<p>Imagine running a shop where you must hire both a guard and a salesperson. The guard keeps thieves away but may sometimes scare customers. The salesperson brings revenue but dislikes being interrupted. Balancing both roles can be tricky. </p>



<p>Plants face a similar dilemma when they attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-ants-live-on-earth-at-any-point-in-time-total-number-is-astounding/">ants</a> for protection while also needing pollinators for reproduction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweet-deals-with-ant-allies">Sweet deals with ant allies</h2>



<p>Plants rarely survive in isolation. They form alliances with many creatures, gaining protection, pollination, and nutrients. </p>



<p>One of the most fascinating examples involves extrafloral nectaries - small glands on leaves, stems, or branches of around 4,000 plant species.</p>



<p>These glands release sugary nectar not to attract pollinators but to lure protective ants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paleontologists-found-the-oldest-ant-species-on-earth-113-million-years-old-with-scythe-like-jaws/">insects</a>. In exchange for this reward, ants chase away herbivores. This partnership benefits plants, but it can complicate relationships with pollinators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-guards-disrupt-pollinators">Ant guards disrupt pollinators</h2>



<p>A new study published in the <em>Journal of Ecology</em> shows that ants can interfere with pollination when nectaries are located near flowers.</p>



<p>Bees, which need close contact with flowers, are disrupted. Their visits shorten or stop altogether when ants patrol nearby.</p>



<p>Yet the story shifts when extrafloral nectaries are found on leaves or stems farther away. In such cases, plants gain the protection of ants without losing pollination benefits, often achieving greater reproductive success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-plant-visitors-different-risks">Different plant visitors, different risks</h2>



<p>Not all flower visitors respond the same way. Butterflies, with their long feeding tubes, remain largely unaffected. They can sip nectar from a distance, safe from ant encounters.</p>



<p>Bees, however, must get close and linger, making them prime targets for interference. This contrast shows how visitor behavior shapes the outcome of plant–ant interactions.</p>



<p>“Bees, on the other hand, need to get very close to the flower to collect pollen and floral nectar, but ants don’t allow them to stay for long,” said Amanda Vieira da Silva, the lead author of the study.</p>



<p>“Not surprisingly, our analysis showed that the presence of ants is detrimental to pollination when extrafloral nectaries are close to flowers but has a positive effect on plant reproduction when they’re located farther away.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trade-offs-shape-plant-survival">Trade-offs shape plant survival</h2>



<p>The study examined data from 27 experiments across 25 plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-quiet-engineers-what-happens-when-common-ant-species-disappear/">species</a>. Overall, the average impact of ants on pollination was low but highly variable.</p>



<p>Ants consistently reduced floral visitation, especially by bees, but this did not always reduce reproductive success. In fact, plants with nectaries on vegetative tissues often benefited, producing more fruits and seeds.</p>



<p>Researchers suggest several reasons for the low costs. Protective benefits against herbivores may offset pollination losses. Some plants with reproductive nectaries gain more defense from florivores, balancing reduced pollinator visits.</p>



<p>Others reduce dependence on pollinators through self-pollination, making ant interference less harmful. Even reduced visits may not matter if short or fewer visits still transfer enough pollen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-guards-change-plant-futures">Ant guards change plant futures</h2>



<p>Ant interference may have influenced the evolution of plant traits. Species with high reliance on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-invasion-a-growing-threat-to-native-pollinators/">bee pollination</a> may lose nectaries over time. </p>



<p>Others may evolve seasonal separation, producing leaves with active nectaries at one time and flowers at another, preventing conflict.</p>



<p>“We know that in some groups of plants with extrafloral nectaries and flowers pollinated by the vibration of bees, new leaves with active extrafloral nectaries and flowers are produced in different seasons throughout the year, which would avoid conflict between the two,” said Anselmo Nogueira, co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweetness-fuels-bigger-networks">Sweetness fuels bigger networks</h2>



<p>Additional partnerships add complexity. Nitrogen-fixing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/">bacteria</a> in roots can boost plant productivity, supporting both pollinators and protective ants.</p>



<p>Resource quality also shapes interactions: plants with richer nectar attract more aggressive ants, which can either improve defense or worsen pollinator deterrence. Context, environment, and species traits all decide the balance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protection-and-pollination-intertwined">Plant protection and pollination intertwined</h2>



<p>Studies have typically focused on the effect of only one isolated interaction on plants. For example, they quantify how much ants favor the defense of plants against herbivores or how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a> favor plant reproduction. </p>



<p>"But these interactions can occur at the same time," said Laura Carolina Leal, co-author of the paper. "So, to understand how these interactions influence plant growth and reproduction, we need to look at them in an integrated way.”  </p>



<p>The findings highlight how delicate balances shape ecosystems. Ants reduce visits but can still help plants thrive, depending on where nectaries sit and which visitors dominate. Long term, these dynamics may influence the evolution of floral traits and mating systems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.70087" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Ecology</a>.</em></p>



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Plants pay ants "sugar bribes" to act as their bodyguards to help them survive

Imagine running a shop where you must hire both a guard and a salesperson. The guard keeps thieves away but may sometimes scare customers. The salesperson brings revenue but dislikes being interrupted. Balancing both roles can be tricky. Plants face a similar dilemma when they attract ants for protection while also needing pollinators for reproduction. Sweet deals with ant allies Plants rarely survive in isolation. They form alliances with many creatures, gaining protection, pollination, and nutrients. One of the most fascinating examples involves extrafloral nectaries - small...

<p>How do animals innately know when it's time to eat? To answer this question, researchers at <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> investigated the feeding rhythms of fruit flies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many members of the animal kingdom feed at roughly the same times each day. This punctual feeding routine is a response to environmental factors, such as light, temperature, availability of food, and potential predator threats.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-rhythm-nbsp">Circadian rhythm&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ensuring that these feeding times align with optimal conditions is essential for survival, efficient digestion, and overall well-being. A key factor that governs the eating schedules of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">animals</a> is the circadian rhythm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This physiological cycle is shared by a vast spectrum of organisms, ranging from animals and plants to bacteria and algae. It acts as the "master clock," steering rhythmic behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peripheral-clocks-nbsp">Peripheral clocks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Animals also possess "peripheral clocks" with unique biochemical pathways that can adjust based on external cues like feeding. However, the direct relation of these clocks to feeding behaviors has remained largely elusive.</p>



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



<p>To investigate, Professor Kanae Ando and her team at Tokyo Metropolitan University used fruit flies as their model organism. Surprisingly, fruit flies share many characteristics with complex animals, including humans, making them an ideal subject for this study.</p>



<p>Through a method called CAFE assay, where the feeding amounts of individual flies can be meticulously measured, the researchers delved deep into understanding the flies' eating patterns in relation to light.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-genes">Circadian genes</h2>



<p>Prior research revealed that flies primarily fed during the day even when mutations were present in their core circadian genes, period (per) and timeless (tim). Shifting focus to the quasimodo (qsm) gene, which produces a light-sensitive protein, the team made a groundbreaking discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the expression of the quasimodo gene was reduced, the flies' daytime feeding routine was drastically altered. This revelation highlights quasimodo's important role in aligning feeding with light-based rhythms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-darkness-nbsp">Constant darkness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the rules changed when flies were feeding in constant darkness. Flies with mutations in their core circadian genes displayed erratic feeding behaviors. Among the primary genes, cycle (cyc) and clock (clk) stood out, with their loss causing the most significant disruptions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In essence, the clk/cyc combination was crucial for establishing clear eating and fasting intervals, especially in metabolic tissues. But the mystery of how these patterns aligned with days was solved when the team identified that molecular clock genes in nerve cells were the primary drivers.</p>



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



<p>The findings provide an initial understanding of how different internal clocks within an organism influence feeding cycles and align with daily rhythms. These insights into feeding behaviors may ultimately lead to innovative treatments for eating disorders.</p>



<p>"In summary, our results revealed novel pathways that regulate the formation of feeding rhythms in Drosophila," wrote the study authors. "Feeding/fasting rhythms coordinate metabolism and affect aging and life span. Further studies of these axes may contribute to human health."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.108164" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>iScience</em></a>.</p>



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Feeding rhythms: How do animals know when it's lunchtime?

How do animals innately know when it's time to eat?...

<p>A recent study reveals the fascinating evolutionary journey of bat teeth and jaws. With over 200 species mostly found in the American tropics, noctilionoid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-advice-leave-bats-alone-if-we-want-to-prevent-future-pandemics/">bats</a> possess a wide variety of jaw structures that have adapted to different diets.</p>



<p>The research emphasizes the remarkable, yet systematic, changes in the number, size, shape, and positioning of teeth in these bats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that bats with shorter snouts seem to have fewer teeth due to space constraints. Meanwhile, those with elongated jaws can accommodate more teeth, much like the ancestors of placental mammals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-noctilionoid-bats">Comparing noctilionoid bats</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, comparing noctilionoid species can reveal a lot about how mammalian faces evolved and developed, particularly jaws and teeth.</p>



<p>“Bats have all four types of teeth - incisors, canines, premolars and molars - just like we do,” said study co-author Sharlene Santana, a professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>. “And noctilionoid bats evolved a huge diversity of diets in as little as 25 million years, which is a very short amount of time for these adaptations to occur.”</p>



<p>However, the underlying factors that propelled this rush of dietary diversification in these bats remain a mystery. Today, different noctilionoid species have varied diets ranging from insects, fruit, and nectar to fish and even blood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-diversity-nbsp">Intriguing diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Alexa Sadier, the lead author and an incoming faculty member at the Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier, emphasized the intriguing diversity in these species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are noctilionoid species that have short faces like bulldogs with powerful jaws that can bite the tough exterior of the fruits that they eat. Other species have long snouts to help them drink nectar from flowers. How did this diversity evolve so quickly? What had to change in their jaws and teeth to make this possible?”&nbsp;</p>



<p>To investigate, the research team employed CT scans and various techniques to examine the jaws, premolars, and molars of over 100 noctilionoid bat species.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-rules-nbsp">Developmental rules&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study’s findings showed that "developmental rules" existed, determining the appropriate teeth assortment based on the bat’s diet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bats with long or intermediate jaws generally had the standard set of three premolars and three molars on each jaw side. However, those with shorter jaws, often fruit eaters, would typically lose either the middle premolar or the back molar or even both.</p>



<p>“When you have more space, you can have more teeth,” said Sadier. “But for bats with a shorter space, even though they have a more powerful bite, you simply run out of room for all these teeth.”</p>



<p>For short-jawed bats, the limited space could explain the presence of broader front molars. “The first teeth to appear tend to grow bigger since there is not enough space for the next ones to emerge,” said Sadier.</p>



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



<p>“This project is giving us the opportunity to actually test some of the assumptions that have been made about how tooth growth, shape and size are regulated in mammals,” said Santana. “We know surprisingly little about how these very important structures develop!”</p>



<p>Most mammalian tooth development studies have been conducted on mice, which possess only molars and highly adapted incisors. It's still uncertain if the same genetic and developmental patterns control tooth growth in mammals with more “ancestral” tooth sets, like bats and humans.</p>



<p>As the project continues, Sadier, Santana, and their colleagues aim to expand their study to include noctilionoid incisors and canines. Their goal is to uncover more about the genetic and developmental mechanisms shaping tooth development in this bat group.</p>



<p>“We see such strong selective pressures in these bats: Shapes have to closely match their function,” said Santana. “I think there are many more evolutionary secrets hidden in these species.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8058070" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Evolutionary secrets: How bat teeth adapted to their diverse diets

A recent study reveals the fascinating evolutionary journey of bat...

<p>The industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/">whaling</a> of the 19th and 20th centuries left a lasting scar on the marine ecosystem, pushing several species towards the brink of extinction. However, even prior to this large-scale devastation, whaling's destruction had already begun.</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a> shows that, despite the smaller scale of early whaling, at least two species were entirely wiped out from European waters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Whaling was widespread from a very early time. This had major consequences for species in Europe,” explained Youri van den Hurk, a former postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) University Museum.</p>



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



<p>To gain deeper insight, a team of archaeologists analyzed more than 700 whale bones, dating from around 900 BCE to 1500 CE. The bones were stored in various museum collections across Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing the proteins in these bones, the experts determined the species of the whales. The research spanned from Norway in the north to Spain in the south. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensive-whaling-activities-nbsp">Intensive whaling activities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings shed light on intensive early whaling activities conducted by many European nations, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, Belgium, France, and Spain.</p>



<p>In the past, every part of a whale had significant utility. Meat, blubber, bones, and oil were transformed into products ranging from food, trinkets, corsets, and even houses. </p>



<p>“Historical sources show that the earliest whalers used harpoons with buoys attached to them. This enabled them to tire the animals out before using spears and lances to kill them. However, the methods may have varied from place to place," explained van den Hurk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Sources from Norway mention that spears tipped with poison were used, or that hunters cornered whales by chasing them into fjords."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-easy-targets-nbsp">Easy targets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The two species most affected by early whaling were those which resided close to the shores, making them easy targets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We know little about the aims and scope of this pre-industrial whaling. However, archaeology and historical sources give us a valuable opportunity to find out more about this early whaling,” said van den Hurk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grey-whales">Grey whales</h2>



<p>Bones of grey whales (Eschrichtius robustus) were found in abundance. “The large prevalence surprised us, because grey whale bones have not been commonly identified in such large numbers during previous studies,” said Professor James H. Barrett.</p>



<p>Although the grey whale disappeared from the North Atlantic by the 18th Century, it survived in regions where whaling was not predominant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-right-whales">Right whales</h2>



<p>Another species, the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), was less fortunate. Characterized by its slow speed and its habit of floating after death, it made for easy prey.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The species is therefore relatively easy prey for whalers. This is probably why North Atlantic right whale bones make up most of the material we find,” said Professor Barrett.</p>



<p>Now, right whales are on the brink of extinction, with only 300 to 400 individuals remaining, primarily along North America's coast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-whales">Blue whales</h2>



<p>In the 20th century, an astonishing 1.3 million whales were slaughtered in Antarctica alone. Whaling declined after the 1960s due to the scarcity of whales.</p>



<p>Before modern whaling, approximately 300,000 blue whales could be found in Antarctica. Today, there are no more than 25,000 blue whales left in the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whaling continued in some countries despite the 1982 ban, with Japan and Norway often justifying it under the guise of research. Norwegian whaling remains a contentious issue internationally, even though their targets, minke whales, are not endangered.</p>



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



<p>The past numbers of grey whales and North Atlantic right whales in Europe offer some hope for their eventual return.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What I find particularly interesting and useful is that the grey whale and North Atlantic right whale were so widespread in Europe, perhaps the most common groups we had, and both were completely eradicated locally,” said van den Hurk.</p>



<p>With lone grey whales recently spotted again in Europe, the species could possibly make a comeback.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Climate change has led to the Northwest Passage being ice-free for longer periods than previously. This makes it possible for grey whales to return to the North Atlantic," said van den Hurk.</p>



<p>"The Northwest Passage is the sea route between Asia and Europe, located to the north of North America. Seeing as we now know where the species used to be prevalent, we also know which areas we need to protect if the grey whale ever returns."</p>



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Early whaling wiped out two species of whales in the eastern Atlantic

The industrial whaling of the 19th and 20th centuries left...

Rooster,Looking,At,Mirror

<p>In a remarkable study that challenges long-standing assumptions about avian intelligence, researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonn</a> and <a href="https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bochum</a> and the <a href="https://www.medicalschool-hamburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSH Medical School Hamburg</a> have delved into understanding self-awareness in chickens. Their findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rooster_mirror_credit-University-of-Bonn_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roosters</a> might possess the ability to recognize themselves in a mirror, depending on the conditions of the test conducted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roosters-and-the-mirror-mark-test">Roosters and the mirror "Mark Test"</h2>



<p>The collaborative efforts of the research team aimed to understand one of behavioral research's central questions. "Do animals possess the capability of self-recognition, indicative of self-awareness?"</p>



<p>The standard measure of self-recognition among animals has typically been the "Mark Test." This test involves placing a colored mark on an animal in a location only visible through mirror reflection. </p>



<p>If the animals, in this case roosters, indicate awareness of the mark via the mirror, it suggests a level of self-recognition. However, this method has had inconsistent results, often influenced by the artificiality of the experimental environment, leading the researchers to seek a more ecologically relevant approach.</p>



<p>Sonja Hillemacher, a doctoral student, and Dr. Inga Tiemann, both of whom have extensively studied chicken husbandry at the University of Bonn, embarked on this investigative journey under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Onur Güntürkün from the Department of Biopsychology at Ruhr University in Bochum.</p>



<p>"The existing methods might not be sufficient or suitable for all animals, particularly in species that might feel uneasy in these contrived test conditions," explains Dr. Inga Tiemann. This notion prompted the researchers to consider the natural behaviors of roosters in devising a more suitable test environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarm-calls-natural-behavior-indicator">Alarm calls: Natural behavior indicator</h2>



<p>Prof. Onur Güntürkün introduced an innovative idea, leveraging the natural behavior of roosters to issue warning calls, alerting their friends to potential predators. These alarm calls are less likely when roosters are alone, as drawing attention could turn them into prey. "Integrating this behavior could lead to a more relevant and indicative test of self-awareness," Güntürkün posited.</p>



<p>To confirm the reliability of this behavior, the researchers established a controlled environment where roosters could visually perceive each other, separated by a grid. The team simulated a predator threat and observed the roosters' reactions. The results were promising, showing a significant difference in the number of alarm calls issued when the roosters were "together" compared to when they were alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mirror-test-roosters-and-self-awareness">Mirror test: Roosters and self-awareness</h2>



<p>Following the initial success, the team introduced a mirror to the test environment. The pivotal question was whether roosters, faced with their reflections in a mirror and a simulated predator threat, would respond with alarm calls as they would in the presence of other roosters. </p>



<p>The results were intriguing. The roosters emitted drastically fewer calls, suggesting they didn't perceive their reflections as another bird.</p>



<p>Sonja Hillemacher reflects on the findings. She said, "This behavior indicates that roosters might recognize their reflection, although we must consider the possibility that they see this 'mimicking' entity as a non-threat, hence the reduced calls." </p>



<p>These results contrasted with the traditional Mark test, where roosters demonstrated no clear behavior indicative of self-recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-animal-rights-and-welfare">Implications: Animal rights and welfare</h2>



<p>The research underscores the importance of contextually relevant conditions in behavioral tests. "Our work suggests that traditional tests may undervalue the cognitive abilities of animals like roosters," explains Onur Güntürkün. "By considering their natural behaviors and ecological aspects, we might reveal surprising facets of animal psychology."</p>



<p>Moreover, these findings fuel a larger discussion about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-may-have-a-degree-of-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal self-awareness</a>. This topic is deeply intertwined with animal rights and welfare. Recognizing self-awareness in more species could revolutionize how they are treated in various sectors, including farming and research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-horizons-in-behavioral-research">Broader horizons in behavioral research</h2>



<p>While the mirror study sheds light on roosters' potential self-recognition, the team acknowledges that further research is needed. "It's crucial to explore other indicators of self-awareness and perhaps consider more nuanced interpretations of these behaviors," suggests Inga Tiemann.</p>



<p>This research opens new doors in understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-a-mirror/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal cognition</a>, advocating for a shift in perspective and methodology in behavioral studies. By aligning test conditions more closely with animals' natural environments and behaviors, scientists could uncover unprecedented levels of animal intelligence. This will have far-reaching implications for numerous species' welfare and rights.</p>



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Roosters can recognize themselves in the mirror, demonstrating self-awareness

In a remarkable study that challenges long-standing assumptions about avian...

<p>In a recent study of the Ngogo community in Uganda's Kibale National Park, <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> researchers have uncovered the first proof of menopause in wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-a-much-more-complex-language-than-we-thought/">chimpanzees</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding is significant as it highlights that humans are not the only primates to experience a long post-fertile life stage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-menopause-observed-in-chimpanzees">Menopause observed in chimpanzees</h2>



<p>The research team found that female chimpanzees in the Ngogo community went through a menopausal transition comparable to that of human females. The fertility of the chimpanzees waned past the age of 30 and completely ceased after age 50.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery adds a new layer to our understanding of menopause and post-fertile survival in nature, and how such traits evolved in our species.</p>



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



<p>Prior to this study, signs of menopause had only been identified in a few species of toothed whales and, among primates, exclusively in humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation will now aid in a more profound understanding of why menopause occurs in nature and its evolutionary trajectory in humans.</p>



<p>“In societies around the world, women past their childbearing years play important roles, both economically and as wise advisors and caregivers,” said study first author Professor Brian Wood. “How this life history evolved in humans is a fascinating yet challenging puzzle.”</p>



<p>Wood's team included Kevin Langergraber from Arizona State University, Jacob Negrey of the University of Arizona, and Ngogo Chimpanzee Project founders John Mitani and David Watts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grandmother-hypothesis">The grandmother hypothesis</h2>



<p>“The (study) results show that under certain ecological conditions, menopause and post-fertile survival can emerge within a social system that’s quite unlike our own and includes no grandparental support,” Wood said, referring to the grandmother hypothesis.</p>



<p>This theory suggests that postmenopausal survival in humans evolved because older women could increase their genetic legacy by aiding in raising their grandchildren.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While this has been observed in humans, the Ngogo chimpanzees present a different picture. Older female chimpanzees typically neither live near their daughters nor care for their grandchildren, yet they often outlive their reproductive years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-reproductive-life-spans">Post-reproductive life spans</h2>



<p>Though other long-term studies of wild chimpanzees had not observed substantial post-reproductive life spans, such phases have been noted in captive primates provided with good nutrition and medical care.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One theory suggests the observed post-reproductive lifespan of the Ngogo chimpanzees could be attributed to favorable ecological conditions, including a bountiful food supply and minimal predation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another theory suggests this might be an inherent trait in chimpanzees, previously unobserved due to detrimental human impacts.</p>



<p>“Chimpanzees are extremely susceptible to dying from diseases that originate in humans and to which they have little natural immunity,” said Langergraber. “Chimpanzee researchers, including us at Ngogo, have learned over the years how devastating these disease outbreaks can be to chimpanzee populations, and how to reduce their chances of happening.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-efforts-into-chimpanzee-menopause">Research efforts into chimpanzee menopause</h2>



<p>An immense effort went into this research. The team examined data from 1995 to 2016, involving 185 female chimpanzees. They studied hormone levels in urine samples from 66 females ranging from 14 to 67 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The hormonal analysis mirrored the signs associated with human menopause, further confirming their findings.</p>



<p>“This study is the result of an extraordinary amount of effort,” said Negrey. “It’s only because our team has spent decades monitoring these chimpanzees that we can be confident some females live long after they’ve stopped reproducing. We also spent thousands of hours in the forest to collect urine samples from these chimpanzees with which to study hormonal signals of menopause.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-discovering-chimpanzee-menopause">Implications of discovering chimpanzee menopause </h2>



<p>Fertility in the chimpanzees declined after age 30, and no females gave birth after 50 - the age when Ngogo females experienced a menopausal transition. The researchers noted that, like humans, it was not unusual for these female chimpanzees to live past 50.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We now know that menopause and post-fertile survival arise across a broader range of species and socio-ecological conditions than formerly appreciated, providing a solid basis for considering the roles that improved diets and lowered risks of predation would have played in human life history evolution,” said Wood.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, it will also be critical to track the behavior of older chimpanzees and observe how they interact with and influence other group members. “To allow such work, it is essential to support the long-term study of primates in the wild,” said Wood.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add5473" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: The Ngogo Chimpanzee Project</em></p>



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Humans are not the only primates that experience menopause

In a recent study of the Ngogo community in Uganda's...

<p>In the world of predator and prey, there a constant push and pull, where both sides continuously evolve to outwit each other. For example, bats evolved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-use-different-inner-ear-structures-to-navigate/">echolocation</a> abilities and some insects developed ultrasound-sensitive ears to evade them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a recent study has brought forth questions regarding this evolutionary arms race theory between bats and insects.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by Professor Lasse Jakobsen, a bat expert at the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en">University of Southern Denmark</a>, along with researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence and the University of Toronto.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barbastelle-bats-nbsp">Barbastelle bats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, the barbastelle bat (Barbastella barbastellus) is known to be quieter than other bats that hunt flying insects. Emitting sounds approximately 20 dB quieter means they produce a sound pressure that is 10 times lower.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This feature has led many to believe that the barbastelle evolved to be quieter as a retaliatory move against insects with ultrasound-sensitive ears, labeling it as the bat that "struck back."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-discovery-nbsp">Surprising discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, upon analyzing the barbastelle's close relatives, the researchers made a surprising discovery. Most of the bat's relatives are not in the business of catching flying insects. Instead, they feed on insects resting on surfaces like leaves and branches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These species, known as "gleaning bats,' are all quieter compared to those that hunt flying insects called "hawking bats." The barbastelle, despite its quiet nature, is categorized as a hawking bat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barbastelle-ancestors">Barbastelle ancestors</h2>



<p>"If most of the barbastelle’s family are gleaners, then their ancestor was very likely also a gleaner," said Jakobsen.</p>



<p>This means that it's improbable for the ancestor of the barbastelle to have been a loud hawking bat that adapted into a whispering barbastelle due to insect evolution.</p>



<p>"A species does not have free choice when it evolves in a new direction. For example, it is a condition for mammals that their ancestor did not have feathers, so their descendants will never evolve a wing with feathers. Instead, they have found another solution for flying: modified skin between the fingers," explained Jakobsen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-coincidence-nbsp">Evolutionary coincidence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>So, why is the barbastelle quieter when hunting in the air? "It is not an evolved ability. It just cannot produce louder calls than it does, because as a descendant of a gleaner it is probably morphologically limited," said Jakobsen.</p>



<p>"But it has found a niche, where it can use its low amplitude calls. It is an evolutionary coincidence; it sort of fell into this niche, where there was something to eat."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-inherent-trait-nbsp">An inherent trait&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the prey in this niche consist of flying, nocturnal insects that, despite their ultrasound-sensitive hearing, fail to detect the barbastelle, making them easy targets.</p>



<p>Further insights revealed that many gleaning bats emit sound from their noses, leading to their calls being 20 dB lower, while most bats call out of their mouths, allowing for louder sounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This distinction clarifies that the barbastelle's soft calls aren't a result of an evolutionary arms race, but rather an inherent trait derived from its ancestors.</p>



<p>"So, the reason why the barbastelles are so quiet today is not an expression of an arms race between bats and insects, but rather simply an expression of the fact that it is descended from bats that cannot call as loudly as others," said Jakobsen.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Sherri and Brock Fenton</em></p>



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Barbastelle bats inherited a unique hunting advantage

In the world of predator and prey, there a constant...

<p>Navigating the world around us might seem like a complex task, but it turns out, we all have something in common with an electric knifefish. Whether it's a dog sniffing around or a human glancing in a new setting, the core behavior of trying to understand one's surroundings remains the same.</p>



<p>Recent research reveals that such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-may-solve-the-mystery-of-bird-movements/">movements</a> aren't unique to humans or even larger animals. It extends across a wide spectrum of organisms, from single-celled amoeba to complex beings like us.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-solution">Evolutionary solution</h2>



<p>“Amoeba don’t even have a nervous system, and yet they adopt behavior that has a lot in common with a human’s postural balance or fish hiding in a tube,” said study co-author Noah Cowan, a professor of mechanical engineering at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These organisms are quite far apart from each other in the tree of life, suggesting that evolution converged on the same solution through very different underlying mechanisms.”</p>



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



<p>This fascinating discovery originated from a study that was focused on the workings of the nervous system during movement to enhance perception. Observations of the electric knifefish, a creature emitting weak electric discharges to sense its location, were key.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In darkness, the fish shimmied back and forth more frequently than in the light. The darkness made the fish increase their movement, mimicking a rapid ‘explore mode’ to understand their environment better.</p>



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



<p>The concept of switching between an "explore mode" during uncertainty and an "exploit mode" when familiar with the environment isn't restricted to these fish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that the best strategy is to briefly switch into explore mode when uncertainty is too high, and then switch back to exploit mode when uncertainty is back down,” said study first author Debojyoti Biswas, a Johns Hopkins postdoctoral researcher.</p>



<p>Supported by a model simulating these key sensing behaviors, the team identified similar patterns in amoeba, moths, cockroaches, moles, bats, mice, and even humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Not a single study that we found in the literature violated the rules we discovered in the electric fish, not even single-celled organisms like amoeba sensing an electric field,” said Cowan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-a-stable-balance-nbsp">Maintaining a stable balance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To further illustrate the ubiquitous nature of these movements, Cowan related it to everyday human behavior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you go to a grocery store, you’ll notice people standing in line will change between being stationary and moving around while waiting,” said Cowan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We think that’s the same thing going on, that to maintain a stable balance you actually have to occasionally move around and excite your sensors like the knifefish. We found the statistical characteristics of those movements are ubiquitous across a wide range of animals, including humans.”</p>



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



<p>Beyond just understanding the natural world, the implications of this research are vast. The findings have the potential to revolutionize robotics, especially in applications like search and rescue drones and space rovers.</p>



<p>Next, the experts will test whether their insights hold true for other living things, including plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-electric-knifefish-nbsp">More about electric knifefish&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Electric knifefish are a diverse group with over 200 species that are found primarily in Central and South America. These fish are known for their ability to generate electric fields, which they use for navigation, communication, and sometimes for capturing prey.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-organ">Electric organ</h3>



<p>Electric knifefish have an organ that produces weak electric discharges. This is distinct from the strong electric discharges produced by electric eels, a different group of fish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electrolocation">Electrolocation</h3>



<p>They use their electric field to sense their surroundings. Objects around them distort this field, and the fish can detect these distortions to understand their environment, much like a sonar.</p>



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



<p>Different species, and even individual fish, may have unique electric organ discharge patterns. This allows them to communicate and recognize each other.</p>



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



<p>They are primarily found in freshwater environments, especially in slow-moving or stagnant waters like swamps, ponds, and riverbanks.</p>



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



<p>Electric knifefish are typically nocturnal, using their electric fields to navigate in the darkness.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42256-023-00745-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Machine Intelligence</em></a><em>.&nbsp;</em></p>



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Shimmying like electric fish is a universal movement across species

Navigating the world around us might seem like a complex...

<p>A recent study from Japan has revealed the extraordinary journey of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-are-causing-massive-seabird-mortality-events/">seabird</a> caught in a typhoon. The sheer resilience exhibited by this bird offers a profound look into the challenges and adaptations seabirds could face in a changing climate.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by Kozue Shiomi, a seabird biologist at <a href="http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a>. The findings suggest that the rise in severe weather conditions due to climate change could push seabirds to their limits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-opportunity-nbsp">Unprecedented opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In August 2019, Shiomi fitted 14 adult seabirds from a nesting colony on Mikurajima, an island near Tokyo, with GPS bio-loggers. The goal was to study the homing behavior of streaked shearwaters.</p>



<p>The following month, Typhoon Faxai hit southeastern Japan with winds speeds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour. The typhoon inadvertently provided scientists with an unprecedented opportunity to understand how seabirds endure extreme storm conditions - which they will encounter more frequently in the future due to climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-flight">Remarkable flight</h2>



<p>The tracking data revealed that while several of the tagged shearwaters managed to sidestep the typhoon, one male shearwater seabird was not as fortunate. </p>



<p>In a span of 11 hours, this bird completed five comprehensive circular loops - each ranging from 50 to 80 kilometers in diameter - over a total distance of 1,146 kilometers.</p>



<p>While these birds usually fly at speeds of 10-60 km/hr and maintain altitudes under 100 meters, the tracked shearwater exhibited speeds of 90-170 km/hr, reaching heights of up to 4,700 meters. The typhoon swept this bird over mainland Japan before redirecting it back over the Pacific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabird-typhoon-survival-strategy">Seabird typhoon survival strategy </h2>



<p>According to the researchers, it is possible that the shearwater willingly chose to ride out the storm instead of trying to escape. This may be the case, considering that the bird's natural low-altitude flying strategy over the ocean would place it at heightened risk of colliding with infrastructures over land.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Different seabirds adopt varied tactics when faced with storms. For instance, red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds ascend to high altitudes, allowing storms to pass underneath, while Eastern brown pelicans tend to stay grounded until conditions become favorable. Some even choose to remain within the storm's eye, where the turmoil is relatively subdued.</p>



<p>As Shiomi notes, improving our understanding of how oceangoing birds cope with extreme weather will provide essential insight into the response – and resilience – of seabirds to the increasingly adverse environmental conditions expected under future climates.</p>



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



<p>The streaked shearwater, known scientifically as Calonectris leucomelas, is a fascinating seabird with distinct characteristics and behaviors.</p>



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



<p>Streaked shearwaters have a large, robust build with long wings and a wedge-shaped tail. They boast a brownish-gray upper body and a lighter, often white, underside. Their name stems from the streaked pattern on their neck and underparts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution">Distribution</h3>



<p>These birds primarily breed on the islands of Japan and South Korea. Outside the breeding season, they are highly migratory and can be found across the northwestern Pacific, ranging from the Kamchatka Peninsula to the coasts of China and even as far south as Australia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Streaked shearwaters predominantly feed on fish and squid. They often follow ships and larger marine predators like whales to feed on the fish they stir up. Their feeding strategy involves a combination of skimming the water's surface and plunge-diving to capture their prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding">Breeding</h3>



<p>They typically nest in burrows on isolated islands. After laying a single egg, both parents share incubation duties. The chick, once hatched, is fed by both parents until it's ready to fledge.</p>



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



<p>Like many other shearwaters, the streaked shearwater is pelagic, meaning it spends a significant portion of its life out at sea. They are known for their dynamic flight patterns, which involve a combination of rapid flapping and long, soaring glides.</p>



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



<p>While streaked shearwaters are not currently considered endangered, they face threats from habitat loss due to human development, predation by introduced species on breeding islands, and bycatch in fisheries.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4161" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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Incredible journey: Seabird rode out a typhoon for 11 hours and over 1000 miles

A recent study from Japan has revealed the extraordinary journey...

Pig,On,A,Pig,Farm,In,Dalarna,,Sweden

<p>In the contemporary realm of food production, ethical considerations are becoming as substantial as taste and tradition. A new study dives into consumer attitudes, revealing that while climate impact is a concern, animal welfare significantly leads buyer priorities. This revelation poses new challenges and directions for producers, retailers, and policymakers in the pork industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-animal-welfare-and-the-environment">Balancing animal welfare and the environment</h2>



<p>Pork, a staple in many diets worldwide, is under scrutiny for various reasons. These include antibiotic use, infectious diseases, animal welfare, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-is-essential-to-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental implications</a>. Despite the notable climate footprint of industries like beef, coffee, and chocolate, pork consumption contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://ifro.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>’s Department of Food and Resource Economics sought to understand consumers' willingness to pay for 'improved' pork. This improvement encompasses better animal welfare, reduced climate impact, minimized antibiotics usage, assurance against harmful bacteria, and avoiding feed that contributes to deforestation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-price-of-ethical-consumption">The price of ethical consumption</h2>



<p>The study, conducted across Denmark, Germany, the UK, and Shanghai, China, indicates a readiness among consumers to pay more for enhanced pork. However, when it comes to prioritizing where their money goes, European consumers, in particular, demonstrate a clear preference for improved animal welfare.</p>



<p>Professor Peter Sandøe, the study’s senior author, notes, "The responses confirm that a narrow focus on climate-friendly pork production doesn't align with primary consumer concerns. They deem the pigs' quality of life crucial, overshadowing the importance of reducing the product's environmental footprint."</p>



<p>This sentiment isn't isolated to a few eco-conscious individuals. A majority of the participants across all surveyed countries placed improved pig welfare above lowering the climate footprint. This fact highlights a direct, empathetic connection with animals' living conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-climate-paradox">Consumer climate paradox</h2>



<p>Despite the surge in global climate-centric dialogues, consumers seemed to undervalue the climate impact of their dietary choices, especially concerning pork. Associate Professor Thomas Bøker Lund, a co-author of the study, shares the surprise in discovering that consumers gave "relatively low priority" to reducing pork's climate footprint.</p>



<p>This attitude reflects a prevalent consumer belief. Most people feel that individual choices at the meat counter may not significantly impact broader climate issues. </p>



<p>Lund explains, "When purchasing meat, consumers feel empowered to improve a specific animal’s welfare. However, the climate impact of these choices seems more abstract, and many prefer addressing climate concerns through alternative actions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holistic-approaches-to-animal-welfare">Holistic approaches to animal welfare</h2>



<p>The findings serve as a clarion call for a comprehensive approach in the pork industry. Sandøe stresses the dilemma facing producers and policymakers, "Labeling pork as 'climate-friendly' won't suffice, as it doesn't meet consumer demand. Moreover, prioritizing climate-centric production could mean sacrificing animal welfare, potentially worsening their living conditions."</p>



<p>There's an inherent need to balance CO2 reduction with ethical animal treatment. Sandøe continues, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cattle farming</a> significantly overshadows pork in CO2 emissions, so substituting beef with pork or chicken is beneficial. However, we must collectively gravitate towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-forward diet</a>."</p>



<p>The financial aspect, too, cannot be overlooked. While consumers expressed willingness to pay up to 20% more for 'ethical pork,' this premium falls short of covering the costs of substantial welfare improvements, according to the research team's calculations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-retail-and-regulation">Rethinking retail and regulation</h2>



<p>Innovative strategies are necessary to reconcile consumer preferences with economic and ethical realities. The researchers suggest streamlining retail offerings, reducing product variety to achieve economies of scale and savings. Doing so would subsequently enable retailers to meet higher welfare standards without astronomical costs.</p>



<p>A regulatory overhaul, Sandøe suggests, could also drive industry-wide change. Drawing parallels with past successful interventions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-can-now-decipher-the-emotional-states-of-chickens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poultry welfare</a>, he proposes establishing minimum animal welfare standards for pork, enforced at a national level.</p>



<p>"In numerous countries, piglet mortality rates are unacceptable, and many sows are overburdened by intensive production demands," Sandøe points out. He advocates for a halt in ramping up production pressures for the sake of climate concerns alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare-policy-change">Animal welfare policy change</h2>



<p>The research underscores an urgent need for updated regulations, particularly since there have been no significant reforms in welfare regulations since the late 1990s. Sandøe concludes, "Rather than exacerbating production strains in the name of climate protection, we need stringent welfare standards. It's high time for decisive, compassionate action in the realm of animal welfare."</p>



<p>In summary, the implications of this study are clear. The road to a sustainable, ethical food industry requires walking the tightrope between environmental responsibility and animal welfare, all while keeping consumer preferences and awareness at the forefront.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105337" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livestock Science</a></em>.</p>



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Animal welfare concerns more people than climate change

In the contemporary realm of food production, ethical considerations are...

<p>In the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-kingfishers-dive-without-hurting-their-brains/">birds</a>, courtship often involves captivating dances, melodious songs, intricate gifts, and dazzling feathers. However, recent research has focused on a less-explored aspect of avian romance - the role of facial features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-phenomenon-nbsp">Unique phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A study led by Professor Masayo Soma at <a href="https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a> reveals that in pair-bonded Java sparrows, the enlargement of their eye rings signifies their readiness for breeding. </p>



<p>“Breeding-related blushing in primates is well studied, as they show conspicuous changes. For example, in rhesus macaque, males with redder faces appear more attractive to females. Other primates, like mandrills, use it to assert dominance. Birds also display colorful bare areas, like beaks and legs, but blood-flow based blush coloring in birds has gone largely unnoticed,” explained Professor Soma.</p>



<p>“In Java sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora), both sexes have bright pink bare skin around their eyes that swell when the birds are in breeding condition. We predicted that changes in eye rings would reflect physiological conditions and signal fertility, especially among mating pairs."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-monogamy-nbsp">Social monogamy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Java sparrows are recognized for their social monogamy, marked by mutual courtship and long-lasting bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With this in mind, the researchers theorized that the eye ring transformations could potentially mirror their physiological states - signaling fertility, especially among mating pairs.</p>



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



<p>Spanning 12 weeks, the study was focused on 44 mature sparrows from a laboratory populace. Looking for alterations in eye ring size, the team compared bird mating pairs with other sparrows.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We compared individual changes in the eye ring size between birds paired with preferred mates, those paired with non-preferred opposite-sex individuals, and single birds," said Professor Soma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mating-preparedness-nbsp">Mating preparedness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The conclusions were revealing: a marked upsurge in the eye rings was discernible among the paired partners. This transformation was conspicuously absent in solitary birds or those coupled with non-preferred partners.</p>



<p>The swollen eye rings, being more dynamic than plumage, can swiftly signify mating preparedness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Java sparrows are native to the tropics and breed most of the year. Morphological changes signaling fertility are important for ensuring reproductive synchrony - especially in the tropics, where seasonal cues are absent,” noted Professor Soma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-java-sparrows-nbsp">More about Java sparrows&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Java sparrows, known scientifically as Lonchura oryzivora, are small birds originally native to the islands of Indonesia - especially Java, Bali, and Sumatra. Over time, they have been introduced to various other parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Java sparrows are easily recognizable due to their bright pink beaks and eye rings, contrasting with their grey upperparts, white cheeks, and black head-throat. Their size typically ranges from 15 to 17 centimeters in length.</p>



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



<p>In their native range, Java sparrows inhabit open grasslands, tree-studded marshes, and cultivated areas, especially where rice is grown, which leads to their alternative name, the Java Rice Bird.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Primarily seed-eaters, Java sparrows have a particular fondness for rice, which unfortunately often results in them being seen as pests by farmers in areas where rice is cultivated. Their diet in captivity can include millet, sprouted seeds, and various fruits and vegetables.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



<p>These birds are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds. In the wild, they often nest in tree hollows or building crevices, laying a clutch of 4-8 eggs. In captivity, they can be encouraged to breed using nest boxes.</p>



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



<p>Java sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season. They have a pleasant, bubbly song, which is one reason they've been popular in the pet trade.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-status-and-conservation">Status and conservation</h3>



<p>The wild population of Java sparrows has declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292074"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Java sparrows get swollen eye rings when they're ready to mate

In the world of birds, courtship often involves captivating dances,...

<p>Ever since Charles Darwin found an intriguing family of finches in the Galapagos, a question about animal diversity has persisted: Why is there an abundance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/">species</a> in some places on Earth and a scarcity in others?&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a> has unlocked a new piece of this puzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-diversity-nbsp">Animal diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By utilizing an expansive dataset of global-scale climate information and employing an innovative approach, the researchers have pinpointed certain factors that seem to play an important role in determining animal diversity.</p>



<p>The research indicates that the dietary habits of animals, coupled with the climate conditions of their habitats, have a significant influence on biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-of-species">Distribution of species</h2>



<p>“Historically studies looking at the distribution of species across Earth's latitudinal gradient have overlooked the role of trophic ecology - how what animals eat impacts where they are found,” explained study co-author Trisha Atwood from the Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This new work shows that predators, omnivores and herbivores are not randomly scattered across the globe. There are patterns to where we find these groups of animals.”</p>



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



<p>Taking a closer look at these animal diversity patterns, it is obvious that regions like parts of Africa, Europe, and Greenland are unexpectedly packed with carnivores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Herbivores seem to favor cooler climes, while warm regions witness a dominance of omnivores. Two pivotal factors play a role in this distribution: precipitation and the rate of plant growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-patterns">Precipitation patterns</h2>



<p>Precipitation patterns across time play a big role in determining where different groups of mammals thrive, said Atwood. Geographical areas where precipitation varies by season, without being too extreme, had the highest levels of mammal diversity.</p>



<p>“Keep in mind that we aren’t talking about the total amount of rain," noted study lead author Jaron Adkins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you imagine ecosystems around the world on a scale of precipitation and season, certain places in Utah and the Amazon rainforest fall on one end with low variability - they have steady levels of precipitation throughout the year."</p>



<p>"Other regions, like southern California, have really high variability, getting about 75 percent of the annual precipitation between December and March.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gross-primary-productivity-nbsp">Gross primary productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The second pivotal factor, the "gross primary productivity," essentially gauges the volume of plant growth in a particular region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While one would expect plant growth to predominantly affect herbivores, the research unveiled a stronger connection between carnivores and plant growth.</p>



<p>“It was surprising that this factor was more important for predators than omnivores and herbivores,” Atwood said. “Why this is remains a mystery.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevailing-climate-conditions">Prevailing climate conditions</h2>



<p>The research suggests that while evolutionary processes spur variances in species, prevailing climate conditions can tweak rates of evolutionary shifts, extinction, and animal dispersal, thus influencing both species and trait-based richness.</p>



<p>These insights are especially important in an era where animal diversity is plummeting due to habitat degradation and climate disruptions.</p>



<p>“Animal diversity can act as an alarm system for the stability of ecosystems,” Atwood said. “Identifying the ecological mechanisms that help drive richness patterns provides insight for better managing and predicting how diversity could change under future climates.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>---</p>



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Animal diversity is driven by global precipitation patterns

Ever since Charles Darwin found an intriguing family of finches...

Hamadryas,Baboon,,Papio,Hamadryas,,From,Ethiopia,In,Africa.,Wild,Mammal

<p>In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, Thoth, the deity of wisdom and learning, held a unique connection with the animal kingdom. His association with the hamadryas baboon not only underscores the religious complexity of the time but also presents a puzzle that has long perplexed historians and biologists alike: the journey of baboons to Egypt. </p>



<p>Researchers recently unraveled this mystery, nestled at the intersection of biology, anthropology, and Egyptology. The findings shed light on early globalization, human-wildlife interactions, and the cultural significance of these sacred animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-baboons-of-egypt-and-thoth">Sacred baboons of Egypt and Thoth</h2>



<p>Historical records well-document the ancient Egyptians' veneration of animals. Various deities portray creatures that were, in many cases, foreign to the Nile Valley. Thoth, revered for his knowledge, often appeared in the form of a hamadryas baboon, a species not native to Egypt.</p>



<p>Ancient Egyptians imported, mummified, and offered these baboons as votive tokens. They served as a tangible link between the populace and their gods. However, the origins of these sacred animals, how they were transported to Egypt, and the reasons for their divine status have been subjects of scholarly debate for years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origins">Tracing the origins</h2>



<p>Biologist Gisela Kopp's intriguing research took on these enigmatic questions. The study is emblematic of interdisciplinary collaboration. It brought together biologists, anthropologists, and Egyptologists in a collective effort to trace the geographic origins of mummified baboons found in Egypt.</p>



<p>Employing advanced genetic analysis techniques, Kopp and her team examined the mitochondrial genomes of the baboon mummies. She compared them with contemporary samples from various regions in Africa. This extensive comparison, facilitated by the consistent genetic variance among baboon populations over time, enabled researchers to pinpoint the baboons’ original habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-historical-trade-routes">Unearthing historical trade routes</h2>



<p>Anthropologist Nathaniel Dominy contributed earlier research using stable isotopes to trace the baboons' geography. The combined insights from genetic analysis and chemical signatures led the team to an astonishing discovery. The baboons were native to the Horn of Africa, specifically a region within modern-day Eritrea.</p>



<p>This finding resonates with historical accounts of the ancient port of Adulis. This popular destination gained its reputation from flourishing trade in luxury goods and rare animals, including baboons. The revelation gains significance against the backdrop of Punt, a legendary land referenced in ancient Egyptian texts as a source of precious commodities.</p>



<p>The precise location of Punt has eluded historians. However, its importance as a possible lynchpin in early global maritime trade networks is undebatable. </p>



<p>Gisela Kopp's research intriguingly suggests that Punt and Adulis could represent the same geographical location. It was simply known by different names across eras. The convergence of biological data with historical analysis provided the key to linking these two places.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-egypt-and-cultural-context">Baboons, Egypt, and cultural context</h2>



<p>The representation of baboons in Egyptian lore, exclusive to the region, raises compelling cultural questions. They are considered pests in societies where they naturally occur due to their crop-damaging behavior. In ancient Egypt, however, these animals were revered and symbolically linked to the divine.</p>



<p>The reasons behind this cultural dichotomy remain speculative. However, the practice of mass mummification of baboons highlights the sophisticated interaction between humans and wildlife during that period. It also points to a complex coexistence that extended beyond domestication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-dna-offers-new-avenues">Ancient DNA offers new avenues</h2>



<p>Remarkably, Kopp's research marks a pioneering venture in the field of biology. It represents the first successful analysis of ancient DNA extracted from mummified non-human primates. This achievement paves the way for new studies into the historical dynamics of human-wildlife engagement, genetic diversity, and disease transmission patterns.</p>



<p>The interactions of ancient Egyptians with rare animals, evidenced through mummification, underscore the intricate relationships that humans have shared with the wild. These practices, extraordinary for their time, open a window into understanding the environmental, social, and possibly even epidemiological aspects of human history.</p>



<p>In summary, the journey of baboons in ancient Egypt, from sacred deities to a scientific enigma, traverses through various facets of human knowledge. As we unravel these mysteries, we gain more than just historical insight. We also uncover layers of our relationship with nature, trade, culture, and technology. </p>



<p>Gisela Kopp's study, thus, stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in rewriting history, offering new perspectives on our shared past, and inspiring a deeper exploration into the annals of human civilization.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/87513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a></em>.</p>



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Mummified baboons in Egypt: Where did they come from and how did they get there?

In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, Thoth, the deity...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
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<p></p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



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



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



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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</em></p>



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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