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...

Two,Otters,Floating,Hold,Paws

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough, a salt marsh-dominated estuary in central California, has undergone a significant ecosystem transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the return of sea otters to their former habitat.



Traditionally, coastal areas like Elkhorn Slough are subject to erosion from rising sea levels and stronger tidal currents. 



However, with the reintroduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-maternal-drive-helps-sea-otters-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, the estuary has seen a dramatic reduction in erosion rates. In areas densely populated by otters, erosion has decreased by up to 90%. 



This improvement is attributed to the revival of marsh and streamside vegetation, which, with its densely matted root systems, has become more resilient against flooding and surging waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-otters-role-in-transforming-ecoystems">Sea otters' role in transforming ecoystems</h2>



A recent study published in the journal Nature highlights the significant impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>. Their insatiable appetite for plant-eating marsh crabs plays a crucial role in this ecological turnaround. 



“It would cost millions of dollars for humans to rebuild these creekbanks and restore these marshes,” said Brian Silliman, Rachel Carson Distinguished Professor of Marine Conservation Biology at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>, and Director of Duke RESTORE and Duke Wetland and Coasts Center. “The sea otters are stabilizing them for free in exchange for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.”



Silliman, the senior author of the paper, adds, "(Remodeling a coastline) is usually something only large-scale physical forces, like hurricanes or extreme tidal flow changes, can do."



The study, conducted by Silliman and lead author Brent Hughes, associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.sonoma.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoma State University</a>, involved extensive field experiments and modeling over nearly a decade. 



It confirmed that in areas where sea otters had returned, erosion slowed significantly, with some marshes even expanding. This suggests a pivotal role for sea otters in the stability of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-otters-from-extinction-to-ecosystem-engineers">Otters: From extinction to ecosystem engineers</h2>



Historically, West Coast estuaries were thriving habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-their-paws-whiskers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, providing abundant crabs and safe shelter for their pups. 



However, extensive hunting and human activities drove them to near extinction, leading to a boom in the crab population, which further damaged the marshes. 



Their return in the mid-1980s marked the beginning of a remarkable ecological recovery.



“Crabs eat salt marsh roots, dig into salt marsh soil, and over time can cause a salt marsh to erode and collapse. This had been happening at Elkhorn Slough for decades until sea otters recolonized the estuary in the mid-1980s,” said Hughes. 



“After a few decades, in areas the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-a-secret-ability-to-generate-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> had recolonized, salt marshes and creekbanks were becoming more stable again, despite rising sea levels, increased water flow from inland sources, and greater pollution,” 



Silliman also highlights the theoretical implications. “There are important theoretical implications as well. This work overturns the well-established bottom-up paradigm that coastal geomorphology is governed by interactions between physical forces and plant structure. Our results unequivocally show that predators also play a keystone role in controlling the course of these tidal creeks.”



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



In summary, the reestablishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-low-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> in Elkhorn Slough has provided a unique and insightful case study into the profound impact top predators can have on coastal ecosystems. 



Their natural predation on marsh crabs inadvertently led to a significant reduction in erosion and a revitalization of marsh vegetation, demonstrating a cost-effective and natural method of ecological restoration. 



This wonderful story of resilience challenges longstanding ecological paradigms and presents a compelling argument for the reintroduction of top predators as a vital strategy in environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06959-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Otters have the ability to restore delicate ecosystems

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough,...

In the lush rainforests of the Philippines, a remarkable discovery of two weevil species has emerged, highlighting the resilience of nature amidst human-induced disruptions. 



Tom Terzin, a dedicated biology professor at the University of Alberta's <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/augustana/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augustana Campus</a>, has made a significant contribution to the world of entomology. 



His recent discovery of two unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weevil-pheromones-could-save-californias-avocado-orchards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> species -- one previously thought to be extinct and another entirely new to science -- serves as a testament to the enduring vitality of wildlife.



While working on a broader project examining the impact of environmental changes on insect life, Professor Terzin's meticulous examination of beetle samples from <a href="https://forestry.denr.gov.ph/b+wiser/index.php/sites/nnpa-and-ws" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Negros National Park</a> yielded these extraordinary finds. 



The samples, collected in 2016 and 2017, came from an area that had seen its pristine forest almost completely decimated by logging, agriculture, and population growth by the late 20th century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weevil-species-metapocyrtus-trachycyrtus-augustanae">Weevil species Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) augustanae</h2>



Among these samples, a peculiar short-nosed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-defenses-how-the-sitka-spruce-fends-off-weevil-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> caught Terzin's eye. 



Contrary to its relatives' metallic sheen, this black bug, about half a centimeter in length, bore light scales on its surface without any distinct pattern. 



Dubbed <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/New-weevil-species_metapocyrtus-trachycyrtus_Credit_Tom-Terzin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metapocyrtus (Trachycyrtus) augustanae</a>, named in honor of Augustana Campus, this new species is intriguing for its plainness, a stark contrast to its more flamboyant counterparts. 



"This guy was a bit strange, some sort of rebel in refusing to mimic the species,” Terzin remarked, highlighting the specimen's uniqueness. “It could mean there’s a redirection of the habits of these species, evolutionarily speaking, and being only known from a single specimen, for now, indicates it’s probably a rare species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weevil-species-metapocyrtus-orthocyrtus-bifoveatus">Weevil species Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) bifoveatus</h2>



Equally thrilling was the rediscovery of another short-nosed weevil, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/new-weevil-species_rediscovered_Metapocyrtus-Orthocyrtus-bifoveatus_Tom-Terzin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metapocyrtus (Orthocyrtus) bifoveatus</a>, last spotted on the island a century ago. 



Previously known to inhabit only the lowland rainforests -- areas ravaged by deforestation -- this vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weevils-the-unknown-and-underappreciated-pollination-heroes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevil</a> was found thriving in higher altitudes over 1,000 meters. 



“Somehow this species has managed to survive in higher altitudes of over 1,000 meters, which shows a struggle for life, that they refused to become extinct from deforestation. In the world of insects, it’s almost like discovering a dodo bird,” Terzin explained, emphasizing the species' resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascination-with-beetles">Fascination with beetles</h2>



Terzin's fascination with beetles began in childhood, viewing them as "tiny natural robots" with their exoskeletons and segmented bodies. 



His enthusiasm is palpable as he describes their behavior, drawing parallels to the simplistic yet effective actions of robots.



"They behave like tiny natural robots. They have an exoskeleton and segmented bodies, and they crawl around obeying simple rules. If there’s an obstacle in their way they usually go around it, which is generally how a robot would behave," Terzin explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-these-weevil-species-discoveries">Significance of these weevil species discoveries</h2>



The significance of these discoveries extends beyond academic curiosity. As the largest family of beetles, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pheromones-could-help-get-deadly-palm-weevils-under-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weevils</a> play a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem. 



However, their potential as pests, especially in the face of climate change, cannot be overlooked. 



“They’re like asteroids that cross the Earth’s orbit. Some of them can be dangerous, but they’re even more dangerous if we don’t know about them. So it’s important to monitor their population -- and that means we first need to discover them,” Terzin adds.



These specimens now have a special place in the Augustana Tropical Insects Research Studio's entomology collection. 



They are not just scientific curiosities but valuable resources for teaching and research, particularly in understanding ecological recovery in forestry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-name-a-new-species">How to name a new species</h2>



The naming of the new insect after Augustana serves as a gesture of gratitude for the support Terzin received for his 2016 research trip to the Philippines and recognizes the campus's growing focus on undergraduate research.



With a rare permit to explore the country's national parks, Terzin is poised to continue his quest for new insect species in 2025. 



His work, beyond its scientific merit, may inspire the Philippine government to open its doors to more international researchers. 



As Terzin notes, while the country strives to protect its natural resources, there is a dire need for more researchers to document its rich biodiversity. 



"It’s a huge world with lots of still undescribed wonders and species," he concludes, echoing a sentiment of endless discovery and the importance of preserving our natural world.



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



In summary, Professor Tom Terzin's discovery of two unique weevil species in the Philippines' Northern Negros National Park vividly illustrates nature's remarkable capacity for resilience and adaptation.



Through his diligent research, Terzin brings attention to species that challenge our understanding of ecological recovery and underscore the urgent need for continued exploration and documentation of biodiversity in threatened ecosystems. 



These findings, significant in their own right, also serve as a clarion call for greater international collaboration in conservation efforts, reminding us of the countless wonders that still await discovery and the crucial role of scientific inquiry in safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.



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New weevil species discovery ‘almost like discovering a dodo bird’

In the lush rainforests of the Philippines, a remarkable discovery...

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how bird brains evolved to support flight. 



By integrating PET scans of contemporary pigeons with analyses of dinosaur fossils, the research sheds light on a long-standing biological mystery: the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> flight capabilities through brain evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-cerebellum-brain-region-and-flight-evolution">Birds' cerebellum brain region and flight evolution</h2>



The key discovery is the adaptive enlargement of the cerebellum in certain fossil vertebrates. This brain region, crucial for movement and motor control, appears to have played a pivotal role in this evolutionary process.



For years, scientists have speculated about the importance of the cerebellum region of the brain in bird flight, yet lacked concrete evidence. 



Addressing this gap, the current study juxtaposes PET scan data from modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigeons</a> during flight with the fossil record of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. 



"Powered flight among vertebrates is a rare event in evolutionary history," says <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/amy-balanoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Amy Balanoff</a>, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a> and lead author of the study.



Remarkably, only three vertebrate groups -- pterosaurs, bats, and birds -- achieved this feat, each evolving independently on the evolutionary tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-physical-adaptations">Beyond physical adaptations</h2>



Dr. Balanoff and her team delved beyond external physical adaptations to explore the neurological foundations of flight. 



Collaborating with biomedical engineers at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, they compared brain activity in pigeons before and after flight. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bird-flight_brain-evolution_endocasts_woodpecker-Melanerpes-aurifrons_credit-Amy-Balanoff_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Using PET imaging</a> -- a technique akin to those used in human medicine -- they examined changes in 26 brain regions.



The results were revealing. In all eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> studied, the cerebellum exhibited significant increases in activity during flight. 



This was complemented by heightened activity in the optic flow pathways, which link the retina to the cerebellum and are instrumental in processing visual movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-technology-and-evolutionary-history">Modern technology and evolutionary history</h2>



The novelty of this flight research lies in its correlation of modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain function with historical evolutionary developments. 



Utilizing a digital database of dinosaur skull endocasts, Dr. Balanoff traced the expansion of the cerebellum back to the earliest maniraptoran dinosaurs, precursors to the first flying birds. 



This enlargement, coupled with increased tissue folding in the cerebellum, suggests a trajectory toward greater brain complexity and flight readiness.



While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge their preliminary nature. They caution that similar brain activity changes could occur in other behaviors, like gliding. 



The study also focused on straightforward flying, leaving the role of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-benefits-people-as-much-as-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain regions in complex maneuvers an open question.



The team's future endeavors aim to identify specific cerebellar regions and neural connections critical to flight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-flight-evolution-in-bird-s-brains">Implications of flight evolution in bird's brains</h2>



This research contributes to a broader scientific dialogue about brain evolution, as posited by Dr. Gabriel Bever, associate professor at Johns Hopkins. 



He suggests that the enlargement of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain throughout evolutionary history may reflect the need to navigate diverse landscapes, ultimately paving the way for various locomotive adaptations, including flight.



“At Johns Hopkins, the biomedical community has a wide-ranging set of tools and technology to help us understand evolutionary history and link our findings to fundamental research on how the brain works,” Dr. Bever concluded.



In summary, the innovative research conducted by the team at Johns Hopkins Medicine marks a significant advancement in our understanding of avian flight evolution. 



By ingeniously combining PET scan data of modern pigeons with the fossil analysis of ancient dinosaurs, they have uncovered the critical role of the cerebellum in enabling flight. 



This breakthrough deepens our comprehension of bird brain evolution and guides scientific investigation towards the intricate connections between brain development and physical capabilities across different species.



As this study bridges past and present, it paves the way for future research to further unravel the mysteries of evolutionary biology and the complex journey of life on our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How birds’ brains evolved to enable them to fly

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides...

Researchers have discovered that goats possess the remarkable ability to distinguish between human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/">emotions</a>, specifically happiness and anger, merely through the sound of a voice. The study sheds new light on the emotional intelligence of livestock, particularly goats.



The research was co-led by Professor Alan McElligott, an expert in animal behavior and welfare at <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City University of Hong Kong</a> (CityUHK).



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



"Reading another animal's emotional state can enable receivers to anticipate their behavioral motivations, which is important in guiding interactions with that individual. For species living closely alongside humans, the emotional cues that we express can be almost as informative as those of conspecifics," wrote the researchers.



"Goats, Capra hircus, can discriminate differences in emotional valence present in another goat's calls, and we investigated whether this ability extends to human speech."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-insights">Fascinating insights</h2>



The study reveals a fascinating insight: goats seem to have developed a sensitivity to our vocal cues over their long association with humans. This ability highlights not only their emotional intelligence but also their adaptability to human presence.



“This study offers the first evidence that goats can discriminate between cues expressed in the human voice, namely, emotional valence,” said Professor McElligott. “These findings contribute to the limited literature available indicating livestock, like companion animals, are sensitive to human emotional cues.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, goats were presented with a series of voice playbacks expressing either a positive (happy) or a negative (angry) emotional valence.&nbsp;



In response to the recordings, the goats tended to spend longer gazing toward the source of the sound after a change in the valence of a human voice. This behavior was particularly noticeable when the playback switched from a happier to an angrier sounding voice or vice versa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gazing-behavior">Gazing behavior</h2>



"We predicted that if goats could discriminate emotional content conveyed in the human voice, they would dishabituate, looking faster and for longer towards the source of the sound, following the first shift in valence,” said Dr. Marianne Mason of the University of Roehampton.&nbsp;



The results were consistent with this theory, as 75% of the goats that looked at the speaker following a change in valence held their gaze for more extended periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-responses-nbsp">Varied responses&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings were not uniform across all goats. Some did not respond to the auditory cues, possibly due to variations in cognitive abilities among goats to perceive human emotional cues or other external factors.



Furthermore, no significant physiological changes, such as a raised heartbeat, were observed in the goats when exposed to changes in voice valence.



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



The research has profound implications for understanding animal behavior, welfare, and emotional experiences.&nbsp;



Since goats and other livestock frequently hear the human voice in their daily lives, understanding how they perceive different emotional tones is crucial. Negative voices might induce fear, whereas positive ones could be calming and foster human-animal bonding.



"The observed differences in goat responses to human emotional cues may emphasise the importance of individual experiences and learning, particularly interspecific emotional communication," said Professor McElligott.&nbsp;



“Further research is needed to understand the importance of the human voice on the emotional lives and welfare of goats and other domesticated species."



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



Goats have formed a close bond with humans through thousands of years of domestication. They belong to the genus Capra and are closely related to sheep. 



Goats are used worldwide for their milk, meat, fur, and skin. In many cultures, they are particularly valued for their ability to thrive in harsh environments where other livestock might struggle.



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



Goats are known for their playful behavior and are often seen climbing and balancing in precarious places. They have a varied diet and are browsers by nature, often preferring to eat leaves, twigs, vines, and shrubs rather than grass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structure-nbsp">Social structure&nbsp;</h3>



Goats are generally herd animals and establish a social hierarchy within their group. This hierarchy is often determined through head-butting contests and other displays of dominance.



Female goats are called does or nannies, and males are known as bucks or billies. Young goats are called kids. Goats communicate with each other through bleats and other vocalizations, and they have been noted for their intelligence and ability to learn complex tasks.



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



In many parts of the world, goats play a significant role in the economy and culture. Their milk is often turned into cheese, which is a staple in many diets. In addition to dairy products, goats are also raised for their fiber; for example, the Cashmere and Angora breeds are prized for their luxurious wool.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.12.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behaviour</a>. 



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Goats can recognize human emotions in the sound of a voice 

Researchers have discovered that goats possess the remarkable ability to...

German,Shepherd,Dog,Lying,Next,To,A,Bowl,With,Kibble

Scientists have made significant strides in addressing a common yet concerning issue: overweight pets. This research unveils the potential of specific probiotics to combat obesity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>.



Leading the charge is Dr. Younghoon Kim, a distinguished professor at Seoul National University's <a href="https://cals.snu.ac.kr/en/academics/graduate?deptidx=35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Agricultural Biotechnology</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-pet-obesity">Understanding pet obesity</h2>



Dr. Kim's team, with a focus on metabolic diseases in companion animals, embarked on a mission to identify probiotics that could offer a safe, long-term treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> obesity. 



“The initial challenge involved selecting specific metabolic diseases for examination, leading us to focus on the prevalent issue of 'obesity in pets,’” Dr. Kim explained.



The global trend of pet obesity is alarming, with about 50% of the pet population across various age groups being affected, particularly older pets. 



Many of these pets are already receiving treatments, including dietary interventions. Dr. Kim and his team set out with a clear objective: to find probiotics that could effectively reduce body fat percentage in pets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-dog-obesity-with-probiotics">Tackling dog obesity with probiotics</h2>



Dr. Kim’s vision goes beyond just addressing specific health issues. He advocates for a broader recognition of the therapeutic potential of probiotics across a spectrum of diseases affecting companion animals. 



“By promoting this awareness, my aspiration is to catalyze increased attention, funding and collaborative efforts in the scientific community to explore the expansive landscape of probiotic applications in pet health,” Dr. Kim stated.



To pinpoint the right probiotic candidates, the research delved into the variations in intestinal microbiota between younger and older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-humans-process-social-information-in-surprisingly-similar-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. 



This investigation highlighted a decline in certain beneficial bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium species, and Enterococcus species in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-dogs-with-dementia-arent-able-to-sleep-well/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older dogs</a>. 



These findings guided the researchers in selecting specific strains for their experiment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-probiotics-helped-dogs-lose-weight">Two probiotics helped dogs lose weight</h2>



The study then progressed to its experimental phase, where two selected strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, were administered to a group of beagles on a high-fat diet. 



The results were striking. “The strains we carefully selected demonstrated remarkable success in reducing the body fat percentage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>,” said Kim. 



These probiotics effectively reduced body weight, cut down subcutaneous fat, and boosted energy metabolism even on a high-calorie diet, shifting the body's focus from fat storage to fat consumption.



“What set these strains apart was their ability to not only limit dietary intake or enhance excretion to reduce body weight but, more importantly, activate energy metabolism. Even when exposed to a high-calorie diet, we observed a decrease in body weight, alleviation of subcutaneous fat accumulation and an increase in energy metabolism. This confirmed a shift in the body's metabolic orientation toward fat consumption, rather than fat accumulation,” Kim explained.



Significantly, this study also highlighted the strains’ impact on systemic inflammation and hormone metabolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-benefits-of-probiotics-for-dogs">Long-term benefits of probiotics for dogs</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-function-in-society-impacts-how-they-are-treated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> that received these probiotics showed reduced inflammation and improved metabolic activities, like insulin production. 



The strains also increased beneficial commensal bacteria, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms and immunity.



Dr. Kim emphasized the lasting impact of these changes, indicating sustained benefits for pets incorporating these probiotics into their health regimen. This enduring effect is pivotal in managing long-term health in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-have-memories-of-their-relatives-but-you-can-help-by-making-them-feel-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pets</a>.



With the rise in pet ownership, there’s a growing interest in health functional foods for pets, especially probiotics. 



However, research in this area, particularly tailored probiotics for companion animals, lags far behind human studies. 



“While types of probiotics suitable for human consumption or commercial livestock have been identified and established, the absence of standardized guidelines for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-dogs-and-cats-dramatically-reduces-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion animals</a> is a glaring gap,” said Dr. Kim. 



“Our study aimed to address this deficiency by striving to broaden the spectrum of probiotics applicable to pets across various environments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-future-of-pet-probiotics">Promising future of pet probiotics</h2>



In summary, this important study led by Dr. Younghoon Kim marks a significant milestone in the fight against pet obesity, unveiling the remarkable potential of specific probiotics to combat this widespread issue. 



By meticulously selecting and testing strains, the research team demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing body fat and enhancing metabolism in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-behavioral-journey-of-recently-adopted-shelter-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, while highlighting the long-term health benefits these probiotics offer. 



This research paves the way for more tailored health solutions in pet care, encouraging further exploration and development in this vital field. 



It stands as a beacon of hope for pet owners worldwide, offering a new, sustainable approach to managing the health and well-being of their beloved companions.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.02552-23">Microbiology Spectrum</a>.



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



In the realm of health and wellness, probiotics have emerged as unsung heroes, revolutionizing our understanding of gut health and beyond. 



As discussed above, these live microorganisms, often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria, play a critical role in maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiome, which is crucial for overall health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-the-gut">Balancing the gut</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beer-may-be-better-for-your-gut-than-probiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Probiotics</a> primarily work by enhancing the gut flora, which is a complex community of microorganisms living in our digestive tracts. 



This boost in beneficial bacteria aids in various digestive processes and fortifies the body’s defense mechanisms against harmful pathogens. 



Regular consumption of probiotics has been linked to improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and even a reduction in the risk of certain chronic diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-digestive-disorders">Treating digestive disorders</h3>



One of the most significant benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-more-alcohol-hangovers-thanks-to-new-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">probiotics</a> is their ability to treat and prevent gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and antibiotic-related diarrhea. 



By restoring the balance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intestinal-bacteria-could-help-you-live-a-very-long-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">good bacteria</a> in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors like antibiotics or poor diet, probiotics alleviate these digestive disorders.



Furthermore, emerging research suggests that probiotics may have a broader impact on our health than previously thought. 



Studies indicate potential benefits in areas such as mental health, where probiotics are believed to play a role in mood regulation and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. 



This connection, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, opens new avenues for mental health treatments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-probiotics-on-humans-and-dogs">Benefits of probiotics on humans and dogs</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boost-your-gut-health-top-five-prebiotic-rich-foods-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Probiotics</a> also show promise in enhancing heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and blood pressure. 



This cardioprotective effect is another feather in the cap of these microscopic powerhouses.



Incorporating probiotics into one's diet is relatively straightforward. They are found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi. 



For those who prefer supplements, a wide range of probiotic capsules and powders are available on the market.



In summary, probiotics are a key component of a holistic approach to health, both for humans and dogs alike. Their wide-ranging benefits, from improving gut health to potentially boosting mental well-being, make them a valuable ally in our quest for a healthier life. 



As research continues to uncover their myriad benefits, probiotics are set to play an even more prominent role in our daily health regimen.



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Probiotics help overweight dogs shed pounds

Scientists have made significant strides in addressing a common yet...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> offers a new perspective on how animals are responding to the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>. The research was focused on the remarkable adaptability of Europe's most endangered seabird, the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus).



"How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct. Yet, few studies investigate how changes in individual behavior underpin these population-level phenomena," wrote the study authors.



"Shifts in the distributions of migratory animals can occur through adaptation in migratory behaviors, but there is little understanding of how selection and plasticity contribute to population range shift."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-adaptability-nbsp">Behavioral adaptability&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that the rapid migratory range shift of the Balearic shearwater is primarily due to individual behavioral flexibility rather than evolutionary selection.



The significance of this finding lies in its implications for conservation strategies of vulnerable migratory bird species. 



The research also suggests that animals may possess more behavioral adaptability to respond to climate changes than previously believed. 



However, this adaptability might come with hidden costs, leaving the long-term effects on the Balearic shearwaters uncertain.



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



Known for their longevity, Balearic shearwaters are currently classified as critically endangered, largely due to declines associated with fisheries by-catch. 



These seabirds breed in the secluded areas of the Mediterranean's Balearic Islands and migrate to the Atlantic coasts of Spain, France, and increasingly the UK for summer.



The shift in their migration patterns was discovered through a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Oxford's Biology Department, the University of Liverpool, and other collaborators in Ibiza.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-migration-patterns-nbsp">Shifting migration patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Since 2010, the experts have been tracking colonies in Mallorca using state-of-the-art miniature geolocation devices. These devices revealed a consistent northward migration trend, with an average shift of 25km per year.



"We found that the best predictor of this change in migratory behavior was the average sea surface temperature in the summering-grounds, suggesting that the birds may well be following changes in underlying marine resources. The fact that individuals can be this flexible in the face of rapid climate change is encouraging," said study co-lead author Joe Wynn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-delays">Breeding delays</h2>



Despite their flexibility in changing summer destinations, Balearic shearwaters face constraints regarding their breeding locations. This means that migrating further north results in a longer journey back in the autumn. 



"We found that individuals speed up their return migration the further north they have gone, but this only partially compensates for the extra distance and they still arrive back in the Mediterranean late. We don’t yet know how such delays may affect their breeding success or survival," explained study co-author Professor Tim Guilford.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-distance-navigation">Long-distance navigation</h2>



The study also delved into the intriguing aspect of how these birds navigate such long distances.&nbsp;



"We found that the route individual birds took on previous migratory journeys was a much better predictor of return speed than an estimate of the straight line distance back to the colony," said study co-lead author Patrick Lewin.



"This suggests that birds do not rely on a large-scale navigational map on migration, but instead have some memory of the route they have flown in the past."



"It is possible that individual route memory plays an important role in the migration of many other long-lived seabirds, but further research is needed to clarify this."



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



Balearic shearwaters, part of a highly threatened group of birds, face a multitude of threats including predation, habitat degradation, fisheries bycatch, overfishing, pollution, and windfarm development. 



"In addition to direct threats both on land and at sea, the increasing threat of climate change poses a challenge for a species that breeds in such a restricted habitat," said study collaborator Pep Arcos, SEO at Birdlife.



"Results from this study suggest that individual flexibility might help with distribution shifts driven by climate change outside the breeding season, but the question is still open about what might be the consequences of climate change for the birds during breeding, when their movements are constrained by the location of the colony."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312438121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Balearic shearwaters have a remarkable response to climate change

A new study led by the University of Oxford offers...

Researchers have successfully mapped the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> of 51 diverse animals species, including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles. 



This significant achievement, spearheaded by a team from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of evolution and the intricate genetic ties that bind humans to the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-health-and-evolution">Understanding human health and evolution</h2>



<a href="https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/michael-schatz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Schatz</a>, the lead author of the study and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of computer science and biology at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the monumental impact of this discovery. 



“Being able to access that genetic information will have huge implications for understanding human health and evolution,” said Schatz. 



“A lot of work on drug compounds starts in mice and other animal models, so understanding their genomes and the genomes of other animals directly benefits us.”



The research was conducted in collaboration with the <a href="https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertebrate Genomes Project</a>. The team focused on sequencing the genomes of 51 animal species, prioritizing those with significant relevance to human evolutionary studies.



They overcame previous technological constraints by developing innovative algorithms and software, remarkably reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome sequencing</a> time from months or even decades to mere days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-connections-through-animal-genome-mapping">DNA connections through animal genome mapping</h2>



The study highlights an intriguing fact: mammals, which encompass primates, dogs, cats, mice, and humans, share between 50% to 99% of identical DNA. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared genetic heritage</a> traces back to a common ancestor who lived approximately 200 million years ago. 



By comparing complete genomes of these species, researchers are beginning to pinpoint when and where DNA sequences diverged, offering vital insights into human genetics. 



However, the limited number and quality of available vertebrate genomes had previously restricted such comparative studies.



Mapping animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>, which are billions of characters long, is no small feat. Traditional gene sequencing technologies faltered, akin to attempting a massive jigsaw puzzle where only blue sky pieces remain. 



“Have you ever done a massive jigsaw puzzle where at some point all that’s left is blue sky, and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to fit the right pieces together? The old software would basically give up on these hard parts of the genome. That’s the problem with genome assembly,” Schatz said. 



“Our new program, using the latest sequencing data and the latest assembly algorithms, knows how to work through those parts to get a more complete picture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-democratizing-genome-assembly">Democratizing genome assembly</h2>



The team tested their technology by mapping the genome of the zebra finch, a bird previously sequenced for brain development research. 



The new technology proved vastly superior in reassembling genome segments, creating a more accurate and complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic map</a>.



In a significant move towards open science, the team has made their software freely available online via Galaxy, a web-based platform. 



Based at Johns Hopkins and Penn State, Galaxy supports over half a million scientists and educators globally, offering scientific software at no cost. 



“In the past, only a handful of elite research groups would have had access to the resources needed to assemble these genomes. Now, anyone on the planet with access to the internet can visit the website and, with a few clicks of the button, run multiple scientific tools,” said <a href="https://galaxyproject.org/people/alex-ostrovsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Ostrovsky</a>, a Johns Hopkins software engineer on the Galaxy team who was responsible for making the tools easy to use for noncoders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-next-steps-for-animal-genome-mapping">Implications and next steps for animal genome mapping</h2>



The team, in continued collaboration with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, aims to sequence the genomes of at least one species from all 275 vertebrate orders. 



Schatz likens this endeavor to constructing an "evolutionary time machine." This ambitious project will trace vertebrate evolution, shedding light on genes and sequences unique to humans.



“In some ways, we’re building an evolutionary time machine,” Schatz said. “We can trace how vertebrates evolved over time and eventually gave rise to genes and sequences that are uniquely found in humans. Having the genes of our evolutionary cousins mapped out will help us better understand ourselves.”



In summary, this groundbreaking research by Michael Schatz and his team marks a significant advancement in the field of genomics, fundamentally transforming our understanding of the evolutionary connections between humans and other vertebrates. 



By mapping the genomes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/genome-mapping_51-vertebrate-species_diagram_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 diverse animal species</a> and making their innovative software publicly accessible via the Galaxy platform, the team has democratized the process of genome assembly, empowering researchers across the globe. 



Their work offers unprecedented insights into our genetic heritage and sets the stage for future scientific discoveries that could have profound implications for medicine, biology, and our comprehension of life's intricate web on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-02100-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biotechnology</a>.



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Genome mapping completed for dozens of common animals

Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of 51 diverse animals...

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-whites-are-far-more-prevalent-than-expected-on-the-california-coast/">great white</a> shark has been observed in the wild for the first time.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This historic sighting</a> was made along California’s central coast by wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and Phillip Sternes, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-sighting">Extraordinary sighting</h2>



On July 9, 2023, Gauna and Sternes were scanning the ocean near Santa Barbara when their drone camera captured an extraordinary sight - a pure white, roughly 5-foot-long shark pup.&nbsp;



“We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed from the body as it was swimming,” said Sternes. “I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-longstanding-mystery-nbsp">A longstanding mystery&nbsp;</h2>



Gauna, also known as The Malibu Artist, has spent thousands of hours filming sharks around the world. 



In a paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-024-01512-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Biology of Fishes</a>, the team emphasizes the significance of witnessing a newborn great white shark. This observation could help solve the longstanding mystery of great white birthing habits.



“Where white sharks give birth is one of the holy grails of shark science. No one has ever been able to pinpoint where they are born, nor has anyone seen a newborn baby shark alive,” noted Gauna. “There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-skin-condition">Possible skin condition</h2>



The study authors acknowledge that the white film being shed by the shark could have been related to a skin condition. But they do not believe this to be the case.&nbsp;



“If that is what we saw, then that too is monumental because no such condition has ever been reported for these sharks,” said Gauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-was-it-a-newborn-great-white-nbsp">Was it a newborn great white?&nbsp;</h2>



There are several factors that suggest the animal was a newborn great white shark.&nbsp;



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



Great white females give birth to live pups. The mothers provide nourishment to the embryos with a type of "milk" secreted in the uterus. “I believe what we saw was the baby shedding the intrauterine milk,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



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



In addition, Gauna had previously observed the presence of large great whites that were likely pregnant in this same location.&nbsp;



“I filmed three very large sharks that appeared pregnant at this specific location in the days prior. On this day, one of them dove down, and not long afterwards, this fully white shark appears,” said Gauna. “It’s not a stretch to deduce where the baby came from.”



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



The size and shape of the shark (thin, short and rounded) also indicated that it was a newborn. “In my opinion, this one was likely hours, maybe one day old at most,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



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



Furthermore, this particular location off the coast of central California near Santa Barbara has long been proposed as a birthing location for great whites.&nbsp;



“There are a lot of hypothetical areas, but despite intense interest in these sharks, no one’s seen a birth or a newborn pup in the wild,” said Sternes. “This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild, making this a definitive birthing location.”



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



The sighting is not just a scientific marvel but also a crucial development in great white shark conservation. 



Listed as an endangered species, the confirmation of this location as a breeding ground for great whites could prompt legislative action to protect these waters, thereby supporting the thriving of this species. 



“Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving,” said Sternes. 



Click here to see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo of the newborn great white shark.</a>



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Newborn great white shark spotted for the first time ever

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn...

Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities, ranging from upright walking to tree climbing and four-limbed movement. 



The transition from our quadrupedal ancestors to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-humans-were-bipedal-and-could-swing-through-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedal</a> posture unique to humans has long captivated scientists. 



Despite extensive studies and fossil examinations, the early stages of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary journey</a> remained largely obscured -- until now.



A fascinating study, leveraging novel techniques and recent fossil discoveries, sheds new light on this mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inner-ear-of-lufengpithecus">The inner ear of Lufengpithecus</h2>



At its core is the 6-million-year-old Lufengpithecus fossil, unearthed in China. 



The research team, using advanced three-dimensional CT scanning, focused on a previously overlooked area: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lufengpithecus_inner-ear_early-humans-learned-to-walk_Credit-Xiaocong-Guo_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bony inner ear</a> region of these ancient skulls. 



This approach has provided pivotal insights into the origins of bipedal locomotion.



Yinan Zhang, a doctoral student at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (<a href="http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVPP</a>) and lead author, explains the significance of this approach.



“The semicircular canals, located in the skull between our brains and the external ear, are critical to providing our sense of balance and position when we move, and they provide a fundamental component of our locomotion that most people are probably unaware of,” Zhang said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-walking-happened-in-three-stages">Humans walking happened in three stages</h2>



Co-author Terry Harrison, a <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a> anthropologist, outlines a three-step evolutionary process that led to humans walking on two feet, as revealed by the study. 



Initially, early apes moved in trees, akin to modern-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-gibbon-fossil-discovered-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gibbons</a>. The last common ancestor of apes and humans, similar to Lufengpithecus, displayed a mixed locomotion pattern -- climbing, suspension, arboreal bipedalism, and ground movement. 



This diverse locomotor repertoire laid the foundation for human bipedalism.



Prior research often focused on limb, shoulder, pelvis, and spine bones to understand ape and human movement. 



However, the variability in living ape locomotion and gaps in the fossil record have hindered a complete understanding of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bipedalism-human-skull-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism's origins</a>.



The Lufengpithecus skulls, discovered in the 1980s in Yunnan Province, China, offered a new avenue for investigation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-insights-into-ancient-skulls">3D insights into ancient skulls</h2>



Earlier researchers, hindered by the skulls' distorted state, overlooked the ear region. Zhang, Ni, Harrison, and their colleagues at IVPP and the <a href="http://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan Institute</a> of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (YICRA) utilized 3D scanning technology to reconstruct the inner ear’s bony canals virtually. 



Comparing these reconstructions with data from other apes and humans, they unveiled a detailed picture of early ape locomotion.



Professor Xijun Ni of IVPP, who led the project, highlights the study's unique contribution. 



“Our analyses show that early apes shared a locomotor repertoire that was ancestral to human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-may-have-begun-to-stand-upright-in-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism</a>,” explains Ni. 



“It appears that the inner ear provides a unique record of the evolutionary history of ape locomotion that offers an invaluable alternative to the study of the postcranial skeleton.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-changes-also-led-to-humans-walking">Environmental changes also led to humans walking</h2>



Ni adds that most fossil apes represent an intermediate locomotor mode between gibbons and African apes. 



The human lineage diverged from great apes with the adoption of bipedalism, as evidenced in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hominin-fossils-are-a-million-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australopithecus</a>, an early human relative.



The team also proposed that climate change might have been a crucial factor in driving the locomotor diversification of apes and humans. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-cooling-event-caused-extinction-of-first-early-humans-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooler global temperatures</a>, associated with the build up of glacial ice sheets in the northern hemisphere approximately 3.2 million years ago, correspond with an uptick in the rate of change of the bony labyrinth and this may signal a rapid increase in the pace of ape and human locomotor evolution,” explains Harrison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-our-evolutionary-bipedalism-legacy">Deciphering our evolutionary bipedalism legacy</h2>



In summary, this study marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the evolutionary path of human bipedalism. 



By innovatively analyzing the inner ear structure of the Lufengpithecus fossils through 3D CT scanning, the research team has shed light on the complex journey from arboreal locomotion to upright walking. 



This discovery challenges previous assumptions in paleoanthropology while highlighting the intricate interplay between our physical evolution and environmental shifts. 



As we continue to uncover these evolutionary mysteries, our comprehension of human origins becomes ever more nuanced, offering profound insights into the story of our species.



The full study was published in the journal The Innovation.



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How early humans learned to walk from an ancestor called Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities,...

A recent study has revealed the profound and often overlooked consequences of forced separation between humans and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pets</a>, particularly in crisis situations such as domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.&nbsp;



The study was conducted by <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/">James Cook University</a> PhD candidate Jasmine Montgomery under the guidance of Professor Janice Lloyd and Professor Zhanming Liang.&nbsp;



After reviewing 27 years of international research, the team uncovered severe risks posed to both humans and pets when faced with separation.



"The literature revealed that people and their companion animals who are confronted with forced separation in crisis situations experience significant impacts on their health, wellbeing, and safety," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-outcomes-nbsp">Devastating outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



“Our results reveal the strong emotional attachment between people and animals may result in vulnerability for both in circumstances where this bond is threatened,” said Montgomery.



“When people are being forced to separate in the context of a crisis situation, such as natural disaster, homelessness or domestic violence, it can result in psychological distress and the risk to their health, and well-being and safety are really impacted."



“Sadly, the review also confirmed that a common outcome for pets in cases of domestic violence was maltreatment and/or death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forced-separation-nbsp">Forced separation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed 42 studies on the human-animal bond and cases of owner-pet separation due to domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.



The analysis showed that pet owners forced to be separated from their animals in crisis situations are suffering from a lack of support services needed to protect them.



"The review found catastrophic outcomes for pets in situations of forced separation, including death. Pets in crisis situations of forced separation were extremely vulnerable, and the animal’s survival and safety were completely dependent on humans," wrote the study authors.



"As a consequence, humans who felt a sense of responsibility for their pets and were forced to separate were placed at an increased risk to their safety and psychological wellbeing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-violence-victims">Domestic violence victims</h2>



One of the most alarming findings of the study is the impact on victims of domestic violence. The research highlights a disturbing trend where victims often delay leaving abusive relationships out of concern for their pets' safety.&nbsp;



This hesitation stems largely from a lack of shelters or housing options that accommodate pets, coupled with a distrust in formal support systems to prevent pet separation.



“In a lot of cases of domestic violence, there is evidence to suggest that people will delay leaving their relationship to protect their pet,” said Montgomery.



“This is often because there’s a lack of shelters or housing places which can accommodate pets, or a lack of trust placed in formal support systems that they won’t be separated from their pet."



“In those cases where threats to pets are made, victims can be lured back by the perpetrator which places significant risk to their safety as well.”



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



Natural disasters were found to present equally distressing scenarios, where individuals may risk their lives returning for their pets or refuse to evacuate to stay with them.&nbsp;



The study highlights the urgent need for pet-inclusive evacuation and disaster management plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crisis-situations-nbsp">Crisis situations&nbsp;</h2>



One of the more systemic issues identified in the study is the prevailing attitude of human “superiority” and the unclear responsibility for pet welfare in crisis situations.&nbsp;



Montgomery said a shift in mindset was needed to factor in the needs of pets, and the complexities they entail, when it came to planning for crisis situations and providing services that support victims at these times.



“Often, it’s expected people will choose human interests over animals at all costs, without consideration of the shared human-animal bond,” said Montgomery.



“What we need to start doing is taking our pets, and the value of our pets, very seriously. And, as a collective in the community, sharing that responsibility and placing the needs of pets in those areas of policy development, legislation, service provision and housing to help prevent unacceptable outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-recommendations-nbsp">Key recommendations&nbsp;</h2>



To mitigate the risks associated with forced separation, the team identified several key recommendations including:



<ul>
<li>Incorporating questions about pets in services assisting women experiencing domestic violence to seek refuge; providing housing for women, children and pets together; and increasing collaboration with services that can help with animals. </li>



<li>Enhance natural disaster evacuation plans to include resources such as transport and shelters that accommodate both people and their pets. </li>



<li>Ensure the availability of pet-friendly accommodation for people in homelessness situations.</li>
</ul>



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2023.2287315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthrozoös</a>. 



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Forced separation between humans and pets often ends in tragedy

A recent study has revealed the profound and often overlooked...

Spider,Web,(cobweb),Varicoloured,Background

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-spiders-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk, a material renowned for its remarkable properties. 



This innovation, led by Keiji Numata at the <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/csrs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center</a> for Sustainable Resource Science, Japan, represents a significant stride towards sustainable solutions in various industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-qualities-of-spider-silk">Remarkable qualities of spider silk</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-tree-species-diversity-increases-spider-density/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk, known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and lightness, boasts a tensile strength comparable to steel and an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio. 



It's not only biodegradable but also biocompatible, making it highly sought after for medical applications such as sutures and artificial ligaments. 



However, the challenge has been in its production. Harvesting spider silk on a large scale is impractical, prompting scientists to seek laboratory-based solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code">Cracking the code</h2>



The artificial silk gland created by the researchers overcomes this hurdle. It meticulously simulates the intricate molecular structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/riding-the-wind-joro-spiders-are-invading-the-u-s-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by replicating the chemical and physical transformations occurring within a spider's silk gland. 



This biomimetic approach, which uses microfluidics -- the manipulation of small fluid amounts through narrow channels -- has been pivotal.



"In this study, we attempted to mimic natural spider silk production using microfluidics, essentially treating the spider's silk gland as a natural microfluidic device," explains Numata. 



This process involves guiding a precursor spidroin solution through microfluidic channels in a small rectangular box-like device. 



As the solution moves, influenced by negative pressure rather than force, it undergoes specific chemical and physical changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microfluidics-and-controlled-conditions">Microfluidics and controlled conditions</h2>



These meticulously controlled conditions allow the proteins to self-assemble into silk fibers, mirroring the complex structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-colorful-jumping-spider-that-is-color-blind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk. 



The challenge lay in fine-tuning the microfluidic system's conditions to achieve the correct alignment of molecular substructures known as beta sheets, crucial for the silk's unique mechanical properties.



"It was surprising how robust the microfluidic system was, once the different conditions were established and optimized," remarks Senior Scientist Ali Malay, a co-author of the paper. 



"Fiber assembly was spontaneous, rapid, and highly reproducible, with the fibers exhibiting the distinct hierarchical structure found in natural silk fiber."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-artificial-spider-silk">The future of artificial spider silk</h2>



This method of producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-trapdoor-spider-was-five-times-bigger-than-its-modern-relatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk has vast implications. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional textile manufacturing and opens new doors in biomedical applications. 



However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the process requires scaling up.



"Ideally, we want to have a real-world impact," says Numata, underlining the need to make fiber production continuous and to enhance the quality of the artificial silk further. 



The success of this endeavor could mark a new era in material science, offering a sustainable and versatile material that's both eco-friendly and medically beneficial.



In summary, the successful replication of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-venom-might-soon-be-the-new-viagra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by RIKEN researchers marks a significant milestone in material science. This breakthrough opens up a realm of possibilities in both environmental sustainability and medical innovation. 



As the team works towards scaling up production and refining the quality of the artificial silk, the potential impact of this eco-friendly, biocompatible material in various industries cannot be overstated.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk captivates us with its extraordinary blend of strength and elasticity. 



As discussed above, this natural fiber, spun by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-can-protect-tomatoes-from-invasive-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, outperforms many human-made materials and holds immense potential for various applications.



What sets spider silk apart is its tensile strength, which rivals that of steel, and its impressive elasticity. 



Remarkably lightweight, spider silk can stretch up to five times its length without breaking. This combination of toughness and flexibility makes it an engineering marvel.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiders</a> produce silk from specialized glands. They use it for a range of purposes: from constructing webs for trapping prey to creating egg sacs and even using it as a lifeline when dropping down or floating away.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-and-applications-of-spider-silk">Composition and applications of spider silk</h3>



At a molecular level, spider silk consists of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-genetics-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein chains</a> organized in a specific way. This structure gives it its unique properties. 



Researchers study this composition, hoping to replicate or even enhance these qualities in synthetic materials.



The potential applications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-produced-by-genetically-modified-silkworms-is-6x-stronger-than-kevlar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk are vast. In medicine, its biocompatibility makes it ideal for sutures and tissue engineering. 



In the textile industry, its strength and durability offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. 



Furthermore, its lightweight yet robust nature could revolutionize materials used in aerospace and military sectors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvesting-and-replicating-artificial-spider-silk">Harvesting and replicating artificial spider silk</h3>



Despite its potential, harvesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk in large quantities remains a challenge, as spiders are territorial and cannibalistic, making farming difficult. 



Consequently, as discussed previously in this article, scientists are exploring synthetic production methods, including genetic engineering and microfluidics, to create artificial spider silk.



The quest to harness the properties of spider silk continues. Its replication and mass production could lead to significant advancements in various fields, offering a sustainable and high-performance material.



In summary, spider silk, both natural and artificial, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of nature, inspiring scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of material science. 



The future looks promising as we stand on the brink of harnessing one of nature's most remarkable creations for widespread human benefit.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44733-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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New artificial spider silk is indistinguishable from natural silk

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial spider...

The tidal marshes of the San Francisco Bay Area are witnessing a subtle yet profound ecological change. Savannah sparrows, which have been long adapted to the region's saltwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-of-the-worlds-salt-marshes-may-be-underwater-by-2100/">marshes</a>, are undergoing a genetic transformation and losing the very traits that make them unique. This shift is a consequence of habitat loss and increased interbreeding with their inland counterparts, according to the results of a new study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-trend-nbsp">Disturbing trend&nbsp;</h2>



For over a century, the Bay Area has been a haven for diverse wildlife, including the saltwater-adapted Savannah sparrows. However, a new genomic analysis, incorporating specimens dating back to 1889 from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley, indicates a disturbing trend. These sparrows that were once distinct in their adaptation to the harsh saline environment are now showing a dilution of these specialized traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-dilemma">Genetic dilemma</h2>



The study highlights a stable genetic diversity among the coastal Savannah sparrows. Yet, it underlines the loss of specific genetic variants crucial for survival in tidal marshes. This change is attributed to interbreeding with freshwater-adapted inland sparrows, leading to a depletion of the saltwater-adaptive alleles. 



Such a genetic shift could severely impact the bird's ability to thrive in its native marshlands, where its diet and survival heavily depend on saltwater tolerance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss-nbsp">Habitat loss&nbsp;</h2>



A significant factor in this genetic blending is the steep decline in tidal marshes across the state. The Bay Area alone has seen a staggering 90% reduction in tidal marshland since the 1800s.&nbsp;



This loss has reduced local Savannah sparrow populations to a level where interbreeding with immigrant birds has become more prevalent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influx-of-immigrants-nbsp">Influx of immigrants&nbsp;</h2>



"There seem to be increasing levels of gene flow from eastern California into places like the Bay Area, potentially due to the local population becoming a sink where the local breeders can't really produce enough offspring to maintain a population," said Phred Benham, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley who led the study.&nbsp;



"So you get the influx of immigrants from another population. The migrants think it's a nice place to stay and try to set up a nest, and there's this opportunity for gene flow to occur into the residents."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-adaptation">Coastal adaptation</h2>



As Professor Rauri Bowie pointed out, the inland birds are ill-suited for breeding in saltwater environments. "The inland areas where grasslands remain extensive are producing large numbers of these birds, and they have to go somewhere. And so the Bay Area is a destination," said Professor Bowie.&nbsp;



"They're coming in, but they are not adapted to breed in that environment. So they don't do well, and they're introducing maladaptive alleles - freshwater-adapted alleles into saltwater-adapted populations. And some of these coastal populations are endangered. If you go to these habitats, you see lots of Savannah sparrows, but there's something going on underneath the hood that's a lot more complex in these kinds of specialized environments."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-species">Threatened species</h2>



The introduction of maladaptive genes into the local gene pool, known as "genetic swamping," threatens the very existence of coastal populations, some of which are already endangered.



Among the 17 recognized subspecies of Savannah sparrows in North America, those adapted to saltwater marshlands are particularly threatened. Two such subspecies in California are the northern subspecies (P. s. alaudinus), listed as a "species of special concern," and the federally protected southern subspecies, the Belding's Savannah sparrow (P. s. beldingi).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-silver-lining-nbsp">Possible silver lining&nbsp;</h2>



The good news for the northern marshland subspecies, noted Benham, is that tidal wetlands around the San Francisco Bay estuary are protected and growing, potentially allowing coastal Savannah sparrow populations to increase.



"There's a huge amount of tidal restoration efforts underway in the Bay Area, and Savannah sparrows aren't the only ones that depend on this. One of the most critically endangered species in the Bay Area is the salt marsh harvest mouse. There's a lot of federal money going into protecting their habitat, which I think ultimately would benefit the Savannah sparrows," said Benham.&nbsp;



"I think it would be really great to revisit these populations in 10 years to see if this trend is ongoing or if tidal marsh restoration has allowed the locals to reestablish their populations and their dominance."



Bowie said that continued monitoring of immigrant sparrows would give a sense of whether this genetic swamping is continuing and how quickly it's happening. "I'd hope that as marshes are restored, that would be mitigated. But we don't know that."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Savannah sparrows are losing their unique adaptations in the Bay Area 

The tidal marshes of the San Francisco Bay Area are...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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