Sometimes discoveries take centuries. In South Wales, a fossil jawbone collected in 1899 has finally revealed its secret. It sat quietly for more than a hundred years in the National Museum of Wales. Researchers wrote about it, but no one could say for sure what creature it came from.



Now, using modern technology, paleontologists at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have identified it as a new dinosaur species. They have given it a new name too: Newtonsaurus, honoring the man who first described it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-newtonsaurus-a-distinctive-name">Newtonsaurus: A distinctive name </h2>



The fossil itself contains no bone. What remains are natural molds pressed into stone. At first glance, this seems disappointing. 



But those impressions preserved details invisible to the naked eye. With 3D scanning, the team brought the jawbone back to life in digital form.



“This specimen has been referred to many times in scientific papers but had yet to be successfully identified,” said study co-author Owain Evans. “It was named Zanclodon cambrensis by Edwin Tully Newton in 1899, but we knew the name Zanclodon had been abandoned because it referred to a broad variety of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reptile-ancestors-appeared-40-million-years-earlier-than-we-thought/">reptiles</a>.”



“Therefore, we name it after Newton, calling it Newtonsaurus. It is different from all other dinosaurs from that time and requires a distinctive name.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-rebuilt-through-3d-scans">Fossil rebuilt through 3D scans</h2>



Creating the digital model required patience. The team photographed every angle of the molds, then combined the images into a 3D shape. 



By flipping the data, they produced a negative of the impressions, which gave them a digital version of the original jawbone.



“The natural molds of the inner and outer faces of the jawbone show amazing detail - every groove, ridge, tooth, and even the serrations along the edges of the teeth,” said Michael Benton, professor of vertebrate paleontology at the University of Bristol.



“We decided to use digital photography to make a 3D model. We began by surface scanning the fossil using photogrammetry. Once we had our digital scan, we inverted it - essentially giving us a digital negative of the mold.”



By fusing the sides and analyzing its anatomy, the digital reconstruction revealed a clearer picture of the bone’s original structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-predatory-flesh-eating-dinosaur">A predatory, flesh-eating dinosaur</h2>



Once reconstructed, the fossil’s features stood out clearly. The placement of the teeth and the jaw shape confirmed it belonged to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-footprints-reveal-a-dinosaur-that-changed-pace-while-walking/">theropod</a>. These were meat-eating dinosaurs, ancestors of later giants like Tyrannosaurus rex. 



The discovery proved that large predators prowled the Welsh coastline during the Triassic period.



“We can now confirm that this specimen very likely belonged to a large predatory theropod dinosaur that roamed the shores of South Wales during the latest Triassic,” said Evans.



“It has some definite unique dinosaur features in the emplacement of the teeth, and it is a theropod - a predatory, flesh-eating dinosaur. Otherwise, it sits near the origins of both major divisions of Theropoda, the Coelophysoidea and the Averostra.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-newtonsaurus-was-unusually-large">Newtonsaurus was unusually large</h2>



The<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-fish-bones-reveal-clues-about-the-evolution-of-eating/"> jawbone</a> alone measured 28 centimeters (11 inches). But this was only the front half. The full bone stretched around 60 centimeters (24 inches).



That means the dinosaur’s body reached five to seven meters (16 to 23 feet) in length. For the Triassic, this was huge. Most theropods of the time were much smaller.



The preserved 28 cm (11 in) jawbone, once 60 cm (24 in) in life, reveals a large Triassic theropod - unexpectedly large for its kind.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Newtonsaurus_new-dinosaur-species_jawbone-fossil_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Newtonsaurus_new-dinosaur-species_jawbone-fossil_1s.webp" alt="Using modern digital scanning techniques the researchers were able to shed new light on the fossil jawbone, which has been known since 1899 and been on display in the National Museum of Wales for many years. Credit: Owain Evans" class="wp-image-1985985"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Using modern digital scanning techniques the researchers were able to shed new light on the fossil jawbone, which has been known since 1899 and been on display in the National Museum of Wales for many years. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Owain Evans</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-adds-to-welsh-prehistory">Discovery adds to Welsh prehistory</h2>



For paleontologists, the discovery proves that museum collections still hold secrets. For Wales, it adds another important piece to its prehistoric record. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triassic-fossils-shed-new-light-on-ancient-ecosystems/">Triassic</a> beds of the region are rare and globally significant.



“These historical specimens are vitally important in paleontology and often yield new and exciting results - even if they have been sitting in collections for years. The Victorians were fascinated by the fossil record and prospected all across the UK for fossils,” said Cindy Howells at the <a href="https://museum.wales/cardiff/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Wales</a>.



“On top of this, the re-description of Newtonsaurus cambrensis once again highlights the significance of Wales in paleontological research."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wales-may-reveal-more-dinosaurs">Wales may reveal more dinosaurs</h2>



Triassic beds are rare worldwide, yet Wales holds several of them - each with the potential to reveal another hidden dinosaur.



Newtonsaurus is more than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-rising-mountains-give-birth-to-new-species/">new species</a>. It proves that even old fossils can still surprise us, and that modern tools can finally solve questions that lingered for generations.



The find also reminds us that the cliffs and quarries of Wales may still conceal more giants waiting to emerge.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016787825000513?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Geologists Association</a>.



Image Credit: Owain Evans



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Newtonsaurus: Forgotten dinosaur fossil reveals a giant Triassic predator

Sometimes discoveries take centuries. In South Wales, a fossil jawbone collected in 1899 has finally revealed its secret. It sat quietly for more than a hundred years in the National Museum of Wales. Researchers wrote about it, but no one could say for sure what creature it came from. Now, using modern technology, paleontologists at the University of Bristol have identified it as a new dinosaur species. They have given it a new name too: Newtonsaurus, honoring the man who first described it. Newtonsaurus: A distinctive name...

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-largest-eagle-was-a-massive-predator/">birds of prey</a>. Nearly 90% of the 42 African raptors analyzed were found to be in a state of decline, raising fears that more than two-thirds may now be globally threatened.



The research was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Dr. Phil Shaw from the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/">University of St. Andrews</a> and Dr. Darcy Ogada of <a href="https://peregrinefund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peregrine Fund</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings">Alarming findings</h2>



For their analysis, the experts combined road survey data across four African regions over 20 to 40 years. The study offers a detailed picture of the changing fortunes of savanna raptor species.&nbsp;



The researchers found that larger African raptors have suffered more than smaller ones, particularly in unprotected areas where they face increased human threats.&nbsp;



The rate of decline outside of protected areas is more than double compared to within them. The experts noted that many species experiencing the steepest declines had suffered a double jeopardy, having also become much more dependent on protected areas over the course of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-pressures">Multiple pressures</h2>



The researchers identified a range of pressures contributing to this crisis. Habitat conversion, intensifying human activities, and a predicted doubling of the human population in the next 35 years are adding to the strain on African raptors.&nbsp;



Dr. Shaw emphasized the urgent need to expand protected areas and mitigate pressures in unprotected regions.



“Since the 1970s, extensive areas of forest and savanna have been converted into farmland, while other pressures affecting African raptors have likewise intensified," said Dr. Shaw.&nbsp;



"With the human population projected to double in the next 35 years, the need to extend Africa’s protected area network - and mitigate pressures in unprotected areas - is now greater than ever."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raptor-conservation-nbsp">Raptor conservation&nbsp;</h2>



“Africa is at a crossroads in terms of saving its magnificent birds of prey. In many areas we have watched these species nearly disappear," said Dr. Ogada.



"One of Africa’s most iconic raptors, the Secretarybird, is on the brink of extinction. There’s no single threat imperiling these birds, it’s a combination of many human-caused ones, in other words we are seeing deaths from a thousand cuts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-declines">Massive declines </h2>



Professor Ian Newton is a world-leading ornithologist who was not involved in the study.



“This is an important paper which draws attention to the massive declines in predatory birds which have occurred across much of Africa during recent decades. This was the continent over which, only 50 years ago, pristine populations of spectacular raptors were evident almost everywhere, bringing excitement and wonder to visitors from many parts of the world," said Professor Newton.



"The causes of the declines are many - from rampant habitat destruction to growing use of poisons by farmers and poachers and expanding powerline networks – all ultimately due to expansions in human numbers, livestock grazing and other activities."&nbsp;



"Let us hope that more research can be done and, more importantly, that these birds can be protected over ever more areas, measures largely dependent on the education and goodwill of local people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-existence-nbsp">Perilous existence&nbsp;</h2>



The experts noted that raptors of all sizes lead an increasingly perilous existence on Africa’s unprotected land, where suitable habitat, food supplies and breeding sites have been drastically reduced, and persecution from pastoralists, ivory poachers and farmers is now widespread.&nbsp;



Other significant threats include unintentional poisoning, electrocution on power poles and collision with powerlines and wind turbines, as well as killing for food and belief-based uses, said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-african-raptor-leadership-grant">The African Raptor Leadership Grant</h2>



The study authors have developed the African Raptor Leadership Grant to address the immediate need for more research and conservation programs.&nbsp;



The grant supports educational and mentoring opportunities for emerging African scientists, boosting local conservation initiatives and knowledge of raptors across the continent.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02236-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution </a>.&nbsp;



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Alarming decline of African raptors linked to multiple pressures

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's...

Malaria,Infectious,Mosquito,Bite,On,Green,Background.,Leishmaniasis,,Encephalitis,,Yellow

Recent research from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> sheds new light on the varying heat tolerances among mosquito populations, a discovery with significant implications for global health. 



In a world increasingly threatened by vector-borne diseases, understanding mosquito behavior in response to rising temperatures is more crucial than ever.



Traditionally, models predicting vector-borne disease risks have operated under the assumption that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito populations</a> share similar heat tolerances. 



This new study, however, challenges that notion, suggesting that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-control-mosquitoes-by-deactivating-their-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> are better equipped to withstand heat waves than others. 



Such findings indicate that current models might be underestimating the potential for disease spread in warmer climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mosquito-heat-tolerance">Studying mosquito heat tolerance</h2>



This research was led by senior scientist <a href="https://www.katiewestbymosquito.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katie M. Westby</a> at <a href="https://tyson.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyson Research Center</a>.



Westby and her team focused on the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) -- the highest temperature an organism can tolerate -- of the Aedes albopictus, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-mosquitoes-colder-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger mosquito</a>. This species is a known carrier of diseases like West Nile, chikungunya, and dengue. 



“We found significant differences across populations for both adults and larvae, and these differences were more pronounced for adults,” Westby said.



This study is pivotal, as it highlights significant variations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-biting-season-extended-by-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> heat tolerance across different populations of this globally invasive species.



Westby's team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soap-can-make-you-more-or-less-attractive-to-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> from eight distinct populations across four U.S. climate zones, ranging from New Orleans, Louisiana to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. 



By raising larvae from these various regions to adulthood under controlled laboratory conditions, the researchers were able to conduct thorough tests on their thermal limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Surprisingly, the study found that adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mosquitoes-find-tasty-humans-from-hundreds-of-meters-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> generally had lower heat limits compared to their larvae. This disparity is likely due to the differing environments experienced by aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. 



“Larvae had significantly higher thermal limits than adults, and this likely results from different selection pressures for terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae,” said Benjamin Orlinick, first author of the paper and a former undergraduate research fellow at Tyson Research Center.



“It appears that adult Ae. albopictus are experiencing temperatures closer to their CTmax than larvae, possibly explaining why there are more differences among adult populations.”



Notably, adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-hearing-could-be-targeted-to-combat-deadly-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> tend to endure temperatures closer to their thermal heat maximum, accounting for the greater variance observed among adult populations.



One key finding of the research is the correlation between higher precipitation levels and increased heat tolerance in mosquitoes. 



This suggests that in wetter climates, mosquitoes may better endure higher temperatures, possibly because increased humidity reduces their risk of dehydration.



“The overall trend is for increased heat tolerance with increasing precipitation,” Westby said. “It could be that wetter climates allow mosquitoes to endure hotter temperatures due to decreases in desiccation, as humidity and temperature are known to interact and influence mosquito survival.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosquitoes-heat-and-climate-change">Mosquitoes, heat, and climate change</h2>



The study also highlights the importance of understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skin-compounds-make-some-people-mosquito-magnets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> adapt to local climates and the potential for these insects to adjust to rapidly changing global temperatures. 



According to Westby, genetic variation in heat tolerance is crucial for adaptation to rising temperatures.



“Standing genetic variation in heat tolerance is necessary for organisms to adapt to higher temperatures,” Westby said. “That’s why it was important for us to experimentally determine if this mosquito exhibits variation before we can begin to test how, or if, it will adapt to a warmer world.”



Looking forward, the team at Washington University plans to explore further into the limits of mosquito behavior, particularly how high temperatures impact their blood-feeding habits and potential adaptations to warmer conditions. 



This research is vital for grasping the full impact of climate change on disease transmission, as real-world conditions often vary significantly from laboratory settings.



In summary, this disturbing study challenges existing models of disease risk while opening new avenues for understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change on public health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2023.1248673/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Bad news – mosquitoes prefer heat and actually thrive in the warming climate

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis sheds new...

A study recently published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a> highlights how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-and-moths-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">butterfly</a> populations adapt to their environments and the risks they face from climate change. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the <a href="https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institut de Biologia Evolutiva</a> (IBE) in Barcelona focused on butterfly populations in Catalonia, northern Spain, and compared them to their counterparts in the UK. They found significant differences in how these butterflies regulate their body temperature, a critical factor for survival in changing climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-avoiding-behavior-nbsp">Heat-avoiding behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Butterflies in warmer climates like Catalonia have developed efficient ways to regulate their body temperature, primarily by basking in the sun. By contrast, British butterflies adapt to cooler temperatures by seeking warm microclimates. However, with global temperatures on the rise, both populations are beginning to display heat-avoiding behavior.&nbsp;



While British butterflies might initially benefit from warmer climates, Spanish butterflies face a greater risk of extinction if they cannot adapt quickly enough to the rising temperatures.



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



Eric Toro-Delgado from IBE, lead author of the study, explained the motivation behind the research: “The first study in the UK showed that butterflies are pretty good at regulating their body temperature in this cooler climate, but we wanted to see whether butterflies in a warmer climate, such as Spain, are doing anything differently.”&nbsp;



“In Spain, butterflies spend much more time at their optimum temperature since it’s warmer, but there’s also a greater risk of overheating,” added senior author Andrew Bladon from Cambridge’s Department of Zoology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-adaptation-nbsp">Climate adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which mirrors a 2020 UK research project by some of the same scientists, involved measuring the body, air, and perch temperatures of nearly 800 adult butterflies across 23 species in Catalonia.&nbsp;



The researchers aimed to understand whether adaptations observed in Spanish butterflies could indicate how British butterflies might need to adapt in response to climate change.



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



The findings revealed that Catalan butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature compared to British butterflies. Both populations switch from heat-seeking to heat-avoiding behavior at air temperatures around 22°C.&nbsp;



However, British butterflies rely more on microclimates for thermoregulation, while Catalan butterflies have a wider range of thermal environments to choose from.



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



The researchers also noted that habitat and biodiversity loss, particularly in the UK, are significant threats to butterflies. Diverse habitats provide a variety of microclimates that can help butterflies maintain their preferred temperatures.&nbsp;



Bladon emphasized the importance of creating biodiverse environments: “If we can provide them with field margins, biodiverse road verges, more wildflowers, and longer grass, butterflies can more easily move through the landscape.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-temperature-regulation-nbsp">Body temperature regulation&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the current ability of Catalan butterflies to thermoregulate effectively, the rising global temperatures pose a significant threat, as Spain is already experiencing warmer climates. The study found that wing size, which was a factor in regulating body temperature in UK butterflies, did not have the same relevance in Spain, where avoiding heat is more critical.



“Because of rising global temperatures, the UK’s climate is becoming a little bit more like Spain, so climate change may benefit British butterflies in the short term,” Bladon explained. However, both populations show signs of heat avoidance, with Catalan butterflies facing a higher risk due to their proximity to their thermal optimum.



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



The study concludes that in addition to rising temperatures, extreme weather events like droughts and heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to both adult butterflies and their caterpillars.&nbsp;



“Climate change and biodiversity loss go hand-in-hand, and we urgently need to address both if we’re going to protect important species like butterflies,” Toro-Delgado warned. This research underscores the intricate relationship between climate change, biodiversity, and the survival of vital species like butterflies.



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Some butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature than others

A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Ecology...

Coral,Nurseries,-,Environmental,Protection,Concept.,The,Diverse,Coral,Colony

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often picture static rock-like structures dotting the ocean floor. These underwater gardens, vital to marine life, have long been the focus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Typically, these efforts are directed at preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing corals</a> and shielding them from known dangers like pollution, overfishing, and runoff from coastal populations.



However, a transformative study near Miloliʻi, on the southwestern side of Hawai’i Island, is reshaping our approach to coral conservation. The intriguing research was spearheaded by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> scientists and their collaborators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-knowledge-and-modern-science">Indigenous knowledge and modern science</h2>



At the forefront of this research is an impressive group of scientists. Together, they emphasize the significance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, both down-current and up-current of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>. 



These are the areas where coral larvae, the coral keiki, are more likely to flourish. The survival of these coral nurseries is key in the face of the escalating threats posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



Rachel Carlson, an ASU affiliate scientist, is the study’s first author. She highlights the importance of integrating local, indigenous knowledge with Western science in mapping a sustainable future for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-study-proves-humans-are-major-ecosystem-disruptors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>. 



“There’s a lot of indigenous knowledge about coral spawning and fish populations in West Hawaiʻi. In this study, we addressed an open question: how connected are coral populations between embayments along this coastline?” said Carlson. 



“What we essentially found is that the major factors in helping the coral keiki, known as larvae, settle down and survive are the nearshore current and the structure of the reef.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-coral-nurseries-from-above">Monitoring coral nurseries from above </h2>



This study addressed a critical question: the connectivity of coral populations along certain coastlines. It found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of coral</a> larvae nurseries hinges on the nearshore currents and the reef's structure. 



These larvae tend to settle in areas with larger boulders and uneven surfaces, which they find more conducive.



An exciting aspect of this research is the utilization of ASU’s <a href="https://asnerlab.org/projects/global-airborne-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Airborne Observatory</a>. This specialized aircraft, equipped with advanced remote sensing technologies, has mapped seafloor features significant for coral settlement. 



Greg Asner, director of ASU's <a href="https://globalfutures.asu.edu/gdcs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science</a> and the study’s senior author, underscores this as "foundational research" that enhances our understanding of reef connectivity and identifies potential sites for effective coral restoration.



“First, it gives us an understanding of the connectivity of different parts of reefs along our coastline and tells us the level of connectivity in the context of the birth, settlement, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth of corals</a> miles apart," Asner explained. 



"Second, our unique remote sensing capabilities can identify reef sites where coral restoration could be most viable in the future. Finally, these findings provide a critical building block for future restoration efforts by our ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team and collaborators," concluded Asner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-community-engagement">Cultural and community engagement</h2>



The <a href="https://news.asu.edu/20230613-solutions-turning-tide-our-coral-reefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program</a>, a regional initiative combining cultural leadership, education, science, and government engagement, has been instrumental in supporting this research. 



Kaʻimi Kaupiko, president of Kalanihale, a non-profit managing the Miloliʻi Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area, reflects on the cultural and ecological significance of reefs. 



Kaupiko states, "We as lineal descendants of the Miloliʻi area have always relied on the reef for our ʻOhana (families). Our reef is our sustenance and is of enormous cultural value to us."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-scope-of-coral-protection">Expanding the scope of coral protection</h2>



This study brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef protection strategies</a>. Asner compares it to understanding the importance of a forest, not just individual trees. 



Robin Martin is an associate professor with the ASU <a href="https://oceans.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Ocean Futures</a>. Martin echoes this sentiment, stressing that reef connectivity is an underutilized tool in global reef restoration efforts. 



“In Hawai‘i and worldwide, we're trying to figure out where we should place protections and restore areas to help reefs,” Martin said. 



“This study is highly technical, but it needs to be part of that conversation and part of that work because if you aren’t protecting the up-current reefs, you are cutting off important reproductive areas.”



The research suggests that protection should encompass not only areas with dense coral coverage but also the paths through which coral larvae travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-nursery-conservation-efforts">Coral nursery conservation efforts</h2>



This research opens new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crust-forming-algae-have-the-potential-to-dominate-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>, potentially extending much further than current practices. 



As Asner notes, the extensive coastline of west Hawaiʻi island poses unique challenges and opportunities for coral restoration. 



“These kinds of studies of connectivity, flow, and movement are needed because the west Hawaiʻi island coastline is longer than the whole circumference of any other island,” Asner said. 



“We have a lot of degraded reefs along our coastline, so knowing where and how to help baby corals thrive is fundamental to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.”



Understanding the movement and settlement patterns of coral larvae is fundamental to the success of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-contributions-are-vital">Student contributions are vital</h2>



The involvement of students in the study represents a fusion of cultural knowledge and scientific inquiry. Kaupiko highlights this integration, emphasizing the ecological connectedness of the region and the need for comprehensive management and protection strategies.



"Our students participated in the coral study, and that also helped us to connect the dots between cultural knowledge and Western science,” said Kaupiko. 



“The study supports our CBSFA by showing that our area is ecologically connected, and thus it needs to be managed and protected as one connected reef and coastline."



In summary, this important study in Hawai‘i represents a pivotal shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-intensify-viruses-that-kill-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral conservation</a> strategies. By combining cultural insights, advanced scientific research, and community collaboration, it offers a holistic approach to preserving and restoring the delicate balance of coral ecosystems. 



Their innovative work benefits the reefs of Hawai‘i while also setting a precedent for coral conservation efforts worldwide.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Coral ‘nurseries’ need protection equal to that of established coral reefs

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often...

Detail,Of,Bee,Or,Honeybee,In,Latin,Apis,Mellifera,,European

Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing to bees? New research on bees and nutrition seems to have found the answer to this question. 



Recent research from the USDA Forest Service’s <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> and the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada, Reno</a> sheds light on this. 



Their study reveals how the nutritional value of plant pollen influences bee foraging behavior and community composition in gardens. 



This finding is crucial, especially when considering larger implications such as combating the decline in pollinator populations through improved rangeland restoration strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-requirements-of-bees">Nutritional requirements of bees</h2>



The study delved into the foraging habits of wild bees, uncovering that different bee species have varied nutritional requirements. 



“Nutrition is widely recognized as a key factor in addressing pollinator declines, and plants vary in the protein and lipid content of the pollens they offer to bees,” explains lead author Dr. Anthony Vaudo, a research biological scientist at RMRS. 



He emphasizes the importance of pollen nutrition, particularly for developing bee larvae, which rely on pollen as their primary food source.



“We wanted to bring focus to that aspect of nutrition and foraging and its direct effects on the health of the developing bees,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plants-and-bee-nutrition">Implications for plants and bee nutrition</h2>



Dr. Vaudo and his team analyzed the protein and lipid content in the pollen of 109 plant species in the Great Basin region. These plants bloom simultaneously, providing a comprehensive view of the nutritional landscape available to bees. 



The research discovered that the nutritional content of pollen in different plant communities predicts the types of bee communities they attract.



An intriguing aspect of their findings is that many bees do not show loyalty to specific plant families or genera. Instead, their preferences are based on more fundamental nutritional needs. 



This insight is especially relevant when selecting seeds for conserving bee habitats and plant communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-bee-conservation-efforts">Enhancing bee conservation efforts</h2>



The study also reveals that plants within related genera offer similar pollen nutrition, making them functionally akin for bees. This knowledge could predict how a bee might choose a host plant in new environments. 



“This has exciting opportunities for future restoration research and could change the way bee communities can be conserved or improved," Vaudo said. 



"For example, designing a restoration project with more nutritionally diverse plants and testing to see if they attract more bees or a higher diversity of bees.” 



He highlights a beneficial feedback loop where increased pollination leads to more seed production, supporting healthier bee populations and offering resilience in changing environments.



"This idea of nutritional diversity can support healthier bee populations and hopefully provide resilience in changing environments," explained Vaudo.



In summary, this research not only enhances our understanding of bee foraging behavior but also opens new avenues for conservation efforts. 



By considering the nutritional needs of bees, we can design more effective strategies to nurture and preserve these vital pollinators, ensuring the health of our ecosystems and agricultural productivity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317228120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Different bee species have unique nutritional needs and appetites

Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing...

Given their size and status as one of the top <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/">predators</a> in Antarctica, one might expect that male southern elephant seals are indiscriminate feeders.&nbsp;



However, new research from <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW Sydney</a> reveals that these elephant seals are surprisingly picky eaters, preferring specific favorites over the wide array of food choices available in their Antarctic habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings-nbsp">Unexpected findings&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Andrea Cormack is a PhD candidate at UNSW Science. “They could have the pick of the buffet, and yet each male southern elephant seal eats a lot of the same food, which is just a fraction of what’s on offer,” said Cormack.&nbsp;



“So, they are extremely picky eaters, each with their own unique favorite foods they go after, whether it be fish, squid species, crustaceans or octopus.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-specialists-nbsp">Extreme specialists&nbsp;</h2>



The research provides one of the first in-depth insights into the diet of adult male southern elephant seals. Compared to their female counterparts, the dietary habits of these males, who can weigh up to four tons, have been relatively understudied.&nbsp;



Interestingly, while female seals maintain a specialized diet, the males' preferences are far more extreme.



“We didn’t specifically compare males to females in this study,” said Cormack. “But females are known to maintain a fairly specialized diet between one another, just nowhere near as extreme as what we found with the males in our research.”



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



Studying these creatures in their natural habitat poses significant challenges due to their size and temperament. Instead, the research team analyzed whiskers collected from 31 male seals.&nbsp;



The whiskers contain stable isotopes that provide a chemical record of the seals' diet over time. This method allowed the researchers to construct the most comprehensive picture yet of the males' dietary habits, encompassing up to a year of eating behavior per seal.



“These guys are out in the water foraging for months, and then fasting for two to three months on land during breeding season, so it’s hard to gather a lot of information about their diet through study methods like stomach analysis,” said Cormack. “But by analyzing hard tissues that store an inert chemical record of what they’ve eaten, we can start putting together the pieces about their eating habits.”



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



The study revealed that nearly all the sampled seals were specialists, consistently eating the same types of food with little variation. A majority were extreme specialists, feeding on less than 20% of the available food types, while only one seal demonstrated a more generalist diet.



“The Antarctic ecosystem has a lot of variety, but male southern elephant seals don’t like to mix it up,” said study senior author Professor Tracey Rogers. “They each have their own favorite foods, and they stick to them despite all the options available.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistently-picky-nbsp">Consistently picky&nbsp;</h2>



An interesting correlation emerged between body size and dietary specialization. Larger seals tended to eat higher up the food chain, opting for energy-dense prey like large squid, especially leading up to the breeding season.&nbsp;



However, size was not the sole determinant of specialization, as even smaller seals showed extreme pickiness in their diet from early adulthood.



“They were all consistently picky on their food type regardless of size,” said Cormack. “For these guys, who can lose up to 50 percent of their body weight during the breeding season when they’re fasting on land, what you choose to eat could be very important.”



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



Cormack noted the significance of these findings, especially considering the potential impact on breeding success. The specialization in diet could be driven by various factors, from physical attributes like gape size to fluctuations in food availability.



According to the experts, this specialization may help improve foraging success rates between male seals and allow them to gain the size needed to compete with other males for breeding rights.



“We know from previous studies that individuals will often return each year to the same feeding grounds in search of their favorite foods,” said Cormack. “But we need more studies to be confident about exactly what’s driving specialization and how it impacts breeding success.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps14472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>. 



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Male southern elephant seals are extremely picky eaters

Given their size and status as one of the top...

In a study led by <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue</a> veterinarian Deborah Knapp, experts have found that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly elevates the risk of bladder cancer in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">dogs</a>. 



The researchers tracked 120 Scottish terriers over three years, revealing that those exposed to cigarette smoke were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to unexposed dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-factors-of-dogs-and-smoke">Risk factors of dogs and smoke</h2>



Knapp, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine and a leader in comparative oncology research, emphasized the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in cancer development.&nbsp;



"Cancer is a combination of what you are born with - your genetics - and what you are exposed to - your environment," Knapp explained. 



“In this case, we studied these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> for years at a time, and then we went back and asked, ‘What was different between those that developed cancer and those that did not develop cancer? What were the risk factors?’”



Scottish terriers are particularly prone to bladder cancer, with a rate 20 times higher than other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-dogs-more-intelligent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog breeds</a>. 



Bladder cancer is often very aggressive in these <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>, similar to muscle invasive bladder cancer in humans, noted the researchers.



“We know that Scotties’ genetics play a huge role in making them vulnerable to cancer,” said Knapp. This strong genetic signal helps researchers isolate other factors that affect the likelihood of any dog, or human, getting cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“If we were to do this study with mixed breeds of dogs, it would take hundreds and hundreds of dogs to uncover this same risk, which is probably there, just more difficult to discern because those dogs are not already inclined genetically to get bladder cancer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-dogs-and-cigarette-smoke">How to study dogs and cigarette smoke</h2>



The research team, including Scottish terrier expert Marcia Dawson, delved into the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on <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>. 



The experts studied 120 Scottish terriers, analyzing their health, environment, food, activity, and any other factors that may affect their cancer risk.



<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">Dogs</a> can inhale secondhand smoke or ingest chemicals through licking smoke-infused clothing, leading to the absorption and urinary elimination of harmful compounds like nicotine metabolites. 



“If someone goes out to a smoky concert or party, then comes home and their dog hops up on their lap to snuggle with them, the dog can be exposed to the particulate material in smoke through the person’s clothing,” explained Knapp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-research-findings">Key research findings</h2>



Some dogs showed exposure to smoke even in non-smoking households, suggesting indirect exposure through environments visited by their owners.



The study also revealed a complex relationship between smoke exposure and cancer development. Not all dogs exposed to smoke developed cancer, mirroring the variability seen in human smokers. 



This complexity provides the Purdue team with an opportunity to further investigate the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in cancer development.



Knapp emphasized that this discovery is a new one. Dog owners, who almost universally want the best for their dog, did not knowingly put their dogs at risk of cancer by smoking around them. However, with this new information, individuals may be able to better protect their pets going forward.



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



Contrary to previous research, the experts did not find a connection between lawn chemicals and bladder cancer.&nbsp;



“That’s likely because we are working with pet owners who are aware of the risk of lawn chemicals, so they took precautions to keep the dogs safe, like not treating parts of the lawn where the dog tends to be or keeping the dogs off the lawn for longer,” said Knapp. 



“That is encouraging! People love their pets. There are people taking steps to keep their dogs healthier.”



Ultimately, understanding the link between cigarette smoke and cancer can lead to more informed decisions to protect pets' health.&nbsp;



“What we hope pet owners will take from this is that if they can reduce the exposure of their dogs to smoke, that can help the dogs’ health,” said Knapp. 



“We hope they stop smoking altogether, both for their health and so they will continue to be around for their dogs, but any steps to keep smoke from the dogs will help.”



The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a>, the <a href="https://stca.biz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Terrier Club of America</a> and gifts made to Purdue University for canine bladder cancer research.



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



As discussed above, dogs, much like humans, are susceptible to a variety of cancers, which have become a significant health issue in the canine world. 



Cancer, an uncontrolled growth of cells, can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. The most common types include lymphoma, affecting the lymph nodes; mast cell tumors, usually found on the skin; and osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. 



Symptoms vary based on the cancer type but often include lumps or bumps, sudden weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite or behavior.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diagnosis-and-treatment">Diagnosis and treatment</h3>



Early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment. Regular veterinary check-ups and paying attention to any unusual changes in your dog's health are vital. 



Modern veterinary medicine offers a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often used in combination for the best outcome. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and the overall health of the dog.



While the diagnosis of cancer in a dog can be devastating, advancements in veterinary oncology have significantly improved the prognosis for many dogs. 



Owners play a critical role in the care of a dog with cancer, providing emotional support and working closely with veterinarians to ensure the best possible quality of life.



In summary, cancer in dogs is a complex health issue that requires awareness and proactive care. With advances in veterinary medicine and the commitment of dog owners, many dogs with cancer can lead fulfilling lives. 



Early detection, appropriate treatment, and loving care are the keys to managing this challenging condition.



The research is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323000953" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Veterinary Journal</a>.



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Cancer risk in dogs is greatly elevated by exposure to cigarette smoke

In a study led by Purdue veterinarian Deborah Knapp, experts...

Researchers have uncovered startling evidence that frequent visits to oil palm plantations significantly increase mortality rates among infant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a>, particularly southern pig-tailed macaques.&nbsp;



This finding highlights a disturbing trend where agricultural practices are directly impacting wildlife, including vulnerable young primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-environment-nbsp">Perilous environment&nbsp;</h2>



Southern pig-tailed macaques, native to Peninsular Malaysia, are increasingly drawn to oil palm plantations.&nbsp;



While these areas provide easy access to food, they also expose these primates to a multitude of dangers, including predators, human encounters, and harmful agricultural chemicals. This perilous environment is proving detrimental to the survival of infant macaques.



Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig University, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology conducted an extensive study over nearly a decade.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-statistics">Alarming statistics</h2>



The experts discovered that a shocking 57 percent of macaque infants died before their first birthday - a mortality rate far exceeding that in other wild primate populations.&nbsp;



The team observed two groups of macaques in a landscape interspersed with rainforests and oil palm plantations. They found that prolonged exposure to plantation environments tripled the likelihood of mortality among the infant primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors-nbsp">Contributing factors&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, this startling mortality rate could be explained by increased encounters with predators and humans, and potential exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides.



“Some of these risks are relatively clear: infant macaques are more likely to fall prey to feral dogs that roam in the plantations in packs or to be captured by humans and sold illegally as pets,” explained Dr. Nadine Ruppert from USM, who established and leads the field site.&nbsp;



“But the potential long-term effects of the pesticides used to manage the monocultures on mammalian wildlife are much less obvious and very poorly understood.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accumulation-of-agricultural-chemicals">Accumulation of agricultural chemicals</h2>



The study further revealed an unexpected pattern of increased infant mortality linked to first-time births or long intervals between consecutive births. This contradicts previous findings that shorter interbirth intervals lead to higher mortality.&nbsp;



The accumulation of agricultural chemicals in a mother’s body, which can be passed through breastmilk, is believed to play a significant role. 



"The literature suggests that certain harmful substances used in agriculture can cross the placental barrier and be passed on to the unborn offspring. We also know that certain fat-soluble molecules can be passed on through breastmilk,” said study lead author Dr. Anna Holzner.



“Accordingly, the longer the chemicals accumulate in the mother’s body, the more they could influence foetal development during pregnancy and also during lactation.”



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



The study highlights the urgent need to address the threats that agricultural landscapes pose to wildlife. The survival of infant primates, crucial for the maintenance of viable populations, is being jeopardized by our agricultural practices.&nbsp;



“We know that the use of pesticides in agriculture has led to drastic declines in insect populations, so chemical analysis is essential to understand the effects of pesticides on mammalian wildlife,” said study senior author Dr. Anja Widdig.&nbsp;



“Our findings underscore the critical need to implement environmentally friendly cultivation practices that minimise the risks to wildlife populations and also to people living near plantations.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.&nbsp;



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Lethal attraction: Plantations are deadly for infant primates 

Researchers have uncovered startling evidence that frequent visits to oil...

Wind turbines, a growing source of renewable energy, have been found to significantly impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-play-an-active-role-in-plant-pollination/">bat</a> populations, not only causing fatalities but also displacing them from their natural habitats.&nbsp;



A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a> (Leibniz-IZW) and <a href="https://www.uni-marburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philipps-Universität Marburg</a> reveals a startling decrease in bat activity near these turbines.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoidance-behavior-nbsp">Avoidance behavior&nbsp;</h2>



The study indicates an almost 80 percent drop in the activity of bats that hunt in dense habitats like forests, within a radius of 80 to 450 meters around operational turbines during high wind speeds. The researchers suggest that the noise emitted by the turbine rotors, escalating with wind speed, is likely causing this avoidance behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-energy-expansion-nbsp">Wind energy expansion&nbsp;</h2>



As the world shifts towards renewable energy to meet climate goals, more wind turbines are being installed. Germany, for example, operates around 30,000 onshore wind turbines.&nbsp;



The search for new turbine sites has extended to forests, which are vital habitats for many European bat species, such as the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). The expansion of wind energy in these forested areas poses not only a direct collision risk with turbine rotors but also indirect negative impacts on bat species.&nbsp;



The study, led by Christian Voigt from Leibniz-IZW and Nina Farwig from Philipps-Universität Marburg, highlights the considerable avoidance distance of forest-dwelling bats from operational turbines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



Julia Ellerbrok, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Biology at Philipps-Universität Marburg and a former doctoral student in the project, explained the findings.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-operational-factors-nbsp">Operational factors&nbsp;</h3>



“We investigated the activity of different bat species in different wind conditions and during the operation of wind turbines in forests in the German federal state of Hessen," said Ellerbrok.



"We found that the activity of bats, which usually forage in narrow, structurally dense vegetation of forests, decreases by 77 percent on average within a radius of 80 to 450 meters around the wind turbines with increasing wind speed when the turbines are in operation. In contrast, bat activity was unaffected by wind speed when the turbines were switched off.”&nbsp;



This led the team to conclude that the operational factors of the turbines at high wind speeds are causing such avoidance behavior.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-emissions">Noise emissions</h3>



“The rotor movements of wind turbines not only generate so-called wake turbulences but also substantial noise,” added Christian Voigt, head of the Department of Evolutionary Ecology at the Leibniz-IZW.&nbsp;



“Both factors can affect bats over several hundred meters. Forest bats that hunt under the canopy presumably do not come into contact with the wake vortices. Rather, they could be affected by the noise emissions of the turbines, even if the frequency range of the noise is far below those of the echolocation calls. If bats actively avoid noise emissions from wind turbines, they lose valuable habitat on a large scale.”



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



The research team concludes that wind turbines in forests present multiple challenges for bats. Not only is valuable habitat lost both during construction and operation of these turbines, but bats hunting above the treetops are also at risk of collision with the rotating blades.&nbsp;



To minimize the long-term ecological impact on bat populations in forested areas, the researchers suggest that wind turbines should be erected only in structurally poor forest plantations with fewer bats. They also emphasize the need for future research to further investigate the effects of noise emissions from turbines on bats.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



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Wind turbines are displacing bats from their forest habitats

Wind turbines, a growing source of renewable energy, have been...

The <a href="https://iisc.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Science</a> (IISc) has released a compelling report on the impact of logging and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a> on bird communities in tropical montane forests. 



The researchers analyzed more than a decade of data, focusing on bird communities in the Eastern Himalayas' mid-elevation understory.&nbsp;



The team used methods like mist netting to explore changes in montane bird communities in both primary (undisturbed) and logged forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-montane-forests">Tropical montane forests</h2>



Tropical montane forests, ranging from 150-200 meters to 3,500 meters in altitude, are biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;



"In tropical mountains, each species has a particular niche where it is found. This restriction creates much more diversity in a small space," explained Ritobroto Chanda, a former project associate at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-threats-nbsp">Significant threats&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical mountain ecosystems face significant threats from forest loss and climate change, yet very few studies have explored these impacts.&nbsp;



“Birds – and indeed much of the flora and fauna – of tropical mountain ranges are extremely temperature-sensitive and are responding to global heating rapidly. Also, most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity is concentrated in tropical mountains,” noted Professor Umesh Srinivasan. He emphasized the need to investigate the combined impact of these threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



The IISc team observed many bird species shifting to higher elevations due to rising temperatures. In logged forests, higher temperatures and lower humidity accelerated this transition.&nbsp;



Interestingly, smaller montane birds adapted better to logged forests, while larger species density increased in primary forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eaglenest-wildlife-sanctuary">Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary</h2>



The study was conducted in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, a region known for its rich avian diversity, hosting over 500 bird species.&nbsp;



The area's history of intensive logging (until 2002) offered a distinct contrast between logged and intact forests, making it an ideal site for this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-support">Local support</h2>



Chanda noted that the support of the local community is critical to carry out such research. “You have to stay in a wildlife sanctuary with no paved roads, no electricity, and no place to stay as such."



"We take our food with us, cook on a daily basis, make a makeshift camp and move around, and without the people’s support, it’s really not possible to continue this for a long time,” said Chanda.



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



The researchers' daily routine involved setting up mist nets, checking them every 20-30 minutes, processing the birds, and releasing them. Out of 6,189 captured individuals from 130 species, the study focused on 4,801 understory insectivores from about 61 species.



The researchers focused on these particular montane birds because their niches are well defined and abundant data is available for them. The study did not include rare species that may skew the results.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-logging-nbsp">Impact of logging&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed that logging leads to the loss of large-bodied, old-growth-dependent species, and a decrease in overall biodiversity.&nbsp;



Logging negatively impacts understory insectivores, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. Furthermore, logged forests have lower insect densities, affecting the birds' food resources.



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



According to the researchers, the study highlights the need to safeguard primary forests in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.



“Logging managers should ensure that undisturbed forests across large elevational gradients are protected,” said Srinivasan. He explained that this will allow species to shift their ranges upwards in response to climate change and maintain survival. “If species encounter degraded forest while they shift upwards, certain species will most likely go locally extinct.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>. 



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Montane bird communities are transformed by logging and climate

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has released a compelling...

The,Green,Mamba,(dendroaspis,Viridis),,A,Venomous,Snake,Native,To

Brazilian researchers have discovered two new peptides in snake venom that possess significant potential to treat high blood pressure. The peptides were found in the venom of two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venom-snakes-dangerous/">snake</a> species native to Brazil.



In two recently published studies, experts analyzed the venom of the lancehead pit viper Cotiara (Bothrops cotiara) and the South American bushmaster (Lachesis muta).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-potential-nbsp">Untapped potential&nbsp;</h2>



The research highlights the untapped potential of venoms, as well as the biotechnological capabilities of these natural substances.



Alexandre Tashima, the principal investigator of both studies, is a professor at the Federal University of São Paulo’s Medical School (<a href="https://sp.unifesp.br/epm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPM-UNIFESP</a>).



“Venoms never cease to surprise us. Even with so much accumulated knowledge, fresh discoveries are possible, such as unpredictable fragments that are parts of known proteins. Despite all the available technology, a great deal remains to be studied in these toxins,” said Professor Tashima.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cotiara-venom">Cotiara venom</h2>



One such discovery is the peptide named Bc-7a, found in B. cotiara’s venom. While it originates from a protein causing hemorrhaging in prey, it is closer in functional terms to peptides such as those used in captopril, a drug that lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).



Overall, the researchers identified 197 peptides in Cotiara - 189 of which are new discoveries. This is a significant increase from 73 peptides found in the same snake’s venom in 2012.



According to the researchers, the difference is due to the use of faster and more sensitive equipment than was available a decade ago, and to the larger number of peptide sequences now available in databases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-american-bushmaster-nbsp">South American bushmaster&nbsp;</h2>



The study on bushmaster venom from L. muta, published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X23011749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications</a>, has identified 151 peptides, with 126 previously unknown.&nbsp;



Among these, the metalloproteinase-derived peptide Lm-10a stands out. This peptide, a fragment of a hemorrhagic toxin, inhibits ACE and shows potential as a future drug ingredient to treat hypertension.



The analysis suggested that Lm-10a from both L. muta and Bc-7a from B. cotiara resulted from fragmentation processes during venom maturation in the snake’s venom gland and that many more peptides could be obtained from the toxins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



While these findings are promising, Professor Tashima emphasized the need for further research to fully understand and harness the potential of these peptides.&nbsp;



“Despite advances in sequencing technology and the production of large amounts of data in recent years, much remains to be discovered about the vast universe of peptides and their biological roles," said Tashima. "We must take advantage of our good fortune in being able to study these species, many of which will be extinct before they’ve even been discovered."



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biochimie</a>.



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Snake venom may be key to treating high blood pressure

Brazilian researchers have discovered two new peptides in snake venom...

In an amazing discovery, researchers have found that Matabele <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-higher-nests-when-there-are-no-visible-landmarks/">ants</a> possess an advanced healthcare system that has never been witnessed in the animal kingdom.&nbsp;According to experts from the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a>, these ants can recognize infected wounds and treat them with self-produced antibiotics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ants-and-antibiotics">Studying ants and antibiotics</h2>



"In social insects, interactions to combat pathogens range from preventive measures like nest disinfection or allogrooming to moribund individuals leaving the nest to die in isolation or the destructive disinfection of their infected brood," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"But if and how social insect colonies care for injured individuals that were exposed to pathogens remains poorly understood."



Native to regions south of the Sahara, Matabele <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> have a specialized diet, feeding exclusively on termites.&nbsp;



However, their hunting missions are fraught with danger, often resulting in injuries from termite soldiers' powerful mandibles.



"Workers of the predatory ant Megaponera analis have been shown to care for the injuries of nestmates, which are common because this ant feeds exclusively on pugnacious termite species," wrote the researchers.



"As many as 22% of the foragers engaging in raids attacking termites have one or two missing legs. Injured workers are carried back to the nest where other workers treat their wounds."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-response-to-infections">Innovative response to infections</h2>



The risk of infection from these injuries is a significant threat to the ants' survival. Remarkably, the Matabele ants have evolved a sophisticated method to combat this.&nbsp;



The study was led by Dr. Erik Frank from Julius-Maximilians-Universität (<a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMU</a>) Würzburg and Professor Laurent Keller from the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>.



The researchers discovered that these ants can distinguish between infected and non-infected wounds and treat their comrades with antibiotics when necessary.



"Chemical analyses in cooperation with JMU Professor Thomas Schmitt have shown that the hydrocarbon profile of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kangaroo-island-ants-do-a-perfect-job-of-playing-dead-to-avoid-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant</a> cuticle changes as a result of a wound infection," said Dr. Frank. 



It is precisely this change that the ants are able to recognize and thus <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Matabele-ants-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnose the infection status of injured nestmates</a>, he noted.



For treatment, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crazy-ants-carry-the-key-to-their-own-population-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> apply antimicrobial compounds and proteins, sourced from their metapleural gland, to the infected wounds. 



This gland, situated on their thorax, secretes a concoction with 112 components, half of which are antimicrobial or aid in wound healing.&nbsp;



The efficacy of this treatment is remarkable, reducing the mortality rate of infected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-farming-ants-work-hard-to-maintain-healthy-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> by 90 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-use-antibiotics-for-wound-care">Ants use antibiotics for wound care</h2>



"With the exception of humans, I know of no other living creature that can carry out such sophisticated medical wound treatments," said Dr. Frank.&nbsp;



Professor Keller also highlighted the medical significance of these findings, noting the common pathogen in ant wounds, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a major cause of infection in humans and is increasingly resistant to antibiotics.



The experts now aim to explore wound care behaviors in other ant species and social animals. They are interested in identifying and analyzing the antibiotics used by Matabele <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>, which could potentially lead to new antibiotic discoveries for human use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-netflix-documentary">Netflix documentary</h2>



The intriguing nature of Matabele ants' wound care has captured the attention of a wider audience. A few years ago, Dr. Frank's research inspired a film production company to feature these African ants in the Netflix documentary "<a href="https://www.netflix.com/de/title/80213846" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life on Our Planet</a>."&nbsp;



This eight-part series focuses on the evolution of life over the past 500 million years, showcasing the unique survival and adaptation strategies of various species, with Matabele ants being a prime example.



The documentary was directed by Steven Spielberg and the English version is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. The series has been translated into German and numerous other languages. The Matabele ants appear in the fifth episode, which is called "In the Shadow of Giants."&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43885-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Erik Frank / University of Wuerzburg



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Ants recognize infected wounds and create their own antibiotics to treat them

In an amazing discovery, researchers have found that Matabele ants...

<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.

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</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.

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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.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

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

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

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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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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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"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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