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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Hemoglobin and other blood molecules found preserved in dinosaur fossils

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

A biotech firm based in San Francisco (<a href="https://loyalfordogs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loyal</a>), is making strides in the development of a drug that could potentially increase the lifespan of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/">dogs</a> by at least one year. 



<a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Food and Drug Administration for Veterinary Medicine</a> recently affirmed that the data for Loyal’s drug candidate, LOY-001, shows promising signs of effectiveness. This advancement brings the possibility of veterinarians prescribing this longevity drug to our canine companions a step closer to reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-dog-breeds-nbsp">Large dog breeds&nbsp;</h2>



Slated for a 2026 launch, LOY-001 is designed to specifically target cellular mechanisms in large and giant dog breeds. These breeds, known for their rapid aging and shorter lifespans compared to smaller breeds, could benefit significantly from this intervention.&nbsp;



“The extreme phenotypic variety found in dogs is not ‘natural’ - it’s the result of intensive breeding by humans to create dogs that excelled at tasks such as herding, protection, and companionship,” explained Brennen McKenzie, Loyal’s director of veterinary medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-the-drug-work">How does the drug work?</h2>



The drug operates by addressing the genetic anomaly of increased IGF-1 levels, a growth-promoting hormone, which is believed to curtail the lifespan of larger dogs. Studies indicate that larger dogs have IGF-1 levels up to 28 times higher than those of smaller breeds. LOY-001 seeks to reduce these levels, thereby potentially extending the healthy life of larger dogs.



Loyal’s research indicates that this innovative drug development could offer hope in extending the lifespan and healthspan of large dogs by targeting mechanisms associated with their accelerated aging. The drug, if approved, would be administered by vets as an injection every three to six months, but only for dogs that are seven years or older and weigh at least 40 pounds.



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



Loyal is also working on other products like LOY-002, a daily pill for medium to giant breeds, and LOY-003, targeting large and giant breeds only. Celine Halioua, Loyal’s CEO, envisions that this is just the beginning, with potential implications for human longevity as well. “We are not going to make 80-year-old dogs,” Halioua stated, emphasizing the realistic goals of their research.



Inspired by her experience in an oncology clinic at 18, Halioua was moved to tackle aging in dogs. “Feeling that lack of freewill, that lack of ability to control your destiny when it comes to your health completely freaked me out,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-trial-phase">Clinical trial phase</h2>



Currently, Loyal is in the "companion dog clinical study" phase, conducting large-scale nationwide studies to evaluate the drug’s safety and efficacy in real-world veterinary settings. With over 1,000 dogs across the US participating in this four-year study, Loyal aims to conduct thorough testing before seeking FDA approval for prescription use.



Loyal, a subsidiary of Cellular Longevity, a San Francisco-based biotech firm, focuses on researching how drugs can control pathological aging mechanisms to prolong life. This endeavor to delay the onset and reduce the severity of age-related diseases could mark a significant advancement in veterinary medicine and beyond.



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Want to extend your dog's lifespan? A new drug shows promise

A biotech firm based in San Francisco (Loyal), is making...

A,Male,Asian,Elephant,Is,Enjoying,Bathing.

Researchers have recently shed light on how ancestral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> developed their dexterous trunks, a significant evolutionary adaptation. The study offers valuable insights into the feeding behaviors of extinct longirostrine elephantiforms -- elephant-like mammals known for their elongated lower jaws and tusks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-longirostrine-gomphotheres">Evolution of longirostrine gomphotheres</h2>



Longirostrine gomphotheres, part of the proboscidean family, are known for their prolonged evolutionary phase featuring an exceptionally elongated lower jaw. 



This fascinating study was crucial for understanding the dynamics behind the evolution of the extended lower jaw and lengthy trunks in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-may-be-the-first-non-human-animals-to-call-each-other-by-names/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a>-like animals. Longirostrine gomphotheres lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 11-20 million years ago.



“During the Early to Middle Miocene, gomphotheres flourished across Northern China,” says lead author Dr. Chunxiao Li, a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://english.ucas.ac.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, Beijing, China.



The research offers persuasive proof of the variety in these "trunk" features among longirostrine gomphotheres, as well as their probable adaptive responses to worldwide climate shifts.



Li continued, “Across species there was huge diversity in the structure of the long mandible. We sought to explain why proboscideans evolved the long mandible and why it subsequently regressed. We also wanted to explore the role of the trunk in these animals’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feeding behaviors</a>, and the environmental background for the co-evolution of their mandibles and trunks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-elephant-trunk-evolution">Studying elephant trunk evolution</h2>



Li and colleagues employed comparative functional and eco-morphological investigations, along with a feeding preference analysis. From this, they reconstructed the feeding behavior of three major families of longirostrine gomphotheres: Amebelodontidae, Choerolophodontidae, and Gomphotheriidae. 



Examining crania and lower jaws from different museums revealed variations in mandible and tusk structures, indicating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-have-taught-themselves-to-peel-bananas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse appetites</a>.



The team’s analysis of enamel isotopes helped identify the ecological niches of the three families. Choerolophodontidae lived in relatively closed environments. Amebelodontidae family members, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/elephant_Playtybelodon_trunk_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Platybelodon</a>, inhabited open habitats like grasslands. Finally, Gomphotheriidae occupied a niche between these environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-elephant-trunk-evolution">Implications of elephant trunk evolution</h2>



A Finite Element analysis provided insights into the advantages and disadvantages of mandible and tusk structures among the three family groups. This effort revealed specializations for cutting different types of vegetation.



The study also found variations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-behavior-provides-new-insights-into-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary stages</a> of the trunk among these families. Additionally, they uncovered implications for their feeding abilities and ecological adaptations. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-use-trunks-count/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trunk's development</a> paralleled the mandible's evolution, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship.



Furthermore, the Mid-Miocene Climate Transition, which led to regional drying and expansion of open ecosystems, had a significant impact on these species. The study suggests that Platybelodon's coiling and grasping trunk allowed it to thrive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-asian-elephants-exhibit-strong-capacity-for-innovation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open environments</a>. This trait is not developed in other trunk-bearing animals like tapirs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-elephant-trunk-research">Further elephant trunk research</h2>



Co-author Ji Zhang is associate professor of structural engineering at <a href="https://english.hust.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huazhong University of Science and Technology</a>, Wuhan, China. Zhang highlights the importance of using modern computational mechanics and statistics in paleontological research, bringing a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding these ancient creatures.



“Our cross-disciplinary team is dedicated to introducing multiple quantitative research methods to explore paleontology,” says Zhang. “Modern computational mechanics and statistics have injected new vitality into traditional fossil research.”



The main limitation in their research is the lack of comparison with the development of gigantism and long limbs in proboscideans from the same period. Further analysis could enhance understanding of how changing feeding behaviors related to differences in body shapes and sizes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-journey-of-proboscideans">Evolutionary journey of proboscideans</h2>



<a href="http://sourcedb.ivpp.cas.cn/yw/rckyw/index_2.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Shi-Qi Wang</a> is the senior author and professor at the Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He concludes that multiple eco-adaptations contributed to the diverse mandibular structure in proboscideans. The elongated mandible initially served as the primary feeding organ, paving the way for the development of the long trunk. 



“Our findings demonstrate that multiple eco-adaptations have contributed to the diverse mandibular structure found in proboscideans,” concludes Wang. “Initially, the elongated mandible served as the primary feeding organ in proboscideans, and was a prerequisite for the development of the extremely long trunk. Open-land grazing drove the development of trunk coiling and grasping functions, and the trunk then became the primary tool for feeding, leading to the gradual loss of the long mandible. In particular, Platybelodons may have been the first proboscidean to evolve this grazing behavior.”



The evolution of open-land grazing led to the modern day elephant trunk becoming the primary tool used for feeding. Over time, this adaptation resulted in the gradual loss of the long mandible. Platybelodons may represent the first proboscideans to evolve this grazing behavior. 



In summary, today's elephants use these versatile organs for a myriad of tasks, including breathing, communicating, grasping objects, and drinking. They have millions of years of evolution to thank for their amazing and iconic trunks. 



The full study was published in <a href="https://elifesciences.org/for-the-press/62f7502a/how-shifting-climates-may-have-shaped-early-elephants-trunks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife Sciences</a>.



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How elephants got their incredible iconic trunks

Researchers have recently shed light on how ancestral elephants developed...

A study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> PhD student Paige Van de Vuurst has recently shed light on the alarming prospect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vampire-bats-deadly-bacteria/">vampire bats </a>extending their habitat into the United States, potentially bringing with them an ancient and deadly pathogen - rabies.&nbsp;



This migration, driven by climate change, poses a significant threat to both public health and the agricultural sector, particularly the cattle industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-rabies-cases">Climate change and rabies cases</h2>



The research points to a direct correlation between climate-induced shifts in vampire bat distribution and rising rabies cases across Latin America.&nbsp;



“What we found was that the distribution of vampire bats has moved northward across time due to past climate change, which has corresponded with an increase in rabies cases in many Latin American countries,” she explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-field-study-nbsp">Comprehensive field study&nbsp;</h2>



The research team, including both undergraduate and graduate students, embarked on a comprehensive field study in Colombia, collaborating with local universities such as the <a href="https://www.lasalle.edu.co/">University of La Salle</a>, <a href="https://www.udistrital.edu.co/inicio">Universidad Distrital</a>, and <a href="http://www.ut.edu.co/">Universidad del Tolima</a>.&nbsp;



The journey took the researchers across diverse landscapes, from the humid jungles to the cooler regions of the Andes Mountains, accessible only by cable car. This allowed them to gather a wide array of bat samples, observing firsthand how climate variations influence disease dynamics in these mammals.



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



The significance of Colombia as a research site was underscored by Luis Escobar, assistant professor at Virginia Tech and a co-author in the study.&nbsp;



“Colombia is a mega-diverse country, making it a perfect natural laboratory,” said Escobar. The country has a large number of hummingbirds and bats, due to its tropical climate and proximity to the equator.



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



The research aimed to bridge knowledge gaps regarding rabies transmission and its spillover from wildlife to humans.&nbsp;



The experts set out to determine habitat and virus mutation roles in rabies spillover, identify the effects of changes in biodiversity on the virus, and investigate factors influencing the spread of bat-borne diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-field-work-nbsp">International field work&nbsp;</h2>



One of the most notable aspects of this research was the involvement of undergraduate students, a rarity in international field work.&nbsp;



Van de Vuurst expressed concern about the current state of wildlife research, where students often bear the cost of gaining field experience. She emphasized the importance of providing fully funded opportunities for students.



“There is a sad reality in wildlife research at the moment that often mandates a ‘pay to play’ mentality, where students must pay for the experience of doing field work, especially international field work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-experience-nbsp">Transformative experience&nbsp;</h2>



Julia Alexander, an undergraduate participant, reflected on her experience, sharing the profound impact it had on her both professionally and personally.&nbsp;



“I not only learned valuable field skills for my career, but also important life lessons from every challenge faced,” she said. The experience was transformative, marking her first field research, plane journey, and international travel.



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



The study’s findings are crucial in understanding the spread of vampire bats and the associated rabies risk. As these bats extend their range due to changing climates, it becomes imperative to monitor and prepare for their potential arrival in the United States.&nbsp;



The research not only provides vital data on bat migration patterns and disease transmission but also highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global health and environmental challenges.&nbsp;



“We all have one goal: generating samples, new data, and new knowledge,” concluded Escobar, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving this significant research endeavor.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecog.06714" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecography</a>.



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Rabies-infected vampire bats may extend their habitat into the U.S.

A study led by Virginia Tech PhD student Paige Van...

Monk,Parakeet,Welcoming,The,Spring

A recent study led by Stephen Tyndel, a doctoral student at the<a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/ding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a>, has revealed fascinating insights into the communication patterns of monk parakeets, an invasive parrot species in Europe. The research focuses on the development of unique dialects among these birds, mirroring the regional linguistic variations found in human populations.



Europe is home to no native parrot species. Despite that significant fact, several species, including the monk parakeet, have established thriving populations after escaping from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/escaped-parrots-new-homes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet trade</a>. 



Originating from South America, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monk-parakeets-lose-social-standing-if-they-take-long-vacations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parakeets</a> are now abundant in numerous European countries. They stand out for their highly flexible vocal abilities, capable of imitating and learning new sounds throughout their lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-monk-parakeet-voices">Studying monk parakeet voices</h2>



To explore the possibility of regional dialects among monk parakeets, the researchers recorded these birds in eight cities across Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Greece. The aim was to determine if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrots-have-a-unique-voice-print-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrot calls</a> varied not only between different cities but also within them, across various parks.



Stephen Tyndel explains, “Monk parakeets are the perfect test tube for studying how complex communication evolves in a species other than our own.” The study, employing a novel statistical method, found that monk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/longevity-in-parrots-linked-to-brain-size-and-cognitive-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parakeets</a> indeed have distinct dialects in each city. 



Simeon Smeele is a co-lead author of the study and an affiliate scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Smeele notes significant differences in the frequency modulation structure of contact calls. This is particularly challenging for human detection.



However, within individual cities, no dialectical variations were observed between different parks. “This suggests that parrot dialects separated early when birds invaded European cities, but then didn’t significantly change further over this time period,” Tyndel adds.



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



The research outcomes were unexpected. Tyndel reflects on the formation of dialects, suggesting they could result from a passive process where small errors in copying calls lead to gradual differences between cities. Alternatively, initial differences might have been maintained over time.



The team also considers the possibility of active processes shaping dialects for social communication purposes. This would include recognizing group mates within highly clustered nest environments. Smeele proposes, “We think that dialects could be used to communicate who is part of what nest cluster, like a password.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monk-parakeets-and-future-research">Monk parakeets and future research</h2>



The next step for the research team involves understanding how individual monk parakeets learn from each other. In addition, if smaller groups exhibit distinct dialects within the same park. This exploration will deepen our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrots-intelligence-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrot</a> communication and shed light on the broader context of complex communication in both humans and animals. 



As Tyndel concludes, “This will add to our understanding of parrot communication and provide insights into the ways in which complex communication is linked to the complex social lives of humans and animals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-european-monk-parakeets">More about European monk parakeets</h2>



Monk parakeets, a species native to South America, have become an increasingly common sight in various European countries. Their journey from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-red-crowned-parrots-are-thriving-in-urban-texas-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare pets</a> to established wild populations provides a unique perspective on wildlife adaptation and urban ecology.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-and-introduction">Origin and introduction</h3>



Originally from the temperate and subtropical regions of South America, monk parakeets are known for their distinctive green plumage and sociable nature.



The monk parakeet's presence in Europe began primarily through the pet trade. Escapes and intentional releases by pet owners in the late 20th century led to the formation of feral populations across the continent.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-across-europe">Spread across Europe</h3>



These birds have established significant populations in countries like Spain, Italy, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. They are particularly prevalent in urban and suburban areas, where they find ample food and nesting opportunities.



Despite originating from a warmer climate, monk parakeets have shown remarkable adaptability to the varied European climates. They thrive even in regions with colder temperatures.



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



In their new European habitats, monk parakeets compete with native birds for food and nesting sites. Their robust nature often gives them an advantage in these competitions.



Environmentalists express concerns about the potential impact of these invasive birds on local ecosystems and biodiversity.



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



Monk parakeets are highly social, living in large, noisy colonies. They build intricate communal nests, which are often reused year after year.



As mentioned above, recent studies have revealed that European populations of monk parakeets have developed unique vocal dialects. This indicates a high level of adaptability and learning in new environments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-management">Challenges and management</h3>



Several European countries have initiated efforts to control monk parakeet populations, ranging from nest removal to more comprehensive management plans.



The management of monk parakeets raises legal and ethical questions, balancing conservation efforts with animal welfare concerns.



In summary, the story of monk parakeets in Europe is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of wildlife. It also serves as a reminder of the complex consequences of human interference in natural ecosystems. 



As these vibrant birds continue to make their mark on European landscapes, ongoing research and informed management strategies will be crucial in addressing the challenges they pose.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/beheco/advance-article/doi/10.1093/beheco/arad093/7444942" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavioral Ecology</a>.



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Monk parakeets have different voice ‘accents’ that mirror humans

A recent study led by Stephen Tyndel, a doctoral student...

In an intriguing development in the study of toxic amphibians, researchers have discovered that female Taricha <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-amphibians-flesh-eating-fungus/">newts</a> possess significantly higher levels of tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, than their male counterparts.&nbsp;



This finding, reported by Dr. Gary Bucciarelli of the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Davis</a> and his team in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/famrs.2023.1279848" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science</a>, suggests a potential role for the toxin beyond mere defense against predators, possibly influencing mate selection and reproductive strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxin-concentrations-nbsp">Toxin concentrations&nbsp;</h2>



“It had long been considered that newts’ toxin concentrations do not change in their lifetime and that males and females tend to have the same toxin concentrations. Now, we have shown that female newts actually contain more toxin than male newts,” explained. Bucciarelli. This discovery raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary and ecological roles of tetrodotoxin in these amphibians.



The team’s research involved analyzing skin samples from over 850 Taricha newts across various locations in California.&nbsp;



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



By quantifying the toxin levels and examining correlations with other sexually dimorphic traits, such as body size and tail height, they observed a consistent pattern: females consistently harbored more toxin than males.



“For would-be predators, these higher concentrations pose a serious threat,” said Bucciarelli. The lethal nature of tetrodotoxin, present in much higher amounts in females, makes handling these newts risky without proper expertise.



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



Interestingly, the study also revealed that tetrodotoxin levels fluctuated in both sexes throughout the breeding season, with females showing greater variability.&nbsp;



This fluctuation, coupled with the interaction between toxin levels and other sexually dimorphic traits, suggests that toxin production may be influenced by factors such as body weight and reproductive status.



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



These findings not only contribute to our understanding of Taricha newts’ biology but also open up new avenues for exploring how environmental factors like drought and fire impact these amphibians and their unique chemical defenses.&nbsp;



As Bucciarelli and his team continue their investigations, they aim to shed more light on the complex interplay between tetrodotoxin production and the challenging environmental conditions faced by these fascinating creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taricha-newts-nbsp">Taricha newts&nbsp;</h2>



Taricha newts are a fascinating group of newts found primarily in North America, particularly along the Pacific Coast. They belong to the Salamandridae family and are known for their striking appearance and potent toxins.&nbsp;



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



These newts are typically characterized by their bright colors, which can range from vibrant oranges to yellows, serving as a warning to predators about their toxicity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxins">Toxins</h3>



One of the most notable features of Taricha newts is their ability to produce tetrodotoxin. This toxin is the same one found in pufferfish and is extremely potent, capable of deterring most predators.&nbsp;



Interestingly, despite their toxicity, some predators have developed resistance to the toxin, leading to a unique evolutionary arms race between the newts and their predators.



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



Taricha newts have a complex life cycle, with both aquatic and terrestrial stages. They breed in water, where the females lay eggs. The larvae are aquatic and undergo metamorphosis, developing into terrestrial juveniles. As they mature, they return to aquatic environments to breed, completing the cycle.



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



Taricha newts play an important role in their ecosystems, both as predators and prey. They feed on various aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, and their presence in an ecosystem can be an indicator of environmental health. Their sensitivity to pollutants makes them valuable for ecological monitoring.



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



Conservation efforts for Taricha newts focus on preserving their habitats and mitigating the impact of environmental threats such as pollution and habitat destruction.&nbsp;



Due to their specific habitat requirements, they are particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment, making conservation efforts crucial for their continued survival.



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Female Taricha newts are much more poisonous than males

In an intriguing development in the study of toxic amphibians,...

A new conservation tool developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is making significant strides in safeguarding Africa’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lions-are-dangling-precariously-on-the-brink-of-extinction-immediate-action-is-needed/">lions</a>, whose numbers have plummeted in recent decades due to poaching and other threats.&nbsp;



This innovative tool, called the Lion Localizer, utilizes a simple DNA test to trace the geographic origin of poached lion products like teeth, claws, bones, and other body parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-information">Crucial information</h2>



The origin of lion products is often unknown, but this information is crucial for understanding the impact on local populations and allocating conservation resources.&nbsp;



“For example, the West African lion population is tiny, and it’s really, heavily threatened. We cannot afford to lose any; we count individuals,” said Rob Ogden, director and co-founder of <a href="https://www.tracenetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network</a>, who collaborated with U. of I. on the project. “But if a product is coming out of East Africa, then it might not be so critical in terms of population numbers, although law enforcement still needs to know about it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lion-localizer-nbsp">Lion Localizer&nbsp;</h2>



TRACE reached out to Alfred Roca, a professor at the U. of I., after he published the Loxodonta Localizer for tracking illegal ivory to elephant populations. Roca teamed up with doctoral researcher Wesley Au to build a database containing every sequence of relevant lion mitochondrial DNA ever published, spanning 146 locations across Africa and India.&nbsp;



“When a user queries their lion mitochondrial DNA sequence in the Lion Localizer, the system will compare it with the database of sequences and then provide a map showing where the lion was likely poached,” explained Au. “Many of those localities are linked to unique sequences, which can be especially useful for locating the source population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographic-markers">Geographic markers</h2>



Mitochondrial DNA was chosen because it is inherited maternally, and female lions, who roam less than males, provide more permanent geographic markers.&nbsp;



Moreover, the smaller size of the mitochondrial genome, compared to the nuclear genome, makes it feasible for labs with basic equipment to extract and amplify enough DNA for analysis in the Lion Localizer.



“Many labs in Africa or the transit and destination countries that confiscate lion parts should be able to generate sequences from mitochondrial DNA,” Roca said. “It's a straightforward lab procedure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-further-declines-nbsp">Preventing further declines&nbsp;</h2>



With only 23,000 to 39,000 lions left in Africa, the Lion Localizer could be vital in preventing further declines.&nbsp;



“From my perspective, I think getting a better handle on the trade routes - where are the lions coming from? - will help a lot,” said Simon Dures, project officer at TRACE.&nbsp;



“The Lion Localizer is very much designed as an intelligence tool. It allows countries to see these patterns and focus on areas where lions are not doing particularly well in the wild. Just giving them that extra chance,” he concluded.



This research is detailed in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esad072">Journal of Heredity</a> and was supported by the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esad072" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s VukaNow</a> program.



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New online tool traces the origins of poached lion products

A new conservation tool developed by the University of Illinois...

Scientists from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) are calling for a project to map the biodiversity of Earth's polar regions. The study would map all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> in these regions - from the atmosphere to the deep sea.



Polar ecosystems, deemed the most sensitive to global warming, are disappearing rapidly, taking with them a vast array of biological life essential for ecosystem services and climate regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-biodiversity-projections">Polar biodiversity projections</h2>



Professor Thomas Mock, who co-authored the report with Professor Melody Clark from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, emphasized what is needed for the accurate mapping of biodiversity in polar regions.



“Biodiversity projections for the polar regions can only be reliably constructed if we have a sufficiently profound understanding of the diversity, ecological functions, and interrelations of polar organisms, as well as their resilience to climate change," said Professor Mock.&nbsp;



“These remote regions play substantial, often underappreciated, roles in the carbon cycle and drive global nutrient and dissolved organic matter fluxes. Consequently, polar environmental and ecological processes are intimately connected with our everyday life and our planet’s health, much of which is underpinned by the endemic biota, from viruses to large animals."&nbsp;



“There is strong evidence that climate-induced changes in the polar regions are already altering species distributions on land and in the sea, with major impacts on ecosystem function.”&nbsp;



Species are shifting towards the poles, affecting food chains and the life dependent on the polar climates, including microbes, seals, whales, and polar bears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-polar-regions">Warming in polar regions</h2>



The Arctic is warming at least four times faster than other regions of the world. As temperature changes alter the Arctic jet stream, this can lead to extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and flooding in temperate zones.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, melting permafrost and collapsing Arctic coastlines are releasing ancient carbon stores, nutrients, and potentially dormant viruses and pathogenic bacteria - significantly altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological interactions</a> and biogeochemistry.



The Southern Ocean and Antarctic continent face similar challenges. The Southern Ocean, responsible for absorbing a large portion of anthropogenic heat and CO2, is crucial in carbon sequestration, serving as a natural buffer against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sequencing-technologies">Sequencing technologies</h2>



The study highlights the importance of sequencing technologies in understanding how organisms function in these extreme environments.&nbsp;



“Sequencing technologies have massively changed our abilities to decipher how organisms work. However, the uptake in polar biology has been relatively low, especially when considering the tens of thousands of species that reside at the poles and are at threat in our warming world," said Professor Clark.&nbsp;



“Understanding how lots of very strange organisms living in extreme cold can help answer globally questions and provide real benefits for society. Failure to act now will result in a substantial loss of knowledge regarding evolutionary adaptation to the cold.”&nbsp;



Genomic screening is not just crucial for identifying stressed populations, but also for monitoring invasive species, thus enabling timely interventions.



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



“With the cold regions of our planet diminishing, there is a real imperative to obtain full genome sequences for diverse organisms inhabiting polar ecosystems, from the deep oceans to the permafrost on land, for both the Arctic and Antarctic," said Professor Mock.



"This will enable the wider application of omics technologies to polar species, which will revolutionize our understanding of evolution in the cold and adaptive responses to a warming world.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Earth's polar regions cannot be protected without first mapping biodiversity 

Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) are calling...

Dolphin,Underwater,On,Reef,Background,Looking,At,You

A recent study conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.marinemammal.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, the RMIT University, and the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> has revealed alarming concentrations of PFAS chemicals in Victoria’s critically endangered Burrunan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-have-accents-that-vary-by-region/">dolphins</a>.&nbsp;



These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence, are commonly found in products like food packaging, firefighting foam, and non-stick cookware.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-insights">Shocking insights</h2>



The study analyzed samples from 38 dolphins of various species found stranded along Victoria’s coastline, with a particular focus on the Burrunan dolphin populations in Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes.&nbsp;



The findings showed that some chemicals’ average concentrations in these dolphins were over ten times higher than levels believed to cause liver toxicity and other health issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highest-pfas-levels-recorded">Highest PFAS levels recorded</h2>



One juvenile Burrunan dolphin from Port Phillip Bay exhibited a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invention-turns-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas-into-harmless-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> liver concentration of 19,500 nanograms per gram, marking the highest level recorded in an individual dolphin globally.&nbsp;



“Not only did we find the highest levels of these human-made toxicants in a species that’s already critically endangered – including in newborn and juveniles – we also found one dolphin from Port Phillip Bay with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS concentrations</a> almost 30 percent higher than any other individual dolphin reported globally,” said lead author Chantel Foord, a PhD student at RMIT’s Ecotoxicology Research Group and the Marine Mammal Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-implications-for-dolphins">PFAS implications for dolphins&nbsp;</h2>



Foord reassured that these results do not necessarily imply a risk to humans in Victorian waters, as dolphins ingest whole fish including organs that accumulate pollutants, unlike human consumption which typically involves only fish muscle tissue.



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168438">Science of the Total Environment</a> journal, raises questions about the source of this pollution, especially as no PFAS manufacturing occurs in Australia. Foord emphasized the importance of identifying the sources of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> and understanding their behavior in the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-status">Critical status</h2>



Dr. Kate Robb, Director of the Marine Mammal Foundation and co-author of the study, highlighted the critical status of the Burrunan dolphin. “With only 250 individuals across these populations, increasing our understanding of threatening processes is absolutely crucial for the conservation and protection of the Burrunan dolphin, and in the management and mitigation of those threats,” she said.



The experts also discovered emerging contaminants, indicating that newer replacement chemicals are already bioaccumulating in the marine ecosystem. This finding underscores the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect these endangered marine mammals and their habitat.



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



PFAS, which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been in production since the 1940s. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications because of their ability to resist heat, water, and oil.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-sources">PFAS sources</h3>



Common products that contain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> include non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, and products that use firefighting foams.



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



One of the primary concerns with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> is their persistence in the environment and in the human body, which is why they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." They do not break down and can accumulate over time. This persistence can lead to contamination of drinking water, soil, and air.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-from-pfas">Health risks from PFAS</h3>



Exposure to certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> has been linked to a range of health problems. Studies indicate that PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body’s natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulation">Regulation</h3>



Efforts to manage and mitigate PFAS contamination include regulating their use, developing alternative materials, and cleaning up contaminated sites.



However, the widespread use and persistence of these chemicals make this a challenging task. Additionally, the scientific understanding of the health effects of many PFAS is still evolving, making regulation and remediation a complex issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-and-wildlife">PFAS and wildlife</h2>



The impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-are-accumulating-high-levels-of-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS on wildlife</a> varies depending on the species and the level of exposure, but it generally includes a range of adverse health effects:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-issues">Reproductive issues</h3>



PFAS can cause reproductive problems in wildlife, leading to reduced fertility, developmental delays, and changes in reproductive behaviors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-effects">Developmental effects</h3>



Young animals exposed to PFAS may experience developmental delays or defects, impacting their survival and growth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-disruption">Immune system disruption</h3>



These chemicals can disrupt the immune systems of animals, making them more susceptible to diseases. For example, studies have shown that PFAS exposure can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines in animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes</h3>



Exposure to PFAS can lead to changes in animal behavior, which can affect their ability to forage, mate, and avoid predators.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life">Marine life</h3>



Aquatic creatures, such as fish and amphibians, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination due to the runoff of these chemicals into water bodies.&nbsp;



Birds, especially those that consume fish or live in aquatic environments, are also at significant risk. Terrestrial animals can be exposed through contaminated water sources, soil, or through the food chain.



Efforts to protect wildlife from PFAS involve reducing and eventually eliminating the use of these chemicals in products and industrial processes, as well as cleaning up contaminated environments. However, given the persistence and ubiquity of PFAS, protecting wildlife from these substances is a complex and ongoing challenge.



Image Credit: Marine Mammal Foundation



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Endangered dolphins suffer from highest levels of PFAS "forever chemicals"

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Marine Mammal...

A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> highlights a critical ecological issue. The researchers predict that naturalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">species</a>, those that are not native but have established themselves in new locations, possess the potential to spread even further into suitable habitats globally.&nbsp;



The study explores the dynamics of how naturalized species, including plants, birds, and mammals, have managed to extend their reach beyond their native regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-drives-species-invasions">What drives species invasions?</h2>



"Understanding and predicting the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced species</a> is one of the key conservation and ecological challenges of the 21st century," wrote the study authors.



"However, we know little about what causes the introduced range of some species to increase rapidly, while other species remain in small, isolated populations years after establishing self-sustaining populations."&nbsp;



"This major gap in our understanding prevents us from understanding how much of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive spread</a> is due to characteristics of the invader or the invaded environment." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imminent-threat-of-naturalized-species">Imminent threat of naturalized species</h2>



The researchers said the most imminent threat is posed by the many thousands of species that are naturalized outside their native range and may <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continue to spread</a> much more widely. "However, there is a surprising lack of attention paid to the potential spread of already-naturalized species." 



"Without understanding what has affected the spread of these species historically, we can assess neither which species are likely to spread further nor the geographic regions that will be most affected."



Focusing on 833 naturalized plants, birds, and mammals, the researchers have identified the terrestrial areas most susceptible to future colonization by these species. Their findings highlight North America, Eastern Europe, and Australia as particularly vulnerable regions.&nbsp;



The study reveals a significant potential for the further spread of naturalized birds in North America, mammals in Eastern Europe, and plants in both these regions as well as in Australia.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-spread-of-naturalized-species">Potential spread of naturalized species</h2>



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential spread</a> of naturalized species appears greatest in regions that are already heavily invaded, i.e., North America, Australia, and Europe. However, already-naturalized species also threaten areas of the world thought of as less invaded," wrote the study authors.



"In South America and Southern Africa around 200 regionally naturalized plants have the potential to spread widely - a number comparable to that in Australia and China, which have historically borne the brunt of biological invasions."



"Nonetheless, the potential for regionally naturalized species to spread in sub-Saharan Africa and the north of South America is lower than one would expect from the globally high numbers of species naturalized there. This is potentially encouraging given the recent increases in regional trade and transportation infrastructure in these regions that could increasingly facilitate the spread of naturalized species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delay-in-expansion-nbsp">Delay in expansion&nbsp;</h2>



Despite having ample opportunities to expand, many of these species have not yet colonized all areas with a compatible climate. This delay in expansion suggests that some introduced species may not become problematic immediately but could pose risks after a lag period.



"Nearly all species we studied have yet to expand throughout most of the areas that are climatically suitable for them, within the biogeographic regions where they have naturalized. This is despite substantial time to invade: 25% have been established for over 150 years," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasional-meltdown">Invasional meltdown</h2>



The experts also identified the key factors influencing the spread of naturalized species. They found that a species' introduction history, its dispersal capabilities, and the presence of suitable habitats are more critical in determining its spread than its preferred habitat or interactions with local species. This insight is vital for understanding and predicting the movement of non-native species.



A concerning finding of the study is the concept of "invasional meltdown." This phenomenon occurs when multiple introduced species collectively amplify their impact and ability to establish themselves in a new environment, potentially leading to devastating ecological consequences.&nbsp;



While many of the species that were studied have a minimal impact on their own, their collective effect could be significantly more harmful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-of-naturalized-species">Future implications of naturalized species</h2>



“Species invasions can devastate biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods, so it’s worrying that so many naturalized species seem poised to spread further," wrote the researchers.



"But there is a glimmer of hope that invasions are much more limited than they could be – ecosystems may be holding off invaders better than we expected, and good management could help stem the spread.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



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Invasive naturalized species will continue to spread globally

A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the University...

Japanese green syllid worms have a posterior body part that develops its own set of organs and transforms into a mobile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reproductive-success-of-southern-white-rhinos-linked-to-gut-microbiome/">reproductive</a> unit.&nbsp;



In a peculiar reproductive process called stolonization, the posterior part detaches from the worm and swims away for spawning. Scientists at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> have now unraveled the mystery of this bizarre reproductive strategy. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autonomous-movement">Autonomous movement</h2>



During stolonization, the posterior segment of the syllid worm, which contains the gonads, detaches from the main body. This independent unit, called the stolon, is filled with gametes - either eggs or sperms.&nbsp;



The stolon is not just a passive carrier of reproductive cells. It swims autonomously, a feature that not only shields the original body from environmental hazards but also aids in spreading the gametes across broader areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-anatomy">Puzzling anatomy</h2>



The stolon is a marvel of biological engineering. Before detaching, it develops its own sensory and navigational tools. It grows eyes, antennae, and swimming bristles while still attached to the main body.&nbsp;



These features allow the stolon to move and behave independently. But a question that has puzzled scientists is - how does the stolon head form in the middle of the original body?&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-mechanism-revealed">Developmental mechanism revealed</h2>



The research, led by Professor Toru Miura, has shed light on the developmental mechanism of the stolon for the first time.&nbsp;



The formation of the stolon begins with the maturation of gonads at the worm's posterior end. Subsequently, a head-like structure forms at the anterior part of the evolving stolon. The development of sensory organs - eyes and antennae - along with swimming bristles soon follows.&nbsp;



Crucially, before detachment, the stolon also develops nerves and a rudimentary "brain," equipping it to sense its environment and act independently.



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



"Furthermore, expression profiles of genes involved in the anterior–posterior identity (Hox genes), head determination, germ-line, and hormone regulation were compared between anterior and posterior body parts during the stolonization process," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"The results reveal that, in the posterior body part, genes for gonadal development were up-regulated, followed by hormone-related genes and head-determination genes."&nbsp;



"Unexpectedly, Hox genes known to identify body parts along the anterior–posterior axis showed no significant temporal expression changes. These findings suggest that during stolonization, gonad development induces the head formation of a stolon, without up-regulation of anterior Hox genes."



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



The study not only reveals the developmental mechanism of stolons but also opens new avenues for understanding the complex reproductive behaviors of annelids.&nbsp;



According to Professor Miura, the next steps involve clarifying the sex determination mechanism and the endocrine regulations that govern the reproductive cycles in syllid worms.&nbsp;



This research enhances our understanding of the evolutionary transitions in developmental systems of animal life cycles. It also adds a fascinating chapter to the study of life's reproductive strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46358-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Nakamura et al 2023



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Syllid worms have a butt that grows its own organs and swims away to mate

Japanese green syllid worms have a posterior body part that...

The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the state's history. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/already-endangered-orangutans-now-face-new-threats-from-wildfires/">wildfires</a> were unprecedented in the modern record.&nbsp;



The fires burned ten times more forest area than the annual average since the late 1800s, raising concerns about the fate of the affected wildlife and their habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-prospects-nbsp">Survival prospects&nbsp;</h2>



Experts at the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> set out to gain a better understanding of how such extreme fire severity alters the habitat and survival prospects of various species.



Wildlife in western forests have coevolved with habitat changes and disturbances like wildfires. However, the scale and intensity of recent fires are beyond what many species are adapted to, and little is known about their ability to cope with these "megafires."&nbsp;



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



To address this knowledge gap, the researchers utilized California's Department of Fish and Wildlife's extensive wildlife database, which maps the habitat suitability of hundreds of species.&nbsp;



The team combined the wildlife data with Forest Service wildfire records and advanced computational analysis. This approach allowed for a broad examination of how megafires are reshaping wildlife habitats across California.



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



"Our intent was to take a broad look to gain a better understanding of the impacts of these kinds of fires on wildlife habitat as a whole," said study lead author Jessalyn Ayars.



"And since each species is different, this study provides a good jumping-off point for others to be able to focus on a single species of interest or small group of species that share similar habitats."



The study was predominantly focused on areas in the Sierra Nevada, southern Cascades, and Klamath mountain regions. The team analyzed the habitats of over 600 wildlife species.&nbsp;



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



The results revealed that 100 species experienced high-severity fire in over 10 percent of their geographic range across the state. Notably, 16 of these species are of management concern, including the great gray owl, wolverine, Pacific marten, and northern rubber boa.



While previous studies suggest that some species like the great gray owl may benefit from fire-induced habitat changes for foraging, the current study underscores the uncertainty of such benefits given the magnitude and speed of these changes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitats-of-conservation-concern-nbsp">Habitats of conservation concern&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that the fires did not disproportionately impact habitats of conservation concern compared to other wildlife species. This suggests that the habitats of threatened species might provide a refuge in the face of such catastrophic events.



"Special-status species were not disproportionately affected by the 2020 and 2021 California megafires, and birds and reptiles of greatest conservation need had less of their range burn than expected, even at high severity," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"While this is encouraging, the overall area burned and at high severity was large for all species, and the effects of fire on special-status species should be addressed on a case-by-case basis."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-variable-responses">Highly variable responses</h2>



"The long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), which experienced high-severity fire across a greater portion of its range than any other species examined (14%), has been shown to decline one to two decades postfire, particularly in the most severely burned areas," noted the researchers.



"The most fire-affected bird, the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), has been shown to persist immediately after severe fires and is thus thought to be fire-resilient."



"But, for this and other species examined here, there is simply no frame of reference for understanding population responses to the scale and severity of the fires seen in 2020 to 2021 in California, and it is unlikely that many species have adaptations to survive these fire events."&nbsp;



"While our goal was to examine broad-scale fire impacts on habitat, species’ responses to wildfire are highly variable and will depend on life-history and other traits that should be a focus of future research."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-management-strategies-nbsp">Forest management strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Study senior author Gavin Jones had previously investigated the role of proactive forest management in mitigating habitat loss for species like the California spotted owl due to increasing wildfire size and severity.&nbsp;



This new paper contributes significantly to Jones' research, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate and expand proactive forest management strategies, especially considering the expected rise in extreme fire events in the future.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312909120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How did the California megafires impact wildlife habitats?

The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the...

The development of a method to detect infectious bird flu in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/">wetlands</a> marks a significant advancement in our understanding and management of avian influenza, especially the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).&nbsp;



The research, led by Laura Hubbard and her team at the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>, highlights the importance of rigorous monitoring of wild bird populations.&nbsp;



The study is especially relevant in the context of recent outbreaks that have led to the deaths of millions of poultry and the subsequent rise in the cost of eggs and poultry products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-virus">Deadly virus</h2>



The study focused on wetlands, a critical habitat for waterfowl, which are known to be a significant reservoir for the avian influenza virus.&nbsp;



While many strains of this virus do not cause disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza can be deadly, making its detection and management crucial.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-the-virus-in-natural-environments">Detecting the virus in natural environments</h2>



One of the primary challenges in controlling the spread of bird flu has been the difficulty in detecting the virus in natural environments like wetlands, where the concentration of infectious viruses is typically low.&nbsp;



The new method developed by Hubbard's team addresses this issue by using a multistep process to concentrate and identify the virus in environmental samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contaminated-wetland-sites">Contaminated wetland sites</h2>



The effectiveness of this new method was demonstrated in a study conducted in the spring of 2022, where the team collected surface water samples from four wetlands and a lake in Iowa. The results were telling: infectious bird flu virus strains were found in all four wetland sites in April, but not in the lake.&nbsp;



Notably, the detection rates for viral RNA using standard diagnostic protocols were significantly lower (11.1%) compared to the rates when the samples were inoculated into eggs for virus isolation (66.7%). This discrepancy underlines the need for improved RNA detection techniques to avoid false negatives.



Interestingly, most of the viral strains detected in the water samples were of low pathogenicity. However, the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in one sample was particularly noteworthy, marking the first time this strain has been identified in a U.S. waterway.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-factors">Environmental factors</h2>



Subsequent testing five weeks later did not detect the virus at the same sites, despite previous research indicating that the virus could persist for months in such environments.&nbsp;



The researchers suggest that environmental factors, such as the presence of fewer waterfowl and warmer water temperatures, might influence the survival of the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-risks">Potential risks</h2>



This research underscores the potential risks that bird flu poses not only to wild and domestic birds but also to other animals and humans, especially those using these waterways for recreational purposes.&nbsp;



The detection of both highly pathogenic avian influenza and other strains in the wetlands highlights the importance of regular monitoring and early detection of the virus.&nbsp;



Such measures are vital for mitigating the transmission of the virus, which can have significant economic implications, as evidenced by the recent increase in poultry and egg prices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-spread-of-avian-influenza-nbsp">Controlling the spread of avian influenza&nbsp;</h2>



The innovative method developed by Hubbard and her team offers a more effective way to monitor and understand the transmission of bird flu in natural environments.&nbsp;



This advancement is critical in our ongoing efforts to manage and control the spread of avian influenza, thereby protecting not only our poultry industry but also public health and natural ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-research-is-needed">More research is needed</h2>



"Further research is needed to improve the collective understanding of AIV in the environment, including persistence and potential for transmission via water to birds and mammals, supporting early detection of HPAI viruses and other AIVs, and mitigation to reduce the spread of disease into domestic poultry and potentially to other wildlife," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"This information also has potential human health implications, especially in public use waterways, where people may have direct exposure to AIV with primary or secondary contact."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00668" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters</a>.&nbsp;



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Detecting avian influenza could save millions of birds each year

The development of a method to detect infectious bird flu...

<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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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
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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...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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