Dragonflies outlasted the dinosaurs and even endured asteroid strikes. But now they face a survival threat unlike any before. Rising heat and wildfires are reshaping the very traits they depend on to attract mates.



A study from the <a href="https://www.ucdenver.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Denver</a> shows how this shift could push some species toward local extinction. Traits that once drew partners are now putting dragonflies at risk.



“Dragonflies have survived asteroids, but now climate change and wildfires are threatening them in ways evolution can’t keep up with,” said lead author Sarah Nalley, a PhD student in CU Denver’s Integrative Biology program. 



“Our findings suggest that adaptation alone may not be fast enough to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-larvae-expose-climates-hidden-influence-on-biology/">species</a> in a rapidly changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-ornaments-backfire">When ornaments backfire</h2>



Many dragonflies have dark spots on their wings. These patterns attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-hunt-perfectly-even-in-extreme-temperatures/">mates</a>. They also absorb heat. In hotter regions and burned habitats, that heat builds too quickly. Males tire, rest, and lose chances to compete for females.



Thermal imaging confirmed the problem. Dark spots made wings hotter, faster. Unlike the peppered moth, where wing color affected survival through camouflage, dragonflies face a different pressure. Here, color weakens reproductive success. Survival is not enough if mating fails.



This twist highlights a blind spot in conservation. Scientists usually check if species survive hotter, drier habitats. But if mating collapses, the population vanishes regardless of survival, leaving ecosystems weaker and biodiversity loss far greater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-survival-amid-wildfires">Dragonfly survival amid wildfires</h2>



“This changes how we think about vulnerability,” said Professor Michael Moore. “It’s not just about whether animals can survive after wildfire - it’s about whether they can reproduce in those modified environments. That’s the key to long-term survival.”



If reproduction falters, decline accelerates. And dragonflies matter. They eat mosquitoes, keeping insect numbers in check. They also feed birds, fish, and amphibians. Lose them, and entire food webs shift, unraveling in unpredictable ways.



Dragonflies have always seemed resilient. But this study suggests they may not keep pace with today’s rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-developed-dark-wing-spots-for-survival/">changes</a>, showing how climate and fire pressures can overwhelm even long-lasting species once thought secure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-data-reveal-worrying-trends">Wildfire data reveal worrying trends</h2>



The project began as a class assignment in Professor Moore’s course. Students worked with open datasets: wildfire maps from the U.S. Geological Survey, climate records, and citizen science observations spanning 40 years. No external funding backed the research.



Despite the simple beginnings, the analysis uncovered a serious trend. Dragonflies with ornamental wings are disappearing from fire-damaged and hotter regions. The data gave a broad view of how climate and wildfires interact with reproductive traits.



Nalley brought personal motivation. She lost her home in Superior, Colorado, during the 2021 Marshall Fire. That experience shaped her focus.



“I knew I wanted to study animals - and after the fire, I knew I wanted to study wildfires too,” said Nalley. “That experience pushed me to ask how animals are affected not just by surviving a fire, but by whether they can still reproduce and carry on the species afterward.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-conservation">Lessons for conservation</h2>



The findings stretch beyond dragonflies. If ancient predators that once ruled the skies falter, what about other species? The research shows conservationists must look past survival rates. Reproduction matters just as much.



“Working with Sarah pushed me to think about my own research in a new way,” said Moore. “She came in with great questions about wildfires and reproduction that made me reconsider how I approach these big ecological issues.”



The study’s message is clear: ecosystems don’t just need species to live, they need them to breed. Dragonflies warn us of what happens when natural signals of attraction turn into liabilities, threatening stability, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-decline-from-wildfires">Dragonfly decline from wildfires</h2>



Dragonflies have been here for hundreds of millions of years. Their decline would mark a profound loss. More than that, it would unsettle the balance of ecosystems that depend on them.



The CU Denver research shows how quickly environmental pressures reach into the smallest details of life - courtship displays, wing patterns, mating chances. Those details decide whether a species thrives or disappears, shaping both present ecosystems and future biodiversity.



Dragonflies are not just survivors from deep time. They are indicators of how even the most resilient animals can stumble in a warming, fire-prone world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02417-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Dragonflies lived with dinosaurs, now they face their toughest fight for survival

Dragonflies outlasted the dinosaurs and even endured asteroid strikes. But now they face a survival threat unlike any before. Rising heat and wildfires are reshaping the very traits they depend on to attract mates. A study from the University of Colorado Denver shows how this shift could push some species toward local extinction. Traits that once drew partners are now putting dragonflies at risk. “Dragonflies have survived asteroids, but now climate change and wildfires are threatening them in ways evolution can’t keep up with,” said lead author...

Elasmosaurus,,Group,Of,Long-necked,Plesiosaurs,From,The,Late,Cretaceous,Period,

By describing the first known Jurassic vertebrate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-britains-jurassic-past/">fossils</a> in Texas, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">University of Texas at Austin</a> has recently filled a major gap in the state’s fossil record. The weathered bone fragments are part of the limbs and bones of a plesiosaur, a marine reptile that inhabited the shallow sea which covered what is now northeastern Mexico and far western Texas about 150 million years ago.



The fossils were discovered in the Malone Mountains of West Texas during two hunting expeditions led by Steven May, an adjunct research professor of Vertebrate Paleontology at UT Austin.



<h2 id="h-texas-during-the-jurassic">Texas during the Jurassic&nbsp;</h2>



Before this unprecedented discovery, the only Jurassic fossils found in Texas belonged to marine invertebrates, such as snails and ammonites. The new findings provide solid evidence that massive vertebrates have also inhabited this region millions of years ago.



“Folks, there are Jurassic vertebrates out there. We found some of them, but there’s more to be discovered that can tell us the story of what this part of Texas was like during the Jurassic,” May said.



Jurassic fossils require Jurassic-aged rocks to be preserved in. However, due to its geological history, Texas hardly has any outcrops from this historical period, with the 13 square miles of Jurassic-aged rocks from the Malone Mountains representing most of such rocks in the state.



<h2 id="h-previous-clues">Previous clues</h2>



In 2015, May and his team found a clue in a 1938 paper on the geology of the Malone Mountains by Claude Albritton, who later became a professor of Geology at the Southern Methodist University (SMU): the mentioning of large bone fragments observed in that area.&nbsp;



Indeed, May’s subsequent research expedition to West Texas confirmed the presence of such bones, which although are eroded and broken up, could still shed more light on Texas’ prehistoric ecosystems and possibly lead to further discoveries in the near future.



“Geologists are going to go out there looking for more bones. They’re going to find them, and they’re going to look for the other things that interest them in their own special ways,” said co-author Louis Jacobs, an emeritus professor of Vertebrate Paleontology at SMU.



<h2 id="h-additional-specimens-found">Additional specimens found</h2>



While today the Malone Mountains rise above a dry desert landscape, during the Jurassic, the sediments were likely deposited just below sea level within miles of the shoreline. Besides the plesiosaur fossils, the researchers also discovered several other specimens providing a glimpse of this ancient shallow marine environment, including petrified driftwood filled with burrows from marine worms, the shells of ammonites, snails, and clams, as well as range of plant fossils, such as a pinecone and wood with possible growth rings.&nbsp;



According to co-author Lisa Boucher, a paleobotanist at UT Austin, since Jurassic plant fossils from lower attitudes close to the Equator are relatively rare, these findings could make the Malone Mountains a major place of interest to paleobotanists and other scientists working on paleoenvironmental reconstruction.



While the reasons for discovering only recently these prehistoric fossils are not completely clear, the findings highlight the crucial value of field work. “It’s frequently part of the scientific process. There’re a few lines buried in an old publication, and you think ‘surely somebody has already looked at that,’ but often they haven’t. You need to delve into it,” Boucher concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.24872/rmgjournal.58.1.19">Royal Mountain Geology</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-plesiosaurs">More about plesiosaurs</h2>



Plesiosaurs were a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 203 to 66 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive body shape, with a small head, long neck, broad body, and four large flippers.



There were many different species of plesiosaurs, some of which were quite large. The smallest species were about the size of a person, while the largest could grow to lengths of over 15 meters.



There are generally two major body types of plesiosaurs. Some, known as the "plesiosauromorph" plesiosaurs, had long necks and small heads, somewhat similar to the popular image of the Loch Ness Monster. They likely used their long necks to catch fish and other small marine animals. Others, known as the "pliosauromorph" plesiosaurs, had shorter necks and larger heads, and were likely active predators of larger prey.



Plesiosaurs are not dinosaurs, but they lived during the same period. Like dinosaurs, they became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period, likely due to the same catastrophic event, often attributed to a large asteroid or comet impact.



The study of plesiosaurs contributes to our understanding of the diversity of life in the Earth's past and how organisms adapt to their environment over time. They are often studied in the field of paleontology, which involves the study of ancient life forms through the examination of fossil remains.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Plesiosaur fossils are the first evidence of Jurassic vertebrates in Texas

By describing the first known Jurassic vertebrate fossils in Texas,...

As summer heats up, it's crucial for dog owners to be aware of the potentially lethal risks of heatstroke in their furry friends. <a href="https://thepetlabco.com/">PetLab Co</a>., a veterinary service based in the US, recently published a video outlining five early warning signs of this dangerous condition.



"Every <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-their-humans-often-share-similar-personalities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog owner</a> should know this," the accompanying caption declared, underscoring the urgency of the message. The video demonstrated each of the five signs, overlaying them onto footage of dogs under the scorching sun.



<h2 id="h-five-signs-of-a-heatstroke-in-dogs">Five signs of a heatstroke in dogs</h2>



Heatstroke symptoms to watch for include heavy panting, excessive drooling, a bright red tongue and gums, skin that feels hot to touch, and an accelerated heart rate. This life-threatening condition occurs when a dog's body overheats and is unable to effectively cool itself down.



"Seek the advice of a veterinarian if this happens to your dog," PetLab Co. advised in the comments section of their post. Swift action is crucial to ensure the survival and recovery of a dog experiencing heatstroke.



However, the best strategy for dealing with heatstroke is prevention. Liz Lannie, a pet behaviorist with <a href="https://www.bellaandduke.com/">Bella &amp; Duke</a>, provided FEMAIL with some valuable advice on dog safety in the hot summer weather.



Lannie emphasized that summer should not be a time of fear for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/">dog owners</a>. Instead, she said, "By following the right steps you can make sure all of your outside time with your furry friend can be an enjoyable and most importantly safe experience." 



Preparation, she advised, is the key to a memorable summer with your pet, including regular grooming and ensuring plenty of water is available.



Hydration is vital to prevent dog heatstroke, as they can lose up to one liter of water per day. "The more water they lose, the higher the chances of overheating," said Lannie. 



She recommended setting up multiple water stations around the house to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-evidence-that-dogs-have-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protect dogs</a> from overheating and dehydration.



<h2 id="h-outdoor-dog-safety-measures">Outdoor dog safety measures&nbsp;</h2>



Outdoor dog safety measures include sticking to the shade and avoiding car trips. "Dog heatstroke can easily be induced by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight," Lannie explained, suggesting dog owners ensure shaded areas are available for their pets to rest. 



When it comes to cars, she stressed that even with water and open windows, vehicles are a dangerous place for dogs in the summer. "In a car, dogs can develop heatstroke in just 15 minutes," she cautioned.



Regarding beach walks, Lannie urged owners to be mindful of their dogs' sensitive paws which can easily burn on hot sand. However, she added that quick, refreshing dips in the sea can be beneficial.



For those without beach access, filling a paddling pool can help dogs stay cool. "This will help to responsibly bring down your furry friend's body temperature and absorb water through their skin and paws making sure they are hydrated as well as cool," Lannie suggested.



<h2 id="h-additional-dog-heatstroke-prevention-tips">Additional dog heatstroke prevention tips</h2>



Diet can also play a role in helping dogs beat the heat. Lannie suggested serving cool treats such as bone broth lollies as "great summer snacks." She also advised dog owners to keep their pets away from barbecues, as the irresistible smells can tempt them into danger.



Sunscreen is another crucial aspect of summer dog safety care. Lannie emphasized that dogs can indeed get sunburnt and that certain breeds, particularly those with lighter hair, are more susceptible. "Sunburn for dogs isn't just painful, but like humans, it can also increase the risk of skin cancer," she warned.



Lastly, grooming can help dogs cope with the summer heat. "Most dogs will start to shed their coat as summer begins, so regular brushing will get rid of any old hair that could make them even hotter," Lannie advised.



<h2 id="h-more-about-dog-safety-and-protecting-your-pets">More about dog safety and protecting your pets</h2>



Keeping your pets safe and healthy requires regular care and precaution. Here are some tips for protecting your pets:



<h3 id="h-regular-vet-check-ups">Regular vet check-ups</h3>



Regular visits to the veterinarian ensure that your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and receive preventative treatments for parasites like fleas and heartworms. Vets can also identify any potential health issues early on.



<h2 id="h-microchip-your-pet">Microchip your pet</h2>



A microchip can help to reunite you with your pet if they get lost. Make sure to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip registry.



<h3 id="h-nutrition-and-exercise">Nutrition and exercise</h3>



Just like humans, pets need a <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/can-dogs-eat-bananas-and-other-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balanced diet</a> and regular exercise to stay healthy. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health problems.



<h3 id="h-spay-neuter-your-pet">Spay/neuter your pet</h3>



This can prevent unwanted litters and also protect your pet from certain types of cancer and other health issues.



<h3 id="h-training-and-socialization">Training and socialization</h3>



This can help prevent behavioral issues and ensure your pet is well-behaved around others. It's also important for their mental stimulation and overall well-being.



<h3 id="h-safety-in-vehicles">Safety in vehicles</h3>



Never leave your pet unattended in a car, especially in hot weather. This is one of the most common ways that dogs get heatstroke. Also, When driving, secure your pet in a carrier or with a pet seat belt.



<h3 id="h-pet-proof-your-home">Pet-proof your home</h3>



Keep harmful substances, choking hazards, and escape routes out of reach. This includes things like cleaning products, certain plants, small objects they might swallow, etc.



<h3 id="h-keep-up-with-grooming">Keep up with grooming</h3>



Regular grooming can prevent a variety of health issues in pets. This includes brushing their teeth, bathing them, and regularly checking their skin, ears, and nails.



Use a leash or carrier



When outside of your home, keep dogs on a leash and cats or small pets in a carrier. This can protect them from running into traffic, encountering aggressive animals, or getting lost.



—-



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Expert tips: How to keep your dog safe from heatstroke this summer

As summer heats up, it's crucial for dog owners to...

Male,And,Female,Northern,Cardinals,Perched,On,Branch,Of,Chinese

The continuous escalation in global temperatures is causing trouble for our feathered friends, as spring arrives earlier each year. Birds around the world are having fewer offspring, resulting in declining populations across most species.



Birds are finding it increasingly difficult to recognize the arrival of spring and its associated breeding time. This revelation comes from a recent study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.



The research project was led by a large consortium of scientists from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu">UCLA</a> and <a href="https://www.msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>. The team revealed that birds produce fewer offspring if their breeding starts either too early or late in the season. 



<h2 id="h-team-examines-why-birds-are-producing-fewer-offspring">Team examines why birds are producing fewer offspring</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds are struggling to adapt</a> as climate change causes spring to arrive earlier. This is sounding alarm bells to scientists about the potential impact on bird populations.



Spring, for birds, is heralded by the first appearance of green plants and flowers. However, climate change has led these signs of spring to arrive earlier than usual. This results in a troubling mismatch between when spring arrives earlier and when birds are ready to breed.



The study’s authors suggest that this mismatch will likely exacerbate as the global temperature continues to rise. This could lead to catastrophic effects on many bird populations.



<h2>Conservation strategies urged as spring arrives earlier each year</h2>



Casey Youngflesh, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the gravity of the situation. He said, “By the end of the 21st century, spring is likely to arrive about 25 days earlier, with birds breeding only about 6.75 days earlier.”



Youngflesh spearheaded the research during his postdoctoral tenure at UCLA. He further warns of a possible 12% decrease in breeding productivity for the average songbird species due to these shifts.



Scientists are urging for conservation strategies to tackle this issue and mitigate the potential impacts of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-coloration-is-fading-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-driven changes</a> on bird species.



<h2>Mismatch between breeding times and arrival of spring</h2>



Understanding the potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> as spring arrives earlier has been a significant scientific goal for many years. Morgan Tingley, a UCLA associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, and the senior author of the study, sheds light on the conundrum.



Tingley says, “For nearly 30 years, scientists have hypothesized that animals could become mismatched from plants as springs begin earlier.”



He explains that while some case studies have provided evidence of this phenomenon, it remains unclear whether spring arriving earlier would pose a generalized problem for most species.



Birds’ breeding success depends heavily on timing. Breeding either too early or late could expose their eggs or newborns to adverse weather conditions. This results in birds producing fewer offspring.



The availability of food also plays a vital role. If birds seek food either too early or late compared to its natural availability, they might not be able to nurture their young effectively.



Tingley affirms this finding, revealing that they found impacts on bird reproduction related to both the absolute and relative timing.



<h2>Data analyzed from large bird banding program</h2>



The research involved a substantial amount of data analysis. The scientists used data from a large-scale bird banding program operated by the <a href="https://www.birdpop.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Bird Populations</a>.



They analyzed the breeding timing and the number of young produced by 41 migratory and resident bird species at 179 sites near forests throughout North America between 2001 and 2018.



Using satellite imaging, they determined when vegetation sprouted around each site. Their findings showed that each bird species had an optimal breeding time. &nbsp;An early spring arrival or out-of-sync breeding affected the number of young produced.



Interestingly, some bird species, like the northern cardinal, Bewick’s wren, and wrentit, seemed to benefit from the early onset of spring.



These non-migratory species showed improved breeding productivity when spring started earlier. The team hypothesizes that this is attributed to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-may-help-birds-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability to adapt quickly</a> to changes in vegetation growth.



However, these species were outliers. Most non-migratory species, along with their migratory counterparts, struggled with the early arrival of spring.



<h2>Migratory birds struggle more as spring arrives earlier</h2>



The researchers noted that for every four days earlier that spring arrived, bird species adjusted their breeding by only about a day.



Migratory birds face particular difficulties. The time gap between their arrival at breeding sites and the beginning of the breeding season is likely to shrink as spring arrives earlier. This situation could create disturbances in establishing territories and preparing physiologically for egg-laying and rearing young.



"North America has lost nearly a third of its bird populations since the 1970s," says Tingley. With bird populations already under threat, it's crucial to address these climate-related challenges sooner rather than later.



The most severe impacts of timing mismatch are not expected for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-severely-impact-birds-by-2080/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several more decades</a>. However, Tingley underscores the importance of implementing concrete strategies to bolster bird populations before climate change inflicts further damage.



The groundbreaking research received primary funding from the National Science Foundation and was also supported by researchers from the University of Florida, Pennsylvania State University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the Institute for Bird Populations.



<h2>More about breeding habits of birds</h2>



Birds, much like other species, have unique and diverse breeding habits. They vary greatly based on their species, location, and environmental factors.



The breeding process generally starts with courtship, which can involve elaborate rituals. For example, male birds often try to attract mates by showing off their colorful plumage, singing complex songs, or performing fascinating dances.



<h3>Mating ritual and nest building</h3>



In many bird species, the male's primary goal during this phase is to demonstrate that he is the best choice for the female. He must convince the female of his fitness and the survival potential of their offspring.



Once a mate is chosen, birds then engage in nest-building. They pick a suitable location, usually somewhere safe from predators and harsh weather conditions.



Depending on the species, the nest may be a simple scrape in the ground. For other species, a complex structure is built using sticks, grass, and other materials. Usually, both the male and female participate in nest construction.



<h3>Incubation period and chick development</h3>



After setting up the nest, birds lay their eggs. The number of eggs varies among species. Some, like the albatross, lay only one egg. Others, like the starling, can lay as many as fifteen. Generally, birds produce oval or round eggs with hard shells for protection.



Birds then enter the incubation period. During this time, they keep the eggs warm to encourage the chicks' development inside. Both parents often share this duty. However, in some species, it falls entirely to the female.



Once the chicks hatch, the parents continue to protect them and provide food until they can fend for themselves. Some birds even teach their young how to fly.



However, these general steps do not cover the incredible diversity of bird breeding habits. As mentioned previously, as spring arrives earlier, many species of birds produce fewer offspring.



Penguins, for example, breed in large colonies in extremely cold conditions. The males incubate the eggs while females go out to hunt.



Brood parasites like cuckoos have a completely different approach. They lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the unsuspecting hosts to raise their young.



Despite these differences, all birds share the same ultimate goal in their breeding habits. They all strive too ensure the survival of their species. In doing so, they contribute to the richness of our planet's biodiversity.

Birds produce fewer offspring as spring arrives earlier across our warming world

The continuous escalation in global temperatures is causing trouble for...

Since evolution is usually a slow process, many animal species have significant problems adapting to a rapidly changing climate.&nbsp;



To estimate the possible impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-changes-in-birds-linked-to-global-warming/">birds</a>, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://nioo.knaw.nl/en">Netherlands Institute of Ecology</a> (NIOO-KNAW) has recently conducted a genomic selection experiment on great tits (Parus major), a model species frequently used in scientific studies. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ade6350">Science Advances</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-studying-how-birds-change-by-examining-the-future">Studying how birds change by examining the future</h2>



“It’s important to know [how fast species can adapt to climate change] because climate change and evolution need to keep a relatively even pace for species to keep up,” said senior author Marcel Visser, a biologist at NIOO-KNAW.



“That’s why we set out to study great tits from the future. In the coming decades, natural selection will produce birds with a particular genetic make-up. To predict the extent to which these birds can respond to natural selection, we sped up evolution through artificial selection of genetically early and late birds in aviaries. We then took the eggs to our long-term population in De Hoge Veluwe national park, to see how their offspring did compared to wild great tits.”



“In the forest, the earliest birds did in fact lay their eggs earlier than great tits selected for laying eggs late,” reported lead author Melania Lindner, a doctoral student in Ornithology at the same institution.&nbsp;



“So we were able to successfully select them for laying eggs early or late in spring. But the earliest birds didn’t lay their eggs significantly earlier than the wild great tits breeding in the forest, while the ones we selected for laying their eggs late, did have a significantly later lay date.” 



Thus, the early birds did not seem to breed more successfully than their wild counterparts, suggesting that genetic adaptation towards early lay dates is an extremely slow process.



<h2 id="h-climate-change-is-happening-too-fast-for-animal-evolution">Climate change is happening too fast for animal evolution</h2>



Moreover, climate change will likely cause significant ecological relationship problems to insectivorous songbirds such as the great tit. 



According to the experts, their timing no longer matches that of the insects their offspring need to feed on, such as caterpillars, making the young miss out sources of nutrients that usually play a major role in their growth. 



While changing their timing could be a possible solution, it is not yet clear how much earlier the birds could actually lay their eggs.



“What we’re seeing now is that climate change is simply going too fast for them,” Visser said. “They won’t be able to adapt sufficiently. In the bleakest climate scenarios, in particular, the birds will fall behind more and more.”



<h2 id="h-climate-impacts-on-animal-evolution-are-camouflaged">Climate impacts on animal evolution are camouflaged</h2>



However, for the moment, the real impact of climate change on great tits is “camouflaged” by density-dependent processes. 



For instance, since out of every ten chicks, eight or nine would usually die in their first year due to factors such as predation, food shortages, or competition, if three of them die before fledging due to climate change, the chances of the remaining seven may improve. 



Moreover, there is also significant annual weather variation, which makes it more difficult to measure the impact of climate on the birds in the field. 



Although the mismatch between wild great tits and their food was surprisingly small during the study period, this situation is likely to change as the climate continues to warm.



&nbsp;“Now that we have looked at the impact of climate change on the relatively straightforward food chain of oak tree, winter moth, and great tit, it’s time to see if we can include a larger number of the species that together make up a food network,” Visser concluded.



<h2 id="h-more-about-birds-and-climate-change">More about birds and climate change</h2>



Birds are greatly affected by climate change, which has been primarily driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Here are some of the key ways in which climate change affects bird populations:



<h3 id="h-habitat-shifts">Habitat shifts</h3>



As temperatures rise, the habitats of many bird species are shifting. For instance, birds that typically live in cooler climates may move further north or to higher elevations. This can cause displacement, and in some cases, the birds might not find suitable new habitats, leading to population declines.



<h3 id="h-birds-change-migration-patterns">Birds change migration patterns</h3>



Many birds rely on specific cues for migration, such as temperature and the availability of food. Climate change can cause these cues to change, which can, in turn, affect the timing and patterns of bird migration. This might lead to mismatches between the time when birds migrate and the availability of food and nesting sites.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-food-availability">Changes in food availability</h3>



Climate change can affect the abundance and distribution of prey and plant species that birds rely on for food. For example, if insects emerge earlier in the year due to warmer temperatures but birds do not adjust their migration patterns accordingly, there may be less food available for the birds when they arrive at their breeding grounds.



<h3 id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



An increase in the frequency and severity of storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events can have devastating effects on bird populations. For example, intense hurricanes can destroy nesting sites, while droughts can reduce the availability of water and food.



<h3 id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Many bird species live in coastal areas, and rising sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps can result in the loss of critical habitats for these birds. Species that nest on beaches or in marshes are particularly vulnerable.



<h3 id="h-altered-breeding-seasons">Altered breeding seasons</h3>



Warmer temperatures may cause birds to begin their breeding seasons earlier. This can sometimes be beneficial if it allows them to take advantage of more abundant food resources, but it can also lead to problems if, for instance, the young birds are not yet strong enough to survive when it is time for them to migrate.



<h3 id="h-increased-disease-and-parasites">Increased disease and parasites</h3>



Warmer temperatures can also lead to the spread of diseases and parasites that affect bird populations. For example, as temperatures rise, mosquitoes, which are vectors for diseases like West Nile Virus, can expand their range, potentially affecting bird populations not previously exposed to these diseases.



<h3 id="h-species-interactions-and-competition">Species interactions and competition</h3>



As bird species move and adapt to new areas, they may come into contact and compete with other species they didn't encounter before. This can have unpredictable consequences on community structures and the survival of some species.



Conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change on bird populations are important. These can include protecting and restoring habitats, creating corridors for species migration, and taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.&nbsp;



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Is climate change happening too fast for birds to keep up?

Since evolution is usually a slow process, many animal species...

Boto,Amazon,River,Dolphin

A recent study unveils the looming threats the Amazon river dolphins are facing from human activities such as fishing, dam construction, and river dredging.



These beautiful creatures, known for their friendly nature and distinct pink hue, have found their survival challenged due to human interferences in their habitats. Their species has lived in the the vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-muddy-waters-of-the-amazon-river-reach-the-atlantic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco</a> for at least 15 million years.



In a collaborative effort between the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/us-2/?mrasn=756487.940308.RgkAJWXJ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and Peruvian conservation organization <a href="https://www.prodelphinusperu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pro Delphinus</a>, researchers tracked eight Amazon river dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon via satellite tags.



<h2 id="h-tracking-the-movements-of-amazon-river-dolphins">Tracking the movements of Amazon river dolphins</h2>



The main focus of the study was to map out the dolphins' movement patterns. They also measured their proximity to various fishing regions, as well as proposed dam and dredging sites.



The data revealed that a staggering 89% of the dolphins' home range living area overlapped with fishing zones. In addition, the researchers located the dolphins an average of 156 miles away from the nearest proposed dam. The nearest intended dredging site is only 78 miles away.



Even though these distances seem substantial, one should note that a dolphin's range can cover more than 30 miles. The effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-planning-in-the-amazon-should-be-redirected-to-freshwater-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dam construction</a> and dredging can impact long stretches of river habitats.



Moreover, many of these endangered Amazon river dolphins inhabit regions much closer to the proposed development sites, compared to the seven males and one female dolphins tagged in this research.



<h2>Struggling for survival against human activities</h2>



Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, a key researcher from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/cornwall/research/facilitiesandcentres/cec/">Centre for Ecology and Conservation</a> at Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, warns, “It’s clear that the Amazon river dolphin is facing increasing threats from humans.”



Dr. Campbell elaborates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-is-wiping-out-large-bodied-fish-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing practices</a> can lead to a significant reduction in dolphin prey. These aquatic mammals are also at risk from intentional killing and accidental capture, known as bycatch.



She adds, “Bycatch has been known to be a threat to these dolphins for the last 30 years, but there’s no real data on how many dolphins are caught per year.”



The construction of dams is another expanding threat, primarily in Brazil. There are 175 dams currently operating or under construction in the Amazon basin. At least 428 more are planned for the next 30 years.



As if that wasn’t enough, they must now contend with the Amazon Waterway. This massive construction project, recently approved and contracted, involves dredging sites across the four main rivers of the Amazon basin.



<h2>Peruvian government must regulate human activities</h2>



However, researchers believe that the Peruvian government can counter these threats and preserve biodiversity.



Dr. Campbell urges, “Peru has a chance to preserve its free-flowing rivers, keeping them a safe and healthy habitat for river dolphins and many other species.”



She advises the government to consider the negative effects that these construction projects have already caused in other regions and to take preventive measures.



Dr. Campbell proposes expanding river dolphin tracking programs to improve understanding and conservation efforts.



She says, “River dolphin tracking programs should now be expanded to span multiple seasons, to track more females at our study sites and to increase the numbers tracked in other areas to improve our knowledge of the movement patterns of this species.”



The Amazon river dolphin, <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/10831/50358152">listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List</a>, is a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.



This study was funded by the South American River Dolphin Initiative and <a href="https://www.wwf.org.pe/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF Peru</a>. It shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect these amazing dolphins from the damaging effects of human activities.



The team's findings are published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0030605322001557" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Oryx</a> under the title, “Satellite-monitored movements of the Amazon River dolphin and considerations for their conservation.”



<h2>More about Amazon river dolphins</h2>



In the vast aquatic network of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, a unique creature swims with grace and agility—the Amazon river dolphin.



Also known as the boto or pink river dolphin due to its distinct hue, this freshwater mammal presents a captivating sight. However, beneath the charm of these pink-skinned creatures lies a distressing narrative about their struggle for survival.



<h3>Physical Features and Habitat</h3>



The Amazon river dolphin stands out as the largest of the river dolphins. Adults reach up to 8 feet in length and weigh between 185 and 355 pounds. Their most striking characteristic is their pink skin. This coloring intensifies in males with age due to accumulated scars from fights or interactions with other river objects.



These dolphins inhabit the murky waters of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. They boast a long, sharp-toothed snout for snatching prey, and a flexible neck that allows them to navigate the intricate river systems efficiently.



<h3>History of the Amazon river dolphins</h3>



From a biological standpoint, the Amazon river dolphin belongs to a group of species that made a dramatic evolutionary shift millions of years ago.



Researchers believe that these dolphins descended from oceanic dolphins that migrated into freshwater habitats. Fossils found in the Amazon Basin suggest that river dolphins have inhabited the region for approximately 15 million years.



Throughout history, Amazon river dolphins have played a significant role in the myths and folklore of indigenous communities living near the Amazon River. Local legends often depict them as shape-shifters with supernatural abilities.



Some tales portray them as tricksters or enchanters who transform into handsome men to seduce women in local communities. Other legends believe that sighting these dolphins can bring luck or even magical powers.



<h3>Behavior and Diet</h3>



Amazon river dolphins are typically solitary, occasionally forming small groups. They display a playful and friendly nature, often interacting with humans. This attribute that has endeared them to local communities and tourists alike.



Their diet consists of a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and sometimes small turtles. The dolphins' flexible necks and sharp teeth allow them to hunt efficiently in the complex river environment.



<h3>Significant Threats to Amazon river dolphins</h3>



Despite their amicable nature, the Amazon river dolphins face significant threats from human activity. One of the primary threats is accidental capture in fishing nets or bycatch. The increase in commercial fishing in the Amazon River has escalated this risk significantly.



Habitat loss due to dam construction poses another significant threat. The construction of dams disrupts the natural flow of rivers. This interference alters the dolphins' habitats and impacts their migration, feeding, and breeding patterns.



Pollution is also a critical concern. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and oil spills degrade the water quality of their habitats. This, in turn, creates serious health risks to the dolphins and their prey.



<h3>Conservation Status</h3>



The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Amazon river dolphin as an endangered species. This status underscores the urgency to protect these unique creatures from the escalating threats they face.



<h3>Conservation Efforts</h3>



Recognizing the urgency, several conservation initiatives are underway to protect the Amazon river dolphins. Key efforts include establishing protected areas, implementing tighter fishing regulations, and banning the deliberate killing of dolphins.



Scientific research forms a vital part of these conservation strategies. As mentioned previously, researchers are using satellite tracking technologies to study the dolphins. 



They are monitoring movements, feeding habits, and breeding patterns. This knowledge is critical for developing effective protection strategies and influencing policy decisions.



In addition, education and awareness campaigns are helping to inform local communities and the wider public about the importance of protecting these unique creatures and their habitats.



<h3>Conclusion</h3>



The Amazon river dolphin, with its distinctive pink skin and playful nature, is more than just a charming inhabitant of the Amazon River. It is a vital part of the river ecosystem.



As the threats to their survival escalate, the need for robust and effective conservation efforts becomes increasingly critical. Protecting these unique creatures requires a collective effort from governments, conservation organizations, local communities, and individuals.

Amazon river dolphins are at great risk of extinction due to human activities

A recent study unveils the looming threats the Amazon river...

A new report on the mating success of blue tits provides insights into the fascinating world of bird song, its evolution, and its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/">mating</a> rituals. The study is an exciting development in the field of avian behavioral studies.



Male blue tits that display the ability to repeatedly hit the same note in a song with high precision have the best chance of attracting a female mate, the study suggests. 



The researchers also discovered that the male bird needs to perform a diverse array of songs to sustain the female's interest and prevent her from getting bored.



This intriguing study, led by scientists from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/">Lancaster University</a> and Manchester Metropolitan University, helps illuminate the intricate evolution of bird song. 



Over a span of two years, the scientists recorded and analyzed over 7,000 songs of blue tits in the wild, as they were breeding in monitored nest boxes.



<h2 id="h-how-the-blue-tits-study-was-conducted">How the blue tits study was conducted</h2>



In an interesting experiment, researchers played song recordings to receptive female birds. The experts found that the key factor that triggered sexual excitement in the females was the male's vocal consistency. This refers to the precise repetition of the same pattern of notes. 



However, it seems that being a "one hit wonder" doesn't suffice in the bird world. Perfect renditions of the same note, while initially attractive, eventually bored the female blue tits. The females' response diminished until the males transitioned to a different song type.



The results offer new insight into why bird songs are not extremely variable among most species. Instead, birds typically present moderate variations. This creates a fine balance between sending a reliable signal of quality and preventing female habituation, thereby maintaining their interest.



Dr. Javier Sierro, the lead author of the study, shared his thoughts on the significance of this finding. 



"In songbirds, singing requires the execution of complex motor patterns within the bird. Precisely hitting those repetitive notes is the way a male bird can demonstrate to potential mates these qualities, which also cut across social status, reproductive output, longevity, sexual attractiveness, and ability to defend territories," explained Dr. Sierro.



<h2 id="h-vocal-consistency-important-for-male-blue-tits">Vocal consistency important for male blue tits</h2>



The study revealed that male blue tits with higher vocal consistency experienced higher reproductive success. Researchers confirmed this by finding a larger number of eggs in their nests. 



The pattern underlines the theory that individuals of higher quality exhibit the trait of vocal consistency. These are the birds who will contribute significantly to future populations.



The scientists also observed that vocal consistency increased over the breeding season, peaking during the 7 to 10 day period when the female was at her most fertile and laid an egg daily. This suggests an astute understanding and adaptation of male birds to their mates' reproductive cycles.



According to the researchers, a harmonious balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong could resolve a longstanding paradox in avian communication studies and provide an explanation for the level of variability in singing styles between species.



Dr. Selvino de Kort from Manchester Metropolitan University, and co-author of the study, reflected on the findings: “Our results explain why most birds repeat song structures and do not sing in a way that advertises song diversity, by continuously producing novel notes or song types.”



Dr. Ian Hartley, from the Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University, added: “Birdsong seems to have evolved under opposing selective effects, which may result in a balance between repetition to achieve the ‘sexiest’ song, and diversity between songs to reduce the psychological effect of habituation.”



The report is published in the prestigious journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39308-5">Nature Communications</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-blue-tits">More about blue tits</h2>



Small passerine birds known as Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) inhabit Europe and parts of Asia. Their vibrant blue and yellow plumage makes them easily recognizable and popular among birdwatchers. 



Here are some key facts about blue tits:



<h3 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



Blue tits have a bright blue crown and wings, a yellow underside, and a white face with a black stripe running through the eyes. The color intensity may vary depending on the bird's age, sex, and subspecies.



<h3 id="h-size">Size</h3>



Blue tits are small birds, measuring around 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 4.7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 18 to 20 centimeters (7 to 8 inches). They weigh about 9 to 12 grams (0.3 to 0.4 ounces).



<h3 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



Blue tits are adaptable birds that inhabit various habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and orchards. You can also find them in urban areas where suitable nesting sites and food sources are available.



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



These birds have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and caterpillars, but they also consume seeds, berries, and small fruits. Blue tits demonstrate their acrobatic foraging skills by clinging to branches and leaves while searching for food.



<h3 id="h-breeding">Breeding</h3>



Blue tits are cavity nesters and will nest in tree holes, crevices, or nest boxes. The female builds the nest using moss, feathers, and hair, and lays a clutch of 7 to 14 eggs. The eggs are incubated by the female for about 12 to 16 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 18 to 21 days.



<h3 id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



Blue tits are highly active and agile birds. Their energetic and acrobatic movements while searching for food or communicating with other members of their flock are notable traits of the Blue tits. They have a wide repertoire of calls and songs, which they use for communication.



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



Blue tits are not currently considered a threatened species. They have adapted well to human-altered environments and readily use nest boxes, which has helped increase their populations in some areas.



Blue tits are charming and delightful birds that bring color and liveliness to their surroundings. Their adaptability and attractive appearance make them a favorite subject for bird enthusiasts.



—-



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Blue tits have more mating success when males perform a variety of songs

A new report on the mating success of blue tits...

In an effort to counteract the threats posed by global climate change to endangered and vulnerable species, U.S. officials have announced a significant amendment to federal regulations. 



Scientists will now be permitted to relocate endangered species outside their historical habitats. These relocations are done with the hope of protecting them from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sixth-mass-extinction-is-currently-in-progress/">extinction</a>.



Published by the Biden administration, the new legislation facilitates the potential relocation of some of the nation's most at-risk species. All of these species are protected under the Endangered Species Act. 



The regulation does not solely apply to plants and animals impacted by climate change. It also covers wildlife endangered by invasive species.



Until now, this measure was considered a desperate last resort, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/">Associated Press</a>. The AP report notes that in Hawaii, efforts are underway to transport threatened seabirds to new islands to safeguard them from the threat of sea level rise.



This summer, officials plan to reintroduce Guam kingfishers to the Palmyra Atoll, located south of Hawaii. These birds are now extinct in the wild after brown tree snakes, which were unintentionally brought to Guam in the 1950, ravaged their population.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-species-relocation">Species relocation&nbsp;</h2>



The idea of introducing species to new territories was previously met with resistance. This was largely due to fears of disrupting local ecosystems and overpopulating the local flora and fauna. 



However, the looming threat of climate change, which is gradually transforming habitats worldwide, has prompted more widespread acceptance of the practice among scientists and government officials.



Interior Secretary Deb Haaland pointed out in her statement that the full impact of climate change hadn't been recognized when the previous rules against endangered species relocations were instated. 



Now, however, "global warming intensifies, habitat changes are forcing some wildlife to new areas to survive, while squeezing other species closer to extinction," she explained. 



Haaland further stated that this facilitation of relocations would strengthen conservation efforts and help ensure the protection of species for future generations.



<h2 id="h-potential-consequences">Potential consequences&nbsp;</h2>



Despite this, not everyone is on board with this approach. Republicans in Western states, who still harbor resentment over the contentious reintroduction of gray wolves two decades prior, were among the most vocal opponents. 



State officials from Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona expressed apprehension. They warned of the potential for ecological upheaval as "invasive species" are deliberately brought into new habitats.



Montana Governor Greg Gianforte's spokesperson, Jack O’Brien, relayed state officials' intent to scrutinize the changes but voiced disappointment at the federal officials' decision to announce them just before a holiday weekend.



In the past, introducing species to new areas has occasionally resulted in catastrophic consequences. One example of this is the spread of Asian carp throughout U.S. rivers and streams.



Nevertheless, various state wildlife officials and independent scientists endorsed the change. They suggest that certain species, such as the Key deer of southern Florida, desert flowers in Nevada and California, and the St. Croix ground lizard in the Virgin Islands, could benefit from this approach.



<h2 id="h-destruction-of-natural-habitats">Destruction of natural habitats&nbsp;</h2>



However, Patrick Donnelly from the <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/">Center for Biological Diversity</a> expressed concern that the new rule might be misused to make room for developmental projects at the cost of destroying natural habitats. 



His group has been actively fighting against plans for a Nevada lithium mine that could threaten an endangered desert wildflower, the Tiehm’s buckwheat.



"The Tiehm’s buckwheat situation has raised the specter of a mining company intentionally destroying an endangered species’ habitat and then attempting to create new habitat elsewhere as compensation," said Donnelly. "It’s troubling that this new rule doesn’t contain an explicit prohibition on such an arrangement.”



The recent introduction of this relocation rule forms part of a series of steps taken by the Biden administration to roll back major modifications made to the endangered species program during the Trump administration. 



These prior modifications were primarily advocated for by industry groups but were met with substantial backlash from environmentalists.



Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared its intention to revive an old regulation that offers blanket protections for species newly identified as threatened. 



This decision signals a significant shift in policy, as officials have also confirmed that economic impacts will no longer be a factor in deciding the need for protection of various plant and animal species.



The restoration of this regulation and the new species relocation rule show the Biden administration's commitment to prioritizing ecological conservation, even as it struggles with the complex and far-reaching effects of climate change.



<h2>More about the Endangered Species Act</h2>



The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) was established in 1973. It is a crucial piece of federal legislation aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction.



The ESA classifies species as either "endangered" or "threatened." 



"Endangered" means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "Threatened" indicates a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.



<h3>Endangered Species Act is implemented by FWS and NMFS</h3>



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement the Act. The FWS manages terrestrial and freshwater species, while the NMFS handles marine wildlife and anadromous fish.



Under the Act, these agencies must maintain a list of endangered and threatened species. The selection process is strictly biological, setting aside economic, political, or social considerations.



<h3>Creating recovery plans for endangered species</h3>



The ESA also mandates the creation of recovery plans for listed species. These plans detail steps to help the species recover and delist them. They often involve habitat restoration, population surveys, and public education efforts.



The Act prohibits "taking" listed species, where "taking" involves actions like hunting, harassing, or significantly modifying the species' habitat.



<h3>Conservation and international trade</h3>



Moreover, the ESA controls international trade in endangered and threatened species. Importing, exporting, or commercial activity involving listed species is generally prohibited.



The Act also empowers the government to purchase land for conservation. It promotes cooperative agreements with states and provides grants for state and local conservation efforts.



Lastly, the Act allows for citizen involvement. Any person or organization can petition to have a species listed, delisted, or reclassified.



The Endangered Species Act has faced much opposition and and many challenges over the years. Despite these obstacles, the ESA has done its job fairly well. It has played a significant role in preventing the extinction of numerous species and protecting critical habitats in the U.S.



—--



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US endangered species can now be relocated to escape climate threats

In an effort to counteract the threats posed by global...

Three,Parasaurolophus,Stand,On,A,Rock,Beach.,Pterasaurs,Fly,Over

An astonishing new study concludes that human ancestors survived the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-details-on-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impact</a> that killed the dinosaurs. This fact, and other new insights into the timeline of animal evolution, are rocking the scientific community.



Researchers conducted a thorough analysis of the fossil record. They discovered that placental mammals – a group that includes humans, dogs, and even bats — originated in the Cretaceous period.



<h2 id="h-placental-mammals-human-ancestors-and-dinosaurs">Placental mammals, human ancestors, and dinosaurs</h2>



This suggests that these mammals shared the planet with dinosaurs for a brief period before the mass extinction event. This finding that throws a curveball into the long-standing debate among researchers.



Until now, it was a point of contention whether placental mammals walked alongside dinosaurs or only came into existence after the large reptiles had vanished.



Fossils from placental mammals only showed up in rocks less than 66 million years old. That was the time when an asteroid had a fateful encounter with Earth.



This evidence seemed to suggest that placental mammals appeared only after the dinosaurs' dramatic exit. However, molecular data has been hinting at an older age for this group. This finding has completely complicated the narrative.



<h2>How the placental mammal study was conducted</h2>



In an exciting breakthrough, a team of paleobiologists from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and the <a href="https://www.unifr.ch/home/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Fribourg</a> published a paper in the journal Current Biology. In this paper, they offer a new perspective.



Using statistical analysis, they dissected the fossil record. Their findings confirmed that placental mammals did indeed originate before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-that-killed-the-dinosaurs-ignited-massive-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur extinction event</a>. This incident is also known as the catastrophic Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction.



Shockingly, their conclusion means that placental mammals, the ancestors of humans, briefly co-existed with dinosaurs.



<h2>Human ancestors thrived when dinosaurs vanished</h2>



However, the story doesn't end there. Their research shows that placental mammals began to flourish only after the asteroid impact wiped out the dinosaurs. This suggests that the removal of dinosaurs as competition allowed these mammals to diversify and thrive.



To reach this conclusion, the scientists embarked on a mission to collect extensive fossil data from placental mammal groups. This fossil data went all the way back to the mass extinction event, 66 million years ago.



"We pulled together thousands of fossils of placental mammals and were able to see the patterns of origination and extinction of the different groups," explained Emily Carlisle of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, the lead author of the paper. "Based on this, we could estimate when placental mammals evolved."



Co-author Daniele Silvestro from the University of Fribourg elaborated on their methodology.



"The model we used estimates origination ages based on when lineages first appear in the fossil record and the pattern of species diversity through time for the lineage. It can also estimate extinction ages based on last appearances when the group is extinct.”



<h2>Human ancestors, dinosaurs and asteroids</h2>



The researchers also highlighted how examining both the origins and extinctions can provide a clearer picture of the impact of major events. One such example is the K-Pg mass extinction.



Professor Phil Donoghue, a co-author from Bristol, stated, “By examining both origins and extinctions, we can more clearly see the impact of events such as the K-Pg mass extinction or the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM).”



<h2>Primates, rabbits, dogs and dinosaurs living in harmony</h2>



Even more intriguing is the finding that primates, the group that includes the human lineage, as well as Lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and Carnivora (dogs and cats), evolved just before the K-Pg mass extinction.



This implies that our very own ancestors once rubbed shoulders with dinosaurs.



Following the cataclysmic asteroid impact, placental mammals demonstrated a rapid diversification. The extinction of the dinosaurs might have paved the way for the successful expansion of our mammalian ancestors.



If that asteroid had not killed the dinosaurs, the world as we know it today would be much different, indeed.



<h2>More about the K-Pg mass extinction event</h2>



The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event is also known as the K-T extinction event (Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event). It is one of the most well-known extinction events in Earth's history.



The K-Pg occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period.



Here's an in-depth look at this crucial turning point in Earth's history:



<h3>Cause</h3>



The prevailing hypothesis about the cause of the K-Pg extinction event is that a large asteroid or comet struck the Earth near the present-day Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It was approximately 10 to 15 kilometers in diameter, and it created the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicxulub-asteroid-struck-at-deadliest-possible-angle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub Crater</a>.



The impact would have released an enormous amount of energy. This would have caused fires, tsunamis, severe storms with high winds.



In addition, a subsequent "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact winter</a>" would have resulted, caused by debris thrown into the atmosphere blocking sunlight. This would have drastically altered the Earth's climate in the following months and years. There would have been a devastating impact on life across the globe.



<h3>Victims</h3>



The most famous victims of the K-Pg extinction event are the non-avian dinosaurs. However, many other organisms also became extinct. These included certain groups of mammals and birds, as well as marine reptiles and invertebrates. In total, it's estimated that about 75% of all species on Earth disappeared.



<h3>Survivors</h3>



Some species managed to survive the mass extinction. This set the stage for the world's biodiversity today.



These include birds, small mammals, amphibians, crocodiles, turtles, and many invertebrates. Some of these creatures were likely able to endure the harsh conditions because they were small. They could find shelter, and they didn't require a lot of food to survive.



Some plants and marine plankton also survived. Their recovery and evolution played a key role in shaping the post-K-Pg world.



<h3>Recovery and Evolution</h3>



The recovery of life <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-asteroid-killed-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after the K-Pg extinction event</a> took millions of years. In the absence of the dinosaurs, mammals underwent significant adaptive radiation. They began diversifying and evolving to fill many of the ecological roles left vacant.



<h3>Fossil Evidence</h3>



There's a distinctive layer of sediment in the Earth's crust worldwide, known as the K-Pg boundary. It is full of iridium, a rare metal on Earth but more common in asteroids and comets.



This layer serves as the primary evidence for the asteroid impact hypothesis. Fossil evidence also shows a dramatic decrease in biodiversity following this layer.



<h3>Research</h3>



The K-Pg extinction event continues to be a subject of intense scientific study. The asteroid impact hypothesis is the most widely accepted cause. 



However, other factors such as intense volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps (modern-day India) and potential climate change leading up to the event are also considered as contributing factors to the extinction event.



Keep in mind that our understanding of the K-Pg extinction event is continually evolving. New research and technology provide us with more detailed and precise information every day about this fascinating period in Earth's history.

Ancient human ancestors actually did live with dinosaurs, according to stunning new research

An astonishing new study concludes that human ancestors survived the...

Honey,Bee,On,Lavender

In a study focused on the foraging behavior of honey bees and bumble bees, researchers from the <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/">U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service</a> have uncovered some fascinating insights. 



The results suggest that honey bees exhibit a higher degree of fidelity to their chosen flower patches compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-bumble-bees-are-vanishing/">bumble bees</a>.



The study was led by Johanne Brunet, an ecologist with the ARS Vegetable Crops Research Unit in Madison, Wisconsin, along with postdoctoral associate Fabiana Fragoso.&nbsp;



An impressive 76% of honey bees in the study demonstrated a committed loyalty to the same plot of alfalfa flowers. They would routinely return to these locations for collecting more pollen and nectar. 



In contrast, eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-flowers-do-bees-like-to-eat-most-scientists-think-they-have-figured-it-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumble bees</a> exhibited a slightly more nomadic approach, with only 47% revisiting the same flower patches.



<h2 id="h-flower-patch-size">Flower patch size</h2>



Interestingly, the study pointed out the pivotal role of flower patch size. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumble-bees-can-play-with-objects-for-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumble bees</a> showed a greater allegiance to larger flower patches, suggesting that they are influenced by the abundance and variety offered by these areas.&nbsp;



However, honey bees appeared indifferent to the size of the flower patches, maintaining their loyalty irrespective of whether the patches were large or small. 



The large patches studied were nearly 15 by 15 yards and contained 225 plants, more than double the 100 plants found in the smaller patches, which were about 10 by 10 yards.



<h2 id="h-differences-in-flower-patch-fidelity">Differences in flower patch fidelity</h2>



An animal or insect's fidelity to a specific location is contingent on their robust spatial memory. This allows them to navigate intricate landscapes and repeatedly return to familiar sites.&nbsp;



The researchers explained that both honey and bumble bees have demonstrated the ability to return to the same sites. Species-specific factors likely govern their differing degrees of patch fidelity.



The differences in patch fidelity may stem from distinct foraging behaviors exhibited by the two species. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-flowers-are-critical-for-the-survival-of-bumble-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumble bees</a>, characterized by their explorative nature, are prone to diverse foraging bouts. They often visit more than one flower type during a foraging event.&nbsp;



On the other hand, honey bees possess a sophisticated communication system, epitomized by the famous "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-refine-their-dancing-skills-by-watching-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waggle dance</a>." 



This unique behavior, performed by honey bee foragers upon returning to the hive, effectively shares the location of fruitful food sources with other members of the colony. In contrast, bumble bees do not perform this dance.



According to Brunet, the heightened patch fidelity displayed by honey bees might be indicative of a higher degree of risk aversion. We can understand this as a strategy aimed at preventing the squandering of energy and resources or minimizing potential encounters with predators.



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



The implications of these findings stretch far beyond the distinct behaviors of these two bee species. A better understanding of the factors influencing patch fidelity could equip beekeepers, farmers, and conservation biologists with the knowledge needed to better support pollinator health. This would ultimately ensure successful crop pollination.&nbsp;



The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4606">Ecosphere</a>, also offers potential insights into the mechanisms of gene flow. This is the process by which the gene pools of two distinct populations of the same species intermingle.&nbsp;



"Bumble bees' lower patch fidelity can translate into higher gene flow among the patches they visit, creating a higher probability for bumble bees to move genes longer distances," said Brunet. "Higher gene flow in plant populations in the natural environment will also tend to homogenize their genetic diversity."



<h2 id="h-more-about-honey-bees">More about honey bees</h2>



Honey bees are a subgroup of bees which represent a small fraction of the approximately 20,000 known species of bees. Honey bees are known for their role in pollination and for the production of honey and beeswax. There are several species of honey bees, with the most common being the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera).



<h3>Colony life</h3>



Honey bees are social insects, meaning they live in well-organized colonies that can contain up to 60,000 individuals. A colony typically consists of one queen, a few hundred drones (males), and tens of thousands of workers. The workers are infertile females.



The queen bee's primary role is to reproduce. Workers perform a variety of tasks to maintain the colony. These include cleaning, feeding larvae, producing wax and constructing the hive, guarding the colony, and foraging for nectar and pollen. Drones are responsible for mating with a virgin queen, after which they die.



<h3>Nectar and honey</h3>



Honey bees produce honey from nectar, which they collect from flowers. The bees carry the nectar in a special stomach and once back in the hive, they pass it from bee to bee. 



This process changes the nectar’s composition and protects it from bacteria. The bees then store the altered nectar in the wax cells of the hive. Neatly tucked away in the cells, it slowly dries out and turns into honey.



<h3>Vital for pollination</h3>



Honey bees are vital for pollination, which is the process by which plants reproduce. When a bee collects nectar from a flower, some pollen from the male parts of the flower sticks to the bee's body. When the bee visits another flower, some of this pollen rubs off onto the female parts of the flower, fertilizing it and enabling the plant to produce fruit and seeds.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-lifespans-are-mysteriously-declining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide decline</a> in honey bee populations over recent years is a significant concern because of the bees' role in pollination. This decline is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including pesticides, diseases, climate change, and habitat loss. Efforts to help sustain and increase honey bee populations are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and global food security.



—-



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

Honey bees are very loyal to their flower patches

In a study focused on the foraging behavior of honey...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> has found a surprising connection between the temperature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-value-of-elephants/">elephants</a>’ testicles and the evolution of cancer resistance from potent anti-cancer genes. 



The research suggests that the absence of testicular descent in this species may have driven the development of the genes responsible for safeguarding their temperature-sensitive sperm production.



This intriguing hypothesis could open exciting avenues for cancer researchers, potentially providing major insights into understanding the cellular response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-new-insight-into-why-we-need-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA damage</a> in humans.



<h2 id="h-peto-s-paradox">Peto’s Paradox</h2>



Regardless of their large size and higher number of somatic cell divisions, which usually increases cancer risks, elephants defy conventional expectations.&nbsp;



This phenomenon, currently known as Peto’s Paradox, was initially observed by Richard Peto, an epidemiologist at Oxford, who discovered that, despite their enormous size, elephants and whales tend to be surprisingly resistant to cancer.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-cancer-resistance-study">Focus of the cancer resistance study</h2>



In the current study, Fritz Vollrath – a biologist at Oxford and chairman of the organization <a href="https://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a> – has argued that the reason for this may be a link between a genetic marker, the TP53 gene, and its protein product p53. 



This identifies and neutralizes damaged DNA during cell divisions and consequently impedes the spread of mutations. 



While all animal species – including humans – possess only a single copy of the TP53 gene, elephants stand out by hosting no less than 20 copies of this critical gene. But why have they evolved this nearly magical defense mechanisms against cancer when other animals have not?



According to Vollrath, selection on somatic cells – which make up tissues, organs, and bodies – is usually slow and weak due to the complex mix of healthy and potentially harmful cells. 



Moreover, when limited to developments occurring in older age, after most offspring have already been produced, evolution tends to proceed at a gradual pace. However, selection on germ cells, such as sperm and eggs, is much faster and stronger, since it directly impacts the survival of each individual cell.



<h2 id="h-elephant-testicle-temperature">Elephant testicle temperature</h2>



In elephants, this phenomenon is closely related to testicle temperature. While in other mammals, healthy sperm production relies on the testes being several degrees cooler than the core body temperature. 



Thus the descent of testicles into the scrotum plays a critical role in cooling them as sexual maturity approaches, elephants lack the genes responsible for this descent. 



This results in elephant testicles remaining inside their bodies even during maturity, which subjects them to high temperatures. 



Moreover, due to their bulk, thick skin, unfavorable surface ratio, and heat exchange mechanisms centered on blood flow through their ear flaps, elephants’ body temperature can often rise to levels that are detrimental to mammalian metabolism and healthy sperm production.



Thus, the proliferation of TP53 genes has likely evolved to support DNA stabilization in the spermatogonia and ensure the production of robust spermatozoa to safeguard the germ line, rather than for directly combating cancer. 



However, as a side effect, the diversification of p53 proteins also provides significant protection against DNA damage and mutations in the somatic cell lines. This offers collateral advantages of cancer resistance and other harmful processes occurring during aging.



“Elephants provide us with a unique system to study the evolution of a robust defense mechanism against DNA damage and explore the intricate details of the p53 complex in our own battle against cancer and ailments like aging. Novel insights in this field are always important, but especially now that overheating is becoming ever more of an issue also for us humans,” Vollrath concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.011">Trends in Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



<h2>More about elephants</h2>



Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their impressive size and distinct features. They belong to the family Elephantidae and are characterized by their long trunks, large ears, and tusks. 



Here's everything we can tell you about elephants:



<h3>Elephants possess remarkable physical attributes</h3>



They have a thick, gray skin that is wrinkled and can be up to 2.5 centimeters thick. They have a strong skeletal structure, with large leg bones and pillar-like legs that support their massive bodies.



Their trunks are a versatile adaptation, serving as a combination of a nose and an upper lip. Elephants use their trunks to breathe, drink water, grab food, and communicate through various gestures.



The tusks of an elephant are elongated incisor teeth, which can be found in both male and female individuals. They primarily serve for defense, digging, lifting objects, and stripping bark from trees. Unfortunately, ivory tusks have made elephants targets for illegal poaching.



Elephant testicles remain inside their bodies even during maturity, which subjects them to high temperatures. This has been directly linked to cancer resistance.



<h3>Diet</h3>



Elephants are herbivorous mammals, consuming vast amounts of vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, and roots. Due to their large size, elephants can consume up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of food in a single day.



<h3>Social structure</h3>



These majestic creatures have an intricate social structure. They live in cohesive groups called herds, typically led by a matriarch—a wise and experienced female elephant. The herd also includes female relatives and their offspring, while adult males often live solitary lives or form temporary bachelor groups.



Communication among elephants is multifaceted. They produce a variety of vocalizations, such as trumpet-like calls, rumbles, and roars, which can carry over long distances. In addition, elephants communicate through visual signals, body language, and the use of their trunks.



<h3>Intelligence</h3>



Elephants are highly intelligent and exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. They possess excellent memory, problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and empathy. Their brain size and structure are comparable to that of humans and other intelligent mammals.



<h3>Importance to ecosystems</h3>



These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As they move through their habitats, elephants disperse seeds through their feces, promoting the growth of new vegetation. They also create water holes by digging in dry riverbeds, providing drinking sources for other animals during droughts.



African and Asian elephants are the two main species of elephants. African elephants are larger, with both savanna and forest subspecies. Asian elephants are slightly smaller and have distinct features, including smaller ears and two humps on their foreheads.



<h3>Elephant conservation and cancer resistance</h3>



Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of elephants. They face numerous threats, such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict. Organizations and governments around the world work to protect elephants and their habitats, raise awareness, and combat illegal wildlife trade.



Overall, elephants are magnificent creatures, possessing unique physical characteristics, complex social structures, and remarkable intelligence. Their conservation is essential to ensure their continued presence on our planet.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

Surprising link between elephant testicle temperature and cancer resistance

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

Wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are growing in alarming numbers. This places a dangerous burden on the region's native forests and poses a risk to human health.



These species are known carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to people. This could potentially lead to outbreaks of diseases among livestock and people, spreading quickly around the world, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-reveals-how-to-prevent-covid-19-from-ever-returning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>.



This disturbing news comes from new research by <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a>.



The study was led by Dr. Matthew Luskin from the university’s <a href="https://environment.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of the Environment</a>. He and his team collected and scrutinized data from across Southeast Asia.



Their team was tracking animal populations. The researchers used a network of cameras, set up in various locations, to monitor the species more closely.



"Macaques and wild pigs are taking over Southeast Asia's disturbed forests," declared Dr. Luskin.



He blamed human activities for this concerning trend. Our interference with nature, through practices such as logging and establishing palm oil farms, is creating ideal conditions for these animals to thrive.



<h2 id="h-wild-pig-and-macaque-monkey-populations-up-400">Wild pig and macaque monkey populations up 400%</h2>



The researchers discovered that wild boar and macaque populations were a staggering 400% higher in forests near plantations than in unspoiled environments.



"These animals take full advantage of the farmland, raiding crops and thriving on calorie‐rich foods,” Dr. Luskin said. The cameras set up by Dr. Luskin and his team provided a firsthand view of the skyrocketing animal populations. 



He recounted his experience with unnerving troops of macaques in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Luskin described how they were everywhere at the forest edges and constantly interfering with their equipment.



<h2>Wild pigs and macaque monkeys pose human health risk</h2>



The booming populations of wild pigs and macaque monkeys also pose a significant risk to human health. Dr. Luskin referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated from wildlife, as a warning sign of the potential risks.



"Both pigs and macaques are recognized as carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to people and they’re the most common species in a region considered to be the global zoonotic disease hotspot,” he explained.



This sentiment was echoed by Professor Carlos Peres from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> in the UK, who collaborated on the research.



Peres said that abnormally high populations of disease-carrying wildlife species often emerge in human-modified tropical forests. “This study again shows that densely settled rural areas in Southeast Asia may be a source of future human epidemics,” he said.



<h2>Impact of wild pigs and macaque monkeys on native plants</h2>



Jonathan Moore, a PhD candidate at the University of East Anglia and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, focused on the immediate effects of these population explosions on the native plants in the affected areas.



Moore observed that pigs and macaques were having a disastrous impact on the local ecosystems. They were destroying seeds and seedlings of native plants. 



They were also found to be eating eggs of birds and reptiles. In one striking example, Malaysian pigs alone were found to have reduced rainforest tree regeneration by 62%.



Dr. Luskin argued that swift action was needed to limit the population growth of wild pigs and macaques. Previous efforts to manage the populations have failed due to the animals' rapid reproductive capacity and public opposition.



"Nobody favors needless killing of wildlife but the negative social and ecological impacts from hyperabundant pest species do demand ethical and urgent management solutions,” Dr. Luskin said, outlining the urgent need for action to curb this ecological crisis.



This research is published in the journal <a href="https://app4.vision6.com.au/ch/50178/4x6pf/2907458/wkLORLdF3Yp7n3PR4gjUNBz6rE5ZcAjcZE08BLcs.html">Biological Reviews</a>. It highlights the urgent need for better management of wildlife populations in the wake of human-led changes to their environments.



<h2>More about zoonotic diseases</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-u-s-is-alarmingly-unprepared-for-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonotic diseases</a>, or zoonoses, are illnesses that animals can transmit to humans. They play a critical role in public health, making up approximately 60% of all infectious diseases in humans.



Notably, some of the most severe disease outbreaks in recent human history, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19, are zoonotic in origin.



<h3>Causes of zoonotic diseases</h3>



Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi can all cause zoonotic diseases. The hosts of these pathogens are often vertebrates such as birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 



More specifically, related to this article, wild pigs and macaque monkeys.



People can contract these diseases through several ways. These include direct contact with animals, consuming contaminated food or water, inhaling airborne pathogens, or getting bitten by an infected vector like a tick or a mosquito.



Farmers, veterinarians, and others who work closely with animals are at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases. This is due to their regular close contact with animals.



However, anyone can get a zoonotic disease. The impact can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death.



<h3>Common zoonotic diseases</h3>



Some of the best-known zoonotic diseases include Lyme disease, rabies, salmonella, and West Nile virus. Rabies, for instance, spreads to humans through the bite of an infected animal. These are usually wild mammals like a raccoon, bat, skunk, or fox.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-lyme-disease-risk-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyme disease</a>, on the other hand, is carried by ticks. These awful pests transmit the bacterium to humans during a bite.



Emerging zoonotic diseases pose a particularly significant threat. These diseases are newly identified or have recently begun to cause problems in certain areas or specific populations.



The most recent and impactful example of an emerging zoonotic disease is COVID-19. It was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, believed to have originated in bats.



<h3>Prevention methods</h3>



Preventing zoonotic diseases requires a coordinated effort in both human and veterinary medicine. The One Health approach, for example, emphasizes this interdisciplinary collaboration. It recognizes that the health of people, animals, and our environment is deeply interconnected.



For individuals, good hygiene practices can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. This includes washing hands after handling animals, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding direct contact with wild animals.



Zoonotic diseases represent a significant part of our disease burden. They emerge from our interactions with animals and the environment. We must use a comprehensive approach to manage and prevent them effectively.

Exploding population of macaque monkeys and wild pigs poses risk of another global pandemic

Wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are growing...

Cat,Smelling,Tulip

Scientists have cracked the secret behind the impressive abilities of cats’ noses. Cats have a unique airflow system in their nasal cavities that seems to be the key.



A complex labyrinth of bony airway structures inside their noses gives them an extraordinary ability to sniff out food, friends, and foes.



The first detailed examination of a cat's nasal airway has revealed these fascinating insights. The research team built a 3D computer model of cats' noses.



Using this model, they mimicked an inhalation of air laced with common cat food odors. Their findings were nothing short of impressive.



<h2 id="h-how-cat-noses-operate-internally">How cat noses operate internally</h2>



The team noticed that the air inhaled by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/okay-how-do-cats-purr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> splits into two different streams. One stream gets cleaned and humidified.



The other stream carries the odor directly and swiftly to the olfactory region. This is the part of the cat's brain responsible for smelling.



"In essence," the researchers explain, "the cat nose functions as a highly efficient and dual-purposed gas chromatograph."



<h2>Scientists compare cat noses to gas chromatographs</h2>



A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_chromatography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas chromatograph</a> is a laboratory tool that detects and separates chemicals in vaporized form. Cats’ noses perform this function so effectively that they could inspire improvements to the gas chromatographs we use today.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-remains-shed-new-light-on-crocodilian-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alligator noses</a> also mimic gas chromatography. However, their long structure is much different from the compact head of a cat.



The researchers speculate that the cat's smaller head led to evolutionary changes. This resulted in the formation of the intricate airway structure that fits snugly into their small heads. It allows cats to adapt to a variety of environments.



Kai Zhao, the study's senior author and an associate professor of otolaryngology at <a href="https://medicine.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State's College of Medicine</a>, offered his perspective.



"It's a good design if you think about it," he said. Zhao explained how important the sense of smell is for mammals. It aids them in tasks like finding food, identifying threats, and tracking environmental changes.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-see-with-their-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs are a good example</a>, Zhao noted. "A dog can take a sniff and know what has passed through – was it a friend or not?" He believes that there have likely been various ways for different species to evolve and enhance their olfactory systems.



<h2>The secret to cats’ amazing noses may lie in the airflow patterns</h2>



By closely observing and analyzing these airflow patterns, Zhao's team deduced that the two different airflow zones might serve two distinct purposes. This fascinating research has been published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Computational Biology</a> on June 29, 2023.



In the past, Zhao's lab used models to study airflow patterns in the noses of rats and humans. But the high-resolution cat model and the corresponding simulation experiments are their most complex project to date. 



They built these intricate models using <a href="https://www.microphotonics.com/what-is-micro-ct-an-introduction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micro-CT scans</a> of a cat's head. They identified different types of tissues in the nasal cavity at a microscopic level.



A great deal of time and effort went into developing this model and understanding the functional benefits of the cat's nasal structure.



&nbsp;Zhao said, "The cat nose probably has a similar complexity level as the dog’s, and it’s more complex than a rodent’s – and it begs the question – why was the nose evolved to be so complex?"



<h2>Airflow mystery solved using computer simulations</h2>



Computer simulations of breathing helped them find the answer. The researchers observed two distinct airflow zones during a simulated inhalation.



The lungs receive one stream of air that filters and slowly spreads above the roof of the mouth. The other stream carries odors quickly through a central passage to the olfactory region at the back of the nasal cavity.



The study also revealed an unexpected phenomenon. Once the air reaches the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-processes-smells-like-a-painting-or-a-symphony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory region</a>, it circulates within parallel channels. "It’s like you take a sniff, the air is shooting back there and then is being processed for a much longer time," Zhao shared.



Zhao and his team have become the first to quantify the efficiency differences in gas chromatography between mammals and other species. The cats' noses, they estimate, are over 100 times more efficient at detecting odors than an amphibian-like straight nose found in a similarly sized skull.



They propose a parallel gas chromatography theory. In this model, parallel olfactory coils, fed by the high-speed odorant stream, increase the effective length of the flow path. This slows down local airflow speed. The slower speed could potentially allowing for improved odor processing.



Even though we understand vision and hearing significantly, we have limited knowledge about olfactory systems.



"We know so much about vision and hearing, but not so much about the nose," Zhao admitted. However, his team's work may serve as a steppingstone for understanding the evolutionary pathways behind different nasal structures and their specific functional purposes.



<h2>New technology mimicking the functionality of cat noses</h2>



The study's results might go beyond shedding light on the evolution of mammalian noses. It also poses exciting prospects for technological applications.



The unique airflow mechanism found in cats' noses could inspire more efficient designs for tools. Specifically, the enhancement of gas chromatographs used in various scientific fields.



In the end, it seems that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-cats-domesticated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a>, with their peculiar airway structures and compact noses, have much more to contribute to science than previously thought.



Their refined sniffing abilities might be the key to enhancing our understanding of the olfactory system. We have much to learn about its evolution and its potential application in technology.



Zhenxing Wu, a postdoctoral scholar in Zhao’s lab, is first author of the study. Additional co-authors include Jianbo Jiang and Fritz Lischka of Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia; Scott McGrane of Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the United Kingdom; and Yael Porat-Mesenco of the University of Pennsylvania.



This work was partly funded by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waltham.com/mars-petcare">Mars Petcare UK</a>.



<h2>More about cats</h2>



Often kept as pets, cats are small carnivorous mammals, known scientifically as Felis catus.



 They're one of humanity's oldest and most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-a-better-quality-of-life-if-you-play-with-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beloved pets</a>.



Historically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-bonded-with-humans-after-a-single-domestication-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats were domesticated</a> in the Near East about 9,500 years ago. Ancient Egyptians revered cats and even worshipped a cat goddess named Bastet.



<h3>Physical attributes</h3>



Physically, cats are nimble and agile creatures. Their bodies are extremely flexible. The cat family is notorious for its climbing and leaping capabilities.



A cat's night vision is top-notch, better than most other animals. Due to their incredible smelling ability, people often compare cat noses to high-tech chromatographs.



They also have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mentally-track-their-owners-whereabouts-based-on-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excellent hearing</a>. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations (meowing, purring, hissing) as well as body language.



<h3>Behavior</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domestic-cats-go-hunting-out-of-instinct-rather-than-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cats are solitary hunters</a> that prefer to go after small prey like rodents or birds. Even well-fed domestic cats will often engage in this behavior. They are also territorial creatures that use scent marking to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domestic-cats-do-not-usually-roam-too-far-from-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">define their territory</a>.



They groom themselves for a large part of their day and are known for their cleanliness. Cats also sleep a lot, with some older cats sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day.



<h3>Breeds</h3>



Cats come in a wide variety of breeds. Each breed has its own specific look and behavior traits.



For example, Siamese cats are known for their striking blue eyes and sleek, short coats, while Maine Coons are large, friendly cats with long fur.



<h3>Diet</h3>



Nutritionally, cats are necessary carnivores. This means their bodies require <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-will-hunt-less-wildlife-if-you-feed-them-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a diet of primarily meat</a>. They have a unique metabolism that requires more protein than that of dogs.



Interestingly, cats also have a distinct disinterest in sweets due to a mutation in a key taste receptor. They can't taste sweetness the way humans or some other animals can.



<h3>Reproduction</h3>



Reproductively, cats have a high birth rate. Females are "polyestrous." This means they can have many cycles throughout the year if not spayed.



Overall, cats are independent yet affectionate pets, each with their unique personality. They've been companions to humans for thousands of years and continue to be beloved by people worldwide.

Cat noses and nasal structure function better than high-tech chemical analysis equipment

Scientists have cracked the secret behind the impressive abilities of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[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

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[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"

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