stress experienced may preclude opportunities for beneficial gains in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat tolerance</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-adaptability-to-heat-waves">Coral adaptability to heat waves</h2>



<a href="https://www.bio.upenn.edu/people/katie-barott" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Katie Barott</a> and her team focused their research on two coral species in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu - rice coral (Montipora capitata) and finger coral (Porites compressa). 



The experts investigated the adaptability of these corals to the harsh challenges of marine heat waves. 



The study reveals that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> have the capability to withstand and recover from the stress of elevated ocean temperatures.



“We tracked more than 40 large coral colonies over 10 years and found that certain species have an improved ability to endure and recover from subsequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine heat waves</a> after surviving one such event,” Barott explained. 



“It’s a bit like working out; the more often you exercise, the easier it is to go through the same exercise stress.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-and-vulnerability">Resilience and vulnerability</h2>



The study's findings are a testament to both the resilience and vulnerability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral ecosystems</a>. 



Through detailed observation of the corals' responses to significant marine heat waves in 2014, 2015, and 2019, the researchers identified individuals within each species that either resisted or succumbed to bleaching. 



“One of our key discoveries is the role of “acclimatization,” says <a href="https://www.bio.upenn.edu/people/kristen-brown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristen Brown</a>, first author of the paper and a postdoctoral researcher in the Barott Lab. 



“This refers to the ability of some corals to adjust to higher temperatures, thereby reducing their susceptibility to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/devastating-coral-bleaching-is-expected-around-the-world-within-the-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a>, a phenomenon wherein corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and increasing the risk of death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contrasting-recovery-patterns">Contrasting recovery patterns</h2>



The researchers uncovered contrasting recovery patterns between the two coral species studied. 



Montipora capitata showed a propensity for bleaching and sustained mortality up to three years post-heatwave, indicating a struggle to acclimatize effectively. 



By contrast, Porites compressa demonstrated remarkable resilience. Individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> that were initially sensitive were found to survive subsequent heat waves without bleaching. 



These corals also showed signs of recovery and acclimatization within a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-on-coral-and-heat-waves">Further research on coral and heat waves</h2>



The researchers suggest that coral responses to climate change are diverse and influenced by a range of factors including species-specific characteristics and past exposure to environmental stressors.&nbsp;



Going forward, the team plans to continue monitoring and exploring aspects like coral growth, calcification, and the impacts of recurring marine heat waves.



"Now, more than ever, seasonal and long-term studies are critically needed to identify corals that cannot just withstand and survive repeated heat stress events, but also rapidly recover ecosystem-defining traits (e.g., biomineralization) to continue providing the critical ecosystem services coastal communities directly rely on," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



Urgent, collective global action to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions remains the only approach that may provide sufficient time for corals to acclimatize and adapt to rapid climate-induced temperature increases in order for coral reef ecosystems to persist in the Anthropocene.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312104120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Some corals can build up a tolerance to marine heat waves 

The relentless march of climate change has left its mark...

In the remote jungles of Africa, researchers at the <a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Sunshine Coast</a> recently discovered a new genus and five new millipede species. 



These creatures, bearing a resemblance to characters from the "Star Wars" universe, were found nestled among forest litter and loose soil in Tanzania's secluded Udzungwa Mountains. 



This significant find was part of a broader investigation into the growth patterns of trees and vines, aimed at unraveling the mysteries surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-a-powerful-driver-of-forest-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest recovery</a> processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-effort-in-biodiversity-research">Collaborative effort in biodiversity research</h2>



The discovery was a collaborative effort that included six international researchers, with Professor Henrik Enghoff of the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> leading the charge. 



The research not only sheds light on the biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains but also plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of woody vines on forests worldwide. 



As <a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/staff/professor-andrew-marshall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Andy Marshall</a>, a key figure in this research, explains, these millipede species could be instrumental in their research on forest recovery.



“The millipedes will help us to determine two very different theories on the role of vines on forest recovery -- whether the vines are like bandages protecting a wound or ‘parasitoids’ choking the forest,” Professor Marshall said.



“It’s remarkable that so many of these new species did not appear in earlier collecting of millipede species from the same area, but we were still hoping for something new."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-recovery-climate-change-and-new-millipede-species">Forest recovery, climate change, and new millipede species</h2>



This project, which enjoys the support of the <a href="https://www.arc.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Research Council</a>, is part of a larger initiative to comprehend how forests bounce back from severe disturbances, such as logging. 



The findings thus far indicate that rising temperatures significantly contribute to the dominance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woody-vines-strangle-trees-and-takeover-forests-as-temperatures-get-hotter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woody vines in forests</a> already weakened by human activity.



Millipedes, known for their numerous legs, are fascinating creatures, with the largest African species reaching lengths of up to 35 centimeters. 



The new millipede species discovered by Professor Marshall and his team, although only a few centimeters long, boast an impressive 200 legs each. 



This discovery underscores the rich tapestry of life that remains hidden within the world's tropical forests, waiting to be uncovered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-discovery-and-conservation">Legacy of discovery and conservation</h2>



This isn't the first time Professor Marshall has been at the forefront of discovering new species. His past research endeavors have led to the identification of a new chameleon and a new tree species, which is already facing the threat of extinction. 



These discoveries highlight the critical need for continued exploration and conservation efforts in tropical forests.



Among the newly discovered millipede species, one was named Lophostreptus magombera, in honor of the Magombera Nature Reserve. 



This area is renowned for its unique biological diversity, and Professor Marshall has been actively involved in its conservation since the early 2000s. 



The newly identified millipede specimens are currently housed at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, at the University of Copenhagen, where they contribute to the ongoing study and preservation of biodiversity.



Through their diligent research and discoveries, this team of determined scientists enhanced our understanding of millipedes while highlighting the importance of tropical forest conservation. 



Their work serves as a reminder of the vast, unexplored biodiversity of our planet and the crucial role it plays in understanding ecological processes and conservation strategies. 



The full study was published in the <a href="https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/view/2405" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Taxonomy</a>.



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"Alien-faced" forest dwellers discovered that resemble Star Wars characters

In the remote jungles of Africa, researchers at the University...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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