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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Hemoglobin and other blood molecules found preserved in dinosaur fossils

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

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. 



The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. 



"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. 



Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. 



Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. 



“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.



The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. 



While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.



In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.



In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. 



By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

Walrus,Cow,On,Ice,Floe

Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

The Atlantic walrus faces unprecedented threats due to the relentless...

Close,Up,View,Of,The,Eyes,A,Tabanus,Abdominalis,Horsefly

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and precipitation, spotlighting the plight of insects in the face of adverse weather conditions and climate change. 



A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> demonstrates that abnormal weather events, occurring consecutively or in combination over several years, can significantly deplete insect populations. 



Unusually dry and warm winters diminish insect survival probabilities, wet and cold springs impair hatching success, and cool, wet summers obstruct the reproductive and foraging activities of bumblebees and other flying insects. 



However, insect populations that reside in sufficiently large and high-quality habitats, marked by the presence of native plants and high structural richness, are more likely to withstand these adverse conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-insect-conservation-strategies">Rethinking insect conservation strategies</h2>



In light of the findings, the authors strongly advocate for the establishment of more high-quality habitats to preserve the myriad insect species. 



The significant decline in insect populations mandates urgent efforts to protect high-quality habitats across diverse landscapes. This includes agricultural, traffic, and settlement areas. 



The repercussions of climate change necessitate a transformation in scientific thinking and conservation practice, emphasizing the creation of resilient ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insects-and-the-weather">Studying insects and the weather</h2>



The genesis of this important study traces back to the spring of 2022, when Professor Jörg Müller of Würzburg noticed an unusually high number of insects in forests and meadows. This observation was particularly intriguing given the prevalent narrative of the declining insect populations globally.



"The data from the study show that there was a dramatic collapse in 2005 and no recovery in the years that followed," says Jörg Müller, who is Professor of Animal Ecology at the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). So could the large amount of insects he "felt" in 2022 be real?



This sparked a rigorous analysis led by an interdisciplinary team, involving re-examination of the data from a study by Dutch researcher Caspar A. Hallmann in 2017. 



Hallmann's research had illustrated a staggering 75% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves from 1989 to 2016. The interdisciplinary team incorporated freshly procured weather data and evaluated the impacts of weather anomalies on various life stages of insects.



The rigorous analysis confirmed that the climate fluctuations post-2005 were predominantly detrimental to insects. However, the team discovered that the favorable weather conditions in 2022 were conducive to a surge in insect biomass, thereby corroborating Professor Müller's initial observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



Professor Annette Menzel of the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge that weather fluctuations caused by climate change are the principal driver behind declining insect populations worldwide. The pressing circumstances necessitate immediate and enhanced efforts to safeguard insects, emphasizing high-quality habitats and ecological balance.



"We need to be much more aware that climate change is already a major driver of the decline of insect populations. This needs to be thought about much more in science and conservation practice," says Annette Menzel, professor of ecoclimatology of the Technical University of Munich.



Professor Müller also proposes the initiation of a comprehensive insect biomass monitoring system aimed at regularly tracking the fluctuations in insect populations. Such a system would contribute to nuanced analyses and informed conservation strategies.



The novel insights and strategies emerging from this research underscore the critical intersection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The scientists involved in this study urge swift, collective action to counteract the dwindling insect populations and preserve the delicate ecological balance integral to our planet's well-being. 



The collaboration between renowned universities and national parks has not only brought to light the intricate dynamics governing insect populations, but has also paved the way for innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.



This report, published in the<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06402-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> journal Nature</a>, was a collaboration among the University of Würzburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, TU Dresden, Berchtesgaden National Park, TU Munich, and the University of Zurich.



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Rise and fall of insect populations directly linked to the weather

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and...

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/">mate</a> above all other tasks, and that these intentions are reflected in dopamine-releasing brain cells.



The researchers found that the presence of a potential mate causes the males to drop what they are doing immediately shift their focus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-priorities">Shifting priorities</h2>



A male zebra finch is often engrossed in a task like finding water or refining the song taught to him by his father. The study shows that these activities quickly take a backseat the moment he perceives the proximity of a female.&nbsp;



The study was co-authored by Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, a lead investigator at Columbia’s <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, and graduate student Andrea Roeser of Cornell University..



“The males stop worrying about anything else and, for the first time, we have found signs of that re-prioritization in the behavior of specific brain cells,” said Dr. Gadagkar.



“Our findings could help explain what our brains are doing when they shift gears as different opportunities arise and as our priorities change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-signals-nbsp">Dopamine signals&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, Dr. Gadagkar and his team have been tracking male zebra finches as they practiced their songs to serenade females.&nbsp;



The researchers found that when a bird made a mistake while rehearsing, there was a notable decline in the dopamine - a chemical signal generated by particular brain cells.&nbsp;



“Dopamine seems to function as an internal error signal, helping the bird to realize that it has made a blunder and did not quite replicate the song it had memorized,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;



Previously, the researchers had found that when birds get the song right, dopamine production is boosted and acts as an internal reward signal for their good performance.&nbsp;



For the current study, the researchers measured variations in dopamine in situations where a bird must choose between several objectives such as practicing its song, finding water, or pursuing a mate.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-track-mind">One-track mind</h2>



The experts discovered that the dopamine error signals, which previously played a role in tasks like finding water or practicing songs, were notably muted when courtship was in the picture.&nbsp;



In addition, the dopamine reward signal was amplified when the bird's song succeeded in fetching return calls from a female.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-evaluation-system-nbsp">Self-evaluation system&nbsp;</h2>



“We think this is the first demonstration of a socially driven shift of dopaminergic error signals,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;



“The big idea here is that your self-evaluation system, which you're using to learn when you're practicing, might be dialed down or switched off when you're performing and your dopamine system instead becomes primed to receiving social feedback.”&nbsp;&nbsp; 



“A big question for us now is whether these systems may be widely at play when it comes to learning many kinds of behaviors, including speaking, singing, playing an instrument and all kinds of behaviors where learning depends on internal self evaluations."



“Now I want to know if this same circuitry might be much more general-purpose than anyone previously had thought.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-zebra-finch-courtship-nbsp">More about zebra finch courtship&nbsp;</h2>



Zebra finches, native to the Central Australian grasslands, exhibit unique and fascinating courtship behaviors which are integral for mate selection and bonding.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-initiation">Male initiation</h3>



Male zebra finches typically initiate the courtship process. During this phase, the males showcase their vitality and genetic fitness to attract potential female partners. They employ a combination of visual and auditory displays, including brightly colored feathers, dynamic dances, and melodic songs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courtship-song">Courtship song</h3>



One of the most distinctive elements in their courtship is the male's song. Each male zebra finch develops a unique song during their juvenile stage, primarily learned from their fathers or other adult males within the vicinity.&nbsp;



The courtship song is more complex and structured compared to their regular communication chirps. Males sing to attract females, with each song being distinctive, allowing the females to identify and choose their preferred mates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-display">Dance display</h3>



Apart from singing, male zebra finches also engage in a dance display. They puff up their chests, flutter their wings, and hop around to garner attention from the females.&nbsp;



This dance, paired with their vibrant songs, creates a comprehensive display designed to entice and woo potential mates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-selection">Female selection</h3>



Female zebra finches play a critical role in mate selection. They evaluate the males based on their songs and displays, choosing a partner whose traits are most appealing or suitable for producing offspring.&nbsp;



Females may consider the complexity, volume, and pitch of the male's song, as well as their overall health and vigor, before making a selection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bond-formation">Bond formation</h3>



Once a female selects a mate, the pair forms a strong bond, often mating for life. This bond is reinforced through mutual grooming, feeding, and coordinated activities. The strong partnership ensures collaborative efforts in building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their offspring.



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



After the courtship and bonding, the pair engage in nesting behaviors. Male zebra finches actively participate in nest-building, collecting materials like twigs and feathers to construct a safe and comfortable environment for their eggs and future chicks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06580-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Love on the brain: Male zebra finches drop everything to pursue a mate

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning...

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas as a potential solution to the global water crisis.&nbsp;



The research suggests that these tiny creatures might be the key to cleaning persistent chemical pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/">wastewater</a>, making it safer for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.



“This novel nature-inspired technology provides a potentially revolutionary process for sustainably removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater," said study lead author Muhammad Abdullahi of the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. "By preventing these chemicals from being discharged, we can protect our environment and biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-crisis">Global water crisis</h2>



The world is currently facing a severe water crisis, which can be attributed to rapid urbanization, booming populations, unsound food production practices, and climate change.&nbsp;



Due to these conditions, sustainable water management is urgently needed for the well-being of society, economy, and environment.



However, one of the significant challenges in wastewater management is the inability to effectively remove persistent chemical pollutants from domestic and industrial processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-treatment-nbsp">Wastewater treatment&nbsp;</h2>



Current wastewater treatment methods often fall short, allowing these pollutants to seep into rivers, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and aquifers.&nbsp;



This results in the harmful entry of chemicals into the human food chain and water supply, endangering the health of approximately 92 million people annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-daphnia">The potential of Daphnia</h2>



Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, may provide us with a remarkable new clean water solution.&nbsp;



In the Birmingham study, the researchers have found a way to use water fleas to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater without producing the harmful byproducts associated with present-day technologies.&nbsp;



“Our profound understanding of water flea biology enabled us to pioneer a nature-inspired tertiary wastewater treatment technology. This refines municipal wastewater effluent and safeguards the ecological health of our rivers," said study senior author Professor Luisa Orsini.



“The water flea's remarkable ability to remain dormant for centuries allows scientists to revive dormant populations that endured varying historical pollution pressures. Leveraging this trait, researchers sourced strains with diverse tolerances to chemical pollutants, incorporating them into the technology.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurrecting-water-fleas">Resurrecting water fleas</h2>



Using specialized technology, the team has successfully integrated populations of water fleas into wastewater treatment plants.&nbsp;



The uniqueness lies in the strain selection – by "resurrecting" water fleas from past environments, the experts have identified strains that have been historically resilient to different pollution pressures.



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



The study reveals the efficiency of four distinct water flea strains in removing a variety of pollutants, such as diclofenac, atrazine, arsenic, and PFOS (industrial chemicals).



“Our technology could improve the quality of wastewater effluent - meeting current and upcoming regulatory requirements to produce reusable water suitable for irrigation, industrial applications, and household use," said study co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;



"By preventing persistent chemicals from entering waterways, we can also prevent environmental pollution.”



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Water fleas may be the solution to our global water crisis

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas...

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact on the prevalence of viruses, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a>.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66550">eLife</a>, the research demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> destruction leads to reduced diversity in mosquito species. This paves the way for more resilient mosquito species - and the viruses they carry - to become dominant.



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



The researchers set out to investigate how environmental changes, biodiversity loss, and the spread of pathogens may be connected.



The study was led by Professor Sandra Junglen, leader of the Ecology and Evolution of Arboviruses research group at <a href="https://virologie-ccm.charite.de/en/">Charité's Institute of Virology</a>.



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



The research team executed their study in and around Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, encompassing a diverse array of land uses, from untouched rainforests to human settlements.&nbsp;



“We identified the species of mosquitoes we had caught and tested them for viral infections,” explained study first author Kyra Hermanns.&nbsp;



“Then we looked at how the composition of mosquito species differs across the different land use types, where certain viruses are present, and how prevalent they are.”



In a healthy ecosystem such as a rainforest, many different viruses are present due to the wide variety of animal species - which act as hosts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



According to Junglen, the team identified 49 virus species, with the majority found in undisturbed habitats. However, certain mosquito species adapted efficiently to cleared areas, bringing along their respective viruses.



"Most of the 49 different virus species were relatively rare in the areas studied. However, nine of them were commonly found in multiple habitats, with the prevalence of five virus species increasing in habitats that had been disturbed and reaching the highest figures in human settlements," said Junglen.



“This means that the clearing of tropical rainforests causes a decrease in the diversity of mosquito species, which changes the composition of host types. Some resilient mosquito species have multiplied very successfully in the cleared areas, bringing their viruses with them," explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-viruses-nbsp">Prevalence of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



The composition of a given community of species has a direct effect on the prevalence of viruses: “If one host species is very abundant, it is easier for viruses to spread,” said Junglen.



“All of the viruses we found to be more common were demonstrated to be present in a certain mosquito species."&nbsp;



"The viruses belong to different families and have different properties. That means we were able to show for the first time that the spread of the viruses is attributable not to a close genetic relationship, but to the characteristics of their hosts – especially those mosquito species that adapt well to changing environmental conditions in habitats that have been disturbed.”&nbsp;



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



Although the discovered viruses currently pose no threat to humans, the study sheds light on the dynamics of infectious diseases.&nbsp;



“Our study makes clear just how important biodiversity is, and that decreasing biodiversity makes it easier for certain viruses to thrive because it causes their hosts to become more abundant,” said Junglen.



“Previously, these kinds of processes were studied almost exclusively using individual pathogens and individual hosts. Now we have a more complete picture that we can use for further research."



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Biodiversity loss promotes the spread of viruses

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact...

Reindeer,Roaming,On,Svalbard,Meadow

The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for its high level of inbreeding and notably low genetic diversity.



Around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-slowing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reindeers</a> made their journey to Svalbard, likely traversing from Russia via Novaya Zemlya and the islands of Franz Josef Land. Starting perhaps with just a handful, their arrival on the Arctic archipelago might seem a precarious foundation based on evolutionary theory. 



High inbreeding rates can lead to an accumulation of damaging genetic mutations which can cause disease and decrease survival rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-rapidly-to-extreme-environments">Adapting rapidly to extreme environments</h2>



Nicolas Dussex, a postdoctoral researcher from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/inh/department-of-natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NTNU) Department of Natural History</a>, studied this phenomenon more closely. Dussex noted that despite these initial challenges, the Svalbard reindeer has not only survived but thrived. Their population now exceeds 20,000 animals. 



Dussex highlights their remarkable evolution to adapt to the extreme Arctic conditions. Compared to other northern reindeer and caribou subspecies, they are smaller, have shorter legs, can digest mosses in the absence of lichens, and can adjust their circadian rhythm to suit the drastic seasonal changes of Svalbard.



A collaborative research initiative involving NTNU and other institutions has delved deeper into the genetic makeup of the Svalbard reindeer. By examining genetic samples from 91 reindeer, the study aimed to uncover differences between them and their mainland relatives. 



Professor Michael D. Martin, from NTNU’s Department of Natural History, remarked on the valuable insights that can be gleaned from studying such isolated populations, especially considering the Svalbard reindeer's history of near extinction in the early 1900s due to excessive hunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staving-off-extinction-by-inbreeding">Staving off extinction by inbreeding</h2>



This near brush with extinction, resulting in only a few survivors, is termed as a 'bottleneck' in population biology. Such a scenario typically spells doom for a species due to increased inbreeding. 



However, this inbreeding might have a silver lining. Known as 'purging', this process can potentially help eliminate harmful mutations. As harmful mutations manifest more rapidly in inbred populations, affected offspring tend to reproduce less, ensuring these damaging genes are less likely to be passed on. Dussex pointed out the paradox that, in the long run, inbreeding can have positive effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallels-found-in-other-animal-species">Parallels found in other animal species</h2>



The research also drew parallels with New Zealand's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-will-help-protect-the-kakapo-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kakapo parrots</a>, which, after a long period of isolation and inbreeding, showed signs of harmful genetic variants being eradicated from their population.



Brage Bremset Hansen, a senior researcher at NTNU and the <a href="https://www.nina.no/english/Home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Institute for Nature Research</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings for population management and broader genetic studies. He cited the good genetic health of the Svalbard reindeer, despite the potential harmful mutations.



However, Dussex shared that there remain unanswered questions regarding the speed at which these mutations are counteracted, either over short spans of centuries or over millennia. This is a research area they're keen to expand upon, utilizing DNA samples from ancient bone remains and antlers.



Moreover, the team is also invested in understanding the beneficial mutations that have allowed the reindeer to thrive in Svalbard's unique environment. Researcher Mathilde Le Moullec has been instrumental in this, gathering most of the bone samples from across Svalbard.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-speed-of-climate-change">Overcoming speed of climate change</h2>



A looming threat to these reindeers, however, is the accelerating pace of climate change. As Svalbard faces some of the fastest climate change rates worldwide, there's uncertainty over the reindeer's adaptability to the altered conditions. The rapid transformations in snow cover and vegetation could pose significant challenges.



Hansen warned that the adaptability the reindeers showcased after initially colonizing the islands might not extend to the current fast-paced warming. Their diminished genetic variation could be a stumbling block.



This situation could reflect the struggles of many terrestrial animals limited in mobility, as they grapple with the swift and disruptive changes caused by global warming. Yet, Martin remains hopeful, suggesting that this research lays a foundation for a deeper understanding of species adaptation capabilities in ever-shifting environments.



The full study was published at <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(23)01888-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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



Inbreeding, the mating of close relatives, is a phenomenon observed throughout the animal kingdom. It profoundly influences species' genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectory. 



Inbreeding acts as a double-edged sword. It can both accentuate detrimental mutations and, paradoxically, can lead to the purging of these harmful alleles from the gene pool. This then enhances a species' adaptation and survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biodiversity Crisis</h3>



Inbreeding typically occurs when populations become isolated or decrease in size, leading to reduced genetic diversity. It increases homozygosity, whereby offspring inherit identical alleles from both parents. 



This genetic similarity often brings recessive, harmful mutations to the forefront, causing a range of genetic disorders and decreasing overall fitness and survival rates. 



Many species, including the cheetah and the giant panda, are witnessing the detrimental impacts of inbreeding. This is due to their shrinking, isolated populations, and habitat loss. Reduced genetic diversity makes these species more susceptible to diseases and decreases their ability to adapt to environmental changes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Purging and beneficial mutations</h3>



Conversely, inbreeding can also be a mechanism for genetic refinement. As harmful mutations become more pronounced, individuals carrying these mutations are less likely to reproduce, gradually eliminating these deleterious alleles from the population. 



As mentioned previously, this process is known as 'purging' and can theoretically lead to more robust populations in the long run. Instances of inbreeding, such as seen in the Svalbard reindeer, illustrate how isolated populations can survive and even thrive despite high levels of inbreeding. They owe their survival to the elimination of harmful genetic variants over time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adaptive evolution</h3>



Inbreeding may also expedite the fixation of beneficial mutations within a population, thereby fostering adaptive evolution. 



When beneficial alleles arise, inbreeding can help spread these favorable traits quickly throughout the population. This allows the species to adapt more rapidly to their environment. 



This is particularly significant in isolated or newly established populations, where rapid adaptation can be crucial for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inbreeding management</h3>



Recognizing the complex impacts of inbreeding is vital for conservation efforts and biodiversity management. Scientists actively study inbreeding patterns and their consequences to devise strategies for maintaining genetic diversity within endangered populations. 



In many cases, interventions like translocations are utilized to introduce new genetic material into inbred populations. This process enhances their genetic health and adaptive potential. 



Zoos and wildlife conservation programs often employ careful breeding strategies to prevent inbreeding depression and maintain the genetic vigor of endangered species.



In summary, inbreeding plays a complex, dual role in the animal kingdom. While it often leads to a decline in genetic diversity and can bring harmful mutations to the forefront, it also provides a pathway for the elimination of these deleterious alleles and the amplification of beneficial ones, fostering adaptive evolution. 



A nuanced understanding of inbreeding and its impacts is crucial for the effective conservation and management of biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.



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Inbreeding can actually be beneficial for some species in the long run

The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for...

In a study recently published by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, scientists have found that earthworms play a substantial role in the global production of grains and legumes.&nbsp;



According to the research, earthworms contribute to 6.5% of the worldwide grain yield, which is roughly equivalent to the annual cereal grain production of Russia, the fourth-largest producer globally.



“This is the first effort that I’m aware of that’s trying to take one piece of soil biodiversity and say, ‘OK, this is the value of it; this is what it’s giving us on a global scale,’” said study lead author Dr. Steven Fonte.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworms-boost-plant-productivity-nbsp">Earthworms boost plant productivity&nbsp;</h2>



Earthworms promote healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-increases-carbon-storage-in-forest-soils/">soils</a> in different ways. They enhance soil structure, optimize water retention, and enrich the soil by churning organic matter, making essential nutrients more accessible to plants.&nbsp;



In fact, the presence of earthworms has been linked to a surge in plant productivity by an estimated 25 percent.



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



The research was conducted by Dr. Fonte, Professor Nathan Mueller, and Marian Hsieh, a doctoral student at CSU.&nbsp;



The team arrived at these figures by analyzing various data, including maps that highlight earthworm abundance, soil attributes, fertilizer usage, and crop yields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grain-production-nbsp">Grain production&nbsp;</h2>



One particularly fascinating revelation was the pronounced influence of earthworms in the grain production of the global south.&nbsp;



Earthworms contribute to 10 percent of the grain yield in Sub-Saharan Africa and eight percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworm-contribution">Earthworm contribution</h2>



It’s likely the earthworms contributed more in those areas because farmers there tend to have less access to fertilizer and pesticides, explained Dr. Fonte.&nbsp;



Instead, they rely more on earthworm-rich organic matter like manure and crop residues, which help stimulate the beneficial effect earthworms have on plants. “Earthworms are contributing a lot in these areas where we have fewer chemical inputs."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-biodiversity-nbsp">Soil biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Fonte noted that soil biodiversity has historically been undervalued, and he hopes this work will bring more attention to how healthy soils can have positive, tangible impacts on crops.  &nbsp;



 “If we manage our soils in a more sustainable way, we can better harness or leverage this biodiversity and produce more sustainable agroecosystems,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work highlights that potential.” &nbsp;



Dr. Fonte also noted that other recent research has shown that soils contain as much as half the world’s biodiversity, a significant increase from previous estimates of approximately 25 percent.&nbsp;



“Soils are just such an intricate habitat,” he said. “But there’s really been very few efforts to understand what that biodiversity means to our global crop yields.”  &nbsp;



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



According to Dr. Fonte, insights from this study could also have implications in future efforts to mitigate drought and erosion. For example, he said, earthworms can improve soil porosity, aiding in the beneficial capture and retention of water.  



The researchers emphasized that they are not advocating for anyone to transplant earthworms into places they do not already exist.&nbsp;



Dr. Fonte hopes this work shows how improved management of soil biology in places where earthworms already call home has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce our reliance on agrochemicals. He said the study marks an important first step.



 



“Soils are still this huge, big black box that we don’t fully understand,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work helps show that there’s a lot of opportunity that we’re just kind of ignoring. There are probably other soil organisms that are even more important, especially microbial communities.” &nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41286-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Earthworms are important drivers of global food production

In a study recently published by Colorado State University, scientists...

In a new report from the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG), researchers have proposed a compelling concept: humans can act as a crucial benchmark for understanding the repercussions of the toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS on wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-connection">The human connection</h2>



PFAS, due to their persistent nature, do not just affect humans but also a broad spectrum of species worldwide.&nbsp;



Dr. David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG, emphasized that humans act as an "early warning system" to comprehend how these chemicals might influence wildlife in their natural habitats.



“PFAS pollution is not just a problem for humans,” said Dr. Andrews. “It’s a problem for species across the globe. This new paper delves into how humans serve as an early warning system for understanding how PFAS may impact other living creatures in the environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals">Forever chemicals</h2>



Studies have associated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-fish-serving-may-contain-a-month-of-forever-chemicals/">forever chemicals</a> with a number of adverse effects in both humans and laboratory animals.&nbsp;



These range from immune system damage, reproductive and fetal development disruptions, hormone imbalances, to heightened cancer risks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection">Data collection</h2>



Notably, EWG’s research methods allow for the collection of data without causing harm to animals, especially the endangered ones.



Ken Cook, president of EWG, emphasized their 25-year battle against PFAS contamination.&nbsp;



“EWG researchers have analyzed scientific studies, conducted our own investigations, and plotted where people are exposed to toxic PFAS,” said Cook.&nbsp;



“Now we’ve shown that humans might signal how these toxic chemicals affect the bodies of polluted animals in almost every corner of the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-crisis">Global crisis</h2>



Endangered animals, already grappling with challenges like pollution, habitat erosion, and exploitation, now face the menace of PFAS. The global impact of the PFAS crisis is substantial.&nbsp;



“The PFAS crisis is global,” said Dr. Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at EWG. “Like humans, wildlife are exposed to multiple PFAS at a time, through the diet, air, water and soil, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent and toxic chemicals as a class.”



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



Recent studies have shown alarming effects of PFAS on species like the North Carolina alligators and sea turtles in the north Pacific.&nbsp;



The research on alligators showed that elevated levels of PFAS were associated with higher occurrences of skin lesions, as well as wounds that did not heal properly and became infected.



The study on sea turtles demonstrated that animals are vulnerable to the effects of PFAS exposure at every stage, from their eggs to immune systems.



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



EWG's updated wildlife map, capturing over 200 peer-reviewed studies, now documents more than 120 unique PFAS compounds found in 625 animal species.&nbsp;



The interactive map showcases a variety of animals, from amphibians and fish to large mammals like polar bears.&nbsp;



“The wildlife map is not an exhaustive catalog of all animal studies but mostly those published in the past few years," said Dr. Andrews.



"PFAS are ubiquitous, and this first-of-its-kind map clearly captures the extent to which PFAS have contaminated wildlife around the globe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-effects-nbsp">Lingering effects&nbsp;</h2>



The persistence of PFAS in the body and environment is troubling. With these chemicals found in almost everyone, including infants, the health implications cannot be ignored.&nbsp;



PFAS exposure has been connected to various health issues in humans, such as weakened immune systems and heightened cancer risks.



PFAS's widespread use, found in consumer goods ranging from cosmetics and food packaging to firefighting foams, underscores the massive challenge of addressing this contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-action">Call for action</h2>



Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at EWG, warns that current methods of PFAS disposal might lead to even more pollution, with the consequences echoing throughout the food chain. She calls for immediate action to halt all non-essential PFAS applications.



“Our research found that the most common methods we have for getting rid of PFAS may end up leading to further pollution,” said Dr. Stoiber.&nbsp;



“And we can expect that contamination to ripple through the food chain, potentially affecting even more species, including humans."&nbsp;



“Our choice is either to keep polluting the planet or take immediate action to stop all nonessential uses of PFAS."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-pollution">Industrial pollution</h2>



According to the experts, considering the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, it is important to try to minimize exposure wherever possible.



“We need to accelerate - not delay - efforts to turn off the tap of PFAS pollution from industrial sources,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs.



“For decades, polluters have with impunity dumped as much PFAS as they wanted into our air, rivers, streams, lakes and bays."



“The Biden Environmental Protection Agency must move faster and not rely on cash-strapped state regulators to turn off the tap.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165939">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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PFAS crisis: Humans are an early warning system for wildlife impacts

In a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG),...

A recent study on Caribbean parrots has revealed that species believed to be unique to specific islands were once more prevalent and varied than previously thought.&nbsp;



The research helps to explain why parrots, particularly those on islands, have become the globe's most endangered bird group.



"Humans did not arrive on most of the world’s islands until relatively recently, making islands favorable places for disentangling the timing and magnitude of natural and anthropogenic impacts on species diversity and distributions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Here, we focus on Amazona parrots in the Caribbean, which have close relationships with humans."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-survivors">Protecting the survivors</h2>



In 1492, during Christopher Columbus' maiden journey to the Caribbean, parrot flocks were so abundant that they reportedly "obscured the sun."&nbsp;



But today, over half of the Caribbean parrot species, ranging from macaws to parrotlets, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-earths-species-may-be-extinct-by-2010/">extinct</a>. The task of conserving the surviving species has been hindered by the limited knowledge of their historical distributions.&nbsp;



“People have always been obsessed with parrots,” said study lead author Jessica Oswald, a senior biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab.&nbsp;



“Indigenous peoples have moved parrots across continents and between islands for thousands of years. Later, European colonists continued that practice, and we’re still moving them around today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unclear-origins">Unclear origins</h2>



According to the researchers, centuries of trade have made it difficult to know how parrots wound up where they are now. Half of the 24 parrot species that currently live in the Caribbean were introduced from other areas, and it’s unclear whether native parrots evolved on the islands they inhabit or were similarly transported there.



“There are records of parrots being kept in homes, where they were valued for their feathers and, in some cases, potentially as a source of food,” said study senior author Michelle LeFebvre from the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-fossil-species">Identifying fossil species</h2>



Parrots are often discovered at archaeological sites, and they have a remarkable fossil record in the Caribbean.&nbsp;



Previously, the fragmented nature of these remains made it impossible to identify the fossil species. But now, recent advancements in DNA technology have made it possible.&nbsp;



David Steadman, a retired curator of ornithology, collaborated with Oswald, who successfully sequenced DNA from a 2,500-year-old extinct Caribbean bird.&nbsp;



“For me, the single most satisfying thing about this project is we can use fossils in ways that weren’t even imaginable when they came out of the ground,” said Steadman.



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



Using genetic sequencing methods, the experts established connections between extinct flightless Caribbean birds and those in Africa and New Zealand.



The research focused mainly on the Cuban and Hispaniolan parrots of the Amazona genus.&nbsp;



While the Cuban parrot species currently thrives in select areas of the Caribbean, the Hispaniolan species faces potential extinction, restricted to its namesake island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-extinctions-nbsp">Dark extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



The DNA analysis led to some surprising revelations. For example, fossils from Bahamian sites previously assumed to belong to the more prevalent Cuban parrots were actually from Hispaniolan parrots.&nbsp;



This suggests that Hispaniolan parrots once ranged through the Bahamas before humans reached the islands.



“One of the striking things about this study is the discovery of what could be considered dark extinctions,” LeFebvre said. “We’re learning about diversity we didn’t even know existed until we took a closer look at museum specimens.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-factor">The human factor</h2>



The study also illuminates the human role in species distribution. According to Oswald, knowing where species once thrived is the first step to conserving what’s left of their diversity.



“We have to think about what we consider to be natural,” she said. “People have been altering the natural world for thousands of years, and species that we think are endemic to certain areas might be the product of recent range loss due to humans."



"It takes paleontologists, archaeologists, evolutionary biologists and museum scientists all working together to really understand the long-term role of humans on diversity change.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2301128120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Humans have relocated Caribbean parrots for thousands of years

A recent study on Caribbean parrots has revealed that species...

In a recent study led by Professor Adrian David Cheok at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, researchers have successfully deciphered the emotional states of chickens through their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-use-both-calls-and-vision-to-coordinate-flight/">vocalizations</a>. This unique endeavor seeks to bridge the interspecies communication gap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicken-vocalizations">Chicken vocalizations</h2>



The research, which is still awaiting peer review, has reported a groundbreaking achievement. The team determined the six emotional states of chickens - hunger, fear, anger, contentment, excitement, and distress - with 80% accuracy solely based on vocalizations.&nbsp;



The preliminary findings have been documented in a paper submitted to Nature Scientific Reports and initially published in <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3034567/v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Square</a>.



Cheok, otherwise recognized for his sex robot research, humorously commented on this novel venture: “It’s a cluckin’ great leap for science! And this is just the beginning."



"We hope to be able to adapt these AI and ML techniques to other animals and lay the groundwork for incredible intelligence in the various animal-related industries. If we know what animals are feeling we can design a much better world for them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-emotional-analysis-learning-deal">Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL)</h2>



“Our methodology employs a cutting-edge AI technique we call Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL), a highly mathematical and innovative approach that allows for the nuanced understanding of emotional states through auditory data,” explained Cheok.&nbsp;



The innovative AI technique holds the promise of designing a more humane environment for animals by better comprehending their feelings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-expertise-nbsp">Collaborative expertise&nbsp;</h2>



"We conducted our study with a sample of 80 chickens, meticulously recording and analyzing their vocalizations under various conditions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"To ensure the accuracy of our system's interpretations, we collaborated with a team of eight animal psychologists and veterinary surgeons, who provided expert insights into the emotional states of the chickens."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accurate-results">Accurate results</h2>



The researchers meticulously analyzed approximately 200 hours of chicken sounds. The AI system was trained on half of these recordings, where each sound was labeled with a corresponding emotional state.&nbsp;



When tested on the remaining 100 hours of chicken vocalizations, the system impressively pinpointed the chickens' emotional states most of the time.



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



“This research not only opens up new avenues for understanding and improving animal welfare but also sets a precedent for further studies in AI-driven interspecies communication,” said the study authors.



They noted that chickens are “highly social animals” and plan to create a free app so that farmers can use the technology to communicate with their chickens.



According to the researchers, this study not only enhances our understanding of animal welfare but also sets the foundation for further exploration in AI-facilitated interspecies communication.&nbsp;



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



Farming Online recognizes the immense potential of this research, saying that it could redefine animal welfare, advance veterinary medicine, improve poultry farming conditions, and assist animal behavior research, among other applications.



"The novelty of our approach lies in its application of sophisticated AI techniques to a largely unexplored area of study," concluded the researchers.



"By bridging the gap between human and animal communication, we believe our research will pave the way for more empathetic and effective interactions with the animal kingdom."



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AI can now interpret the emotional states of chickens through their noises

In a recent study led by Professor Adrian David Cheok...

Pet,Care,Concept.,Funny,Smiling,Golden,Retriever,Dog,In,The

College life, often depicted as exhilarating and liberating, is also synonymous with stress due to the amalgamation of academic pressures, work, and personal responsibilities. Recognizing the myriad of pressures students face, universities have initiated innovative stress relief programs. One such program named “Pet Your Stress Away” encourages students to pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/therapy-dogs-boost-cognitive-skills-in-college-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> and cats. 



The essence of these programs is allowing students to interact with furry friends, aiming to alleviate stress and improve overall mood. Scientists at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU) have substantiated the effectiveness of these programs, revealing their capability to yield significant stress-relieving physiological benefits beyond just elevating moods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reaping-benefits-in-just-ten-minutes">Reaping benefits in just ten minutes</h2>



Patricia Pendry, an Associate Professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development, underscores the impact of animal interaction, stating, “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact”. 



The study, conducted by Pendry along with WSU graduate student Jaymie Vandagriff and published in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2332858419852592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERA Open</a>, demonstrated that students experiencing interaction with cats and dogs showed a marked reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone. 



These findings are pivotal as they represent the first instance where reductions in cortisol levels in students were observed during a real-life intervention outside the laboratory setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The meticulously designed study included 249 college students who were randomly segregated into four distinct groups. The students in the first group were given the opportunity to interact directly with cats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dog-feel-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, allowing them to pet and play with the animals for ten minutes. 



To gauge the variable impacts of differing animal exposures, the second group observed others interacting with the animals while awaiting their turn. The third group viewed a slideshow featuring the animals, and the fourth was waitlisted, anticipating interaction but initially without any engagement or stimuli.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-cortisol-reduction-from-petting-dogs">Significant cortisol reduction from petting dogs</h2>



The methodological approach included collecting several salivary cortisol samples from each participant from the time they woke up. The subsequent data analysis revealed that students who engaged directly with the animals exhibited significantly lower cortisol levels in their saliva post-interaction. These compelling results remained consistent, even accounting for the varying initial cortisol levels amongst students.



Benefits beyond surface-level



Universities' incorporation of “Pet Your Stress Away” programs is rooted in the acknowledgement of the multi-faceted pressures inundating students. These programs don’t merely serve as a transient mood enhancer. They penetrate deeper, offering tangible physiological benefits by significantly reducing stress levels.



 The study validates the potency of these programs, highlighting their ability to create a holistic, positive impact within a mere ten-minute interaction window.



In summary, the innovative stress reduction programs instituted by many universities manifest a proactive approach to address the escalating stress levels amongst students, combining academic vigor with emotional well-being. The conclusive evidence provided by the study conducted at Washington State University accentuates the vital role such programs can play in fostering a balanced and conducive learning or working environment. 



By allowing a short respite through animal interaction, universities are not just enhancing student mood but are also contributing to their overall well-being by inducing physiological changes that combat stress.



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Petting dogs and cats dramatically reduces stress

College life, often depicted as exhilarating and liberating, is also...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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